What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise of the Undead #1-6
Apocalypse Z: The Complete Collection
The apocalypse is here.
Deep in the heart of the Congolese jungle Tara Lee, a brilliant scientist, studies a mysterious new outbreak. The virus proves to be far worse than anything she'd ever encountered, bringing back the dead and, with them, the end of the world.
The countdown has begun.
Dylan, hotheaded and fiery, finds herself on the wrong side of the clock when she's infected with the Vita virus. Doomed to turn into a flesh-eating zombie, she only has 72 hours to find a cure. In a race against time, she sets off on a desperate journey through the zombie-infested country.
Apocalypse Z is a massive collection for fans of suspense-filled, action-packed, character-driven post-apocalyptic tales.
Deep in the heart of the Congolese jungle Tara Lee, a brilliant scientist, studies a mysterious new outbreak. The virus proves to be far worse than anything she'd ever encountered, bringing back the dead and, with them, the end of the world.
The countdown has begun.
Dylan, hotheaded and fiery, finds herself on the wrong side of the clock when she's infected with the Vita virus. Doomed to turn into a flesh-eating zombie, she only has 72 hours to find a cure. In a race against time, she sets off on a desperate journey through the zombie-infested country.
Apocalypse Z is a massive collection for fans of suspense-filled, action-packed, character-driven post-apocalyptic tales.
1082 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2021
627 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Baileigh Higgins
107 books438 followersSouth African writer and coffee addict, Baileigh Higgins, lives in the Free State with hubby and best friend Brendan and loves nothing more than lazing on the couch with pizza and a bad horror movie. Her unhealthy obsession with the end of the world has led to numerous books on the subject and a secret bunker only she knows the location of.
Visit her website at www.baileighhiggins.com for more information on her upcoming projects, new releases, and giveaways. Sign up for her Newsletter and get your Free Ebook, Tales from the Apocalypse, today.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 30, 2023
From the outset, the book plunges readers into a bleak world teeming with zombies and the struggle for survival. The author skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, allowing characters to grow and change as they adapt to their grim circumstances. This evolution adds depth to the narrative and keeps readers engaged throughout.
A notable strength of the book is its vivid depiction of the post-apocalyptic setting. The author's attention to detail brings to life a landscape marred by destruction and desperation. Readers will find themselves immersed in this world, visualizing the characters' challenges and victories with clarity.
However, where the book falls short is in building suspense. The lack of well-executed cliffhangers or tense moments can sometimes make the story feel predictable. Abrupt character deaths without proper foreshadowing can diminish the impact of these events.
Furthermore, the conclusion of the saga leaves something to be desired. Given the substantial investment of time and emotion, the ending feels rushed and fails to provide the satisfying closure readers anticipate. Loose ends are left untied, leaving some aspects of the story unresolved.
In summary, "Apocalypse Z: The Complete Collection (Rise of the Undead)" is a commendable addition to the zombie genre. Its well-developed characters and overarching plot are compelling. However, the lack of tension-building elements and the slightly disappointing conclusion prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of post-apocalyptic tales will likely enjoy the ride despite these minor drawbacks.
A notable strength of the book is its vivid depiction of the post-apocalyptic setting. The author's attention to detail brings to life a landscape marred by destruction and desperation. Readers will find themselves immersed in this world, visualizing the characters' challenges and victories with clarity.
However, where the book falls short is in building suspense. The lack of well-executed cliffhangers or tense moments can sometimes make the story feel predictable. Abrupt character deaths without proper foreshadowing can diminish the impact of these events.
Furthermore, the conclusion of the saga leaves something to be desired. Given the substantial investment of time and emotion, the ending feels rushed and fails to provide the satisfying closure readers anticipate. Loose ends are left untied, leaving some aspects of the story unresolved.
In summary, "Apocalypse Z: The Complete Collection (Rise of the Undead)" is a commendable addition to the zombie genre. Its well-developed characters and overarching plot are compelling. However, the lack of tension-building elements and the slightly disappointing conclusion prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of post-apocalyptic tales will likely enjoy the ride despite these minor drawbacks.
August 11, 2024
Is this the best zombie/apocalypse book I’ve read? No. But it was an easy read with likeable characters. A good introduction to the genre possibly for YA, gory in places but for me it was lacking some gore and scare. That said I did enjoy overall; a good holiday read; easy to follow. The ending was a bit abrupt another book to progress the end and characters would have been perfect, maybe led off into a spin off.
January 21, 2023
Heart stopping moments
Follow the characters as they try to survive against the zombies and other people. I enjoyed this story from the very beginning and was routing for them every step of the way. Some heart stopping moments when you think it's all over. A must read for zombie and apocalypse fans. I have downloaded more of this author's books.
Follow the characters as they try to survive against the zombies and other people. I enjoyed this story from the very beginning and was routing for them every step of the way. Some heart stopping moments when you think it's all over. A must read for zombie and apocalypse fans. I have downloaded more of this author's books.
January 16, 2024
omg perfect series
Such Ana amazing series. I’m an avid zombie reader and this one outdid the last 2 series I read easily. Love Dylan and nick and Amanda and Alex and George and Tara and Saul. Such amazing storytelling.edge of your seat reading especially toward the end. Btw bannock can eat a biscuit.
Such Ana amazing series. I’m an avid zombie reader and this one outdid the last 2 series I read easily. Love Dylan and nick and Amanda and Alex and George and Tara and Saul. Such amazing storytelling.edge of your seat reading especially toward the end. Btw bannock can eat a biscuit.
March 6, 2023
Good story
I thought the story was fast paced with recaps well inserted so that a good understanding of the history of the virus was given.
A few errors , more like typos, but not picked up by editors was a shame as it wasn't the best for the authors hard work .
I thought the story was fast paced with recaps well inserted so that a good understanding of the history of the virus was given.
A few errors , more like typos, but not picked up by editors was a shame as it wasn't the best for the authors hard work .
June 19, 2023
OUTSTANDING read
Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Dynatrap DT1050-TUNSR 1/2-Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap. 5 more words required yes
Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Dynatrap DT1050-TUNSR 1/2-Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap. 5 more words required yes
September 3, 2023
Over too soon.
Great character development. Made you really care about them. Great detail. Lots of twists and turns. Really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Great character development. Made you really care about them. Great detail. Lots of twists and turns. Really kept me on the edge of my seat.
October 22, 2024
wow what a great read
The whole series was an awesome read I am going to read the next books she has thanks keep up the good work
The whole series was an awesome read I am going to read the next books she has thanks keep up the good work
November 20, 2021
What can I say... never had one novella and 6 books passed by this fast, haha around 4 days and it is finished, you have here a really good story, if you like walking dead! Really, this IS your jam, I mean, you have the action, the points of view, the relax time, you really get to know the characters by their view of points, you get to love some of the characters and hate others, and some you start by loving and then you couldn’t care less if they stay or go, like in everything else in live.
The best part for me, and I know that some may not like as much is the going back to the same situation by another set of eyes, sometimes a character will say what happened and later other will go back and tell us the other part of the same situation, what went differently (like I said, another set of eyes), and this makes us fell like part of the action. 😉
The novella started in congo, it explained to us the start of the zombie outbreak, and the communication between Doctor Tara lee and his boss, and we start there dreading what comes our way, I loved from the beginning Doctor Tara I guess I imagined her like a bit more modest but as gorgeous “Ada Wong” from resident evil 2, and Saul well I pictured him as a “Idris Elba” with British accent, I mean, who doesn’t like an accent?. And this book is really necessary to understand what is going on the rest of the series, and even to get to know these characters, but their grow will keep on going!! I really loved it all (laughs like a mad woman).
I really love Dylan snarky humour, and loved to see her grown on the series, what can I say? When a character I like is happy, I am happy. One thing I really loved in this series, was that sometimes we had the background for a zombie, in italic, saying who he/she was and what he/she had done in life, how it was now for him/her, and an explanation of how got there or what was supposed to happen next, and this was really refreshing and at the same time, really sad, at least for me, the first time it happen I was like, eh, what is this? Who is this character?! and then all explained itself, like I said gives another deepness to the story telling.
Without spoilers, and for everyone that loves post-apocalyptical stories like me, it seems the worse part of the end of the world it will always be people, zombies, they’re not people and at the best of times we can say that they’re closer to animals, because they want to feed and that’s it, but the motivation for people is always different, ah so much water under that bridge… but again, I love an ending of the world situation and I can’t recommend this series enough, you have it all, action, scares, love, horror, some parts will flew by you, others will linger, but in the end you will feel sad because it is over, and we don’t want the characters we love to leave us.
The best part for me, and I know that some may not like as much is the going back to the same situation by another set of eyes, sometimes a character will say what happened and later other will go back and tell us the other part of the same situation, what went differently (like I said, another set of eyes), and this makes us fell like part of the action. 😉
The novella started in congo, it explained to us the start of the zombie outbreak, and the communication between Doctor Tara lee and his boss, and we start there dreading what comes our way, I loved from the beginning Doctor Tara I guess I imagined her like a bit more modest but as gorgeous “Ada Wong” from resident evil 2, and Saul well I pictured him as a “Idris Elba” with British accent, I mean, who doesn’t like an accent?. And this book is really necessary to understand what is going on the rest of the series, and even to get to know these characters, but their grow will keep on going!! I really loved it all (laughs like a mad woman).
I really love Dylan snarky humour, and loved to see her grown on the series, what can I say? When a character I like is happy, I am happy. One thing I really loved in this series, was that sometimes we had the background for a zombie, in italic, saying who he/she was and what he/she had done in life, how it was now for him/her, and an explanation of how got there or what was supposed to happen next, and this was really refreshing and at the same time, really sad, at least for me, the first time it happen I was like, eh, what is this? Who is this character?! and then all explained itself, like I said gives another deepness to the story telling.
Without spoilers, and for everyone that loves post-apocalyptical stories like me, it seems the worse part of the end of the world it will always be people, zombies, they’re not people and at the best of times we can say that they’re closer to animals, because they want to feed and that’s it, but the motivation for people is always different, ah so much water under that bridge… but again, I love an ending of the world situation and I can’t recommend this series enough, you have it all, action, scares, love, horror, some parts will flew by you, others will linger, but in the end you will feel sad because it is over, and we don’t want the characters we love to leave us.
February 1, 2022
How can a person go wrong by reading this box set of almost 1100 pages of Good vs. evil? Dr. Tara Lee discovered the Vita virus in Africa. but an unsupportive boss in the states doesn't give her the assets in an attempt to stop it there. As a result, she and Saul (bodyguard) barely escaped with their lives. It doesn't take long for the virus to show up in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
The story follows different characters from the onset of the zombie apocalypse to safety where it is hoped that life can return to the way it was. En route, Dylan is bit and has 72 hrs. before turning into the undead. She heads to Ft. Knox, KY where it is rumored that a cure exists. This is where Dr. Lee is working on the antidote. Who will be her first victim? All the parties also discover that the living tends to be more dangerous than the zombies.
The characters are well defined and carry the story forward through various POVs. People die - some, readers will be happy about them and others dying will cause grieving. The tale kept me engaged and cheering for the survivors. Will they find a cure? Is running from zombie hordes going to be their life going forward? It's tens of thousands against a handful of hopeful living humans - who wins? Read the story to find out.
The story follows different characters from the onset of the zombie apocalypse to safety where it is hoped that life can return to the way it was. En route, Dylan is bit and has 72 hrs. before turning into the undead. She heads to Ft. Knox, KY where it is rumored that a cure exists. This is where Dr. Lee is working on the antidote. Who will be her first victim? All the parties also discover that the living tends to be more dangerous than the zombies.
The characters are well defined and carry the story forward through various POVs. People die - some, readers will be happy about them and others dying will cause grieving. The tale kept me engaged and cheering for the survivors. Will they find a cure? Is running from zombie hordes going to be their life going forward? It's tens of thousands against a handful of hopeful living humans - who wins? Read the story to find out.
December 16, 2021
I've read several zombie novels and most seem to be similar. This one wasn't much different than the others but I did find it well-written. The characters were varied and interesting and mostly believable. There were a few times when I thought "people don't really speak like that" but for the most part the conversations seemed plausible.
The story proceeded at a quick pace and it was easy to read. Not one I would probably read again but while I was immersed in the characters' world, I was thoroughly entertained.
The story proceeded at a quick pace and it was easy to read. Not one I would probably read again but while I was immersed in the characters' world, I was thoroughly entertained.
April 27, 2024
Zombies AND a Storyline
I like to read stories with zombies or infected people with the survivor's stories. A big problem with some of these is a bad ratio of survivor storyline versus gory and descriptive zombie attack scenes. It will either be all gory without much story or the opposite. This series has a good, even ratio. I like the female doctor who is scrambling to create a vaccine and her interactions with other main characters. I really root for them to make it to a safe location and continue humanity.
I like to read stories with zombies or infected people with the survivor's stories. A big problem with some of these is a bad ratio of survivor storyline versus gory and descriptive zombie attack scenes. It will either be all gory without much story or the opposite. This series has a good, even ratio. I like the female doctor who is scrambling to create a vaccine and her interactions with other main characters. I really root for them to make it to a safe location and continue humanity.
January 3, 2022
Omnibus Edition
I have reviewed each book separately in this series so this is just an overview –
Great story! Great characters! Twisty plot! I really liked the use of numerous characters to tell the story. The writing style was easy to follow and fast-paced. There were some grammatical errors but they didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Dylan was my favourite character – feisty, vulnerable, brave and accepting of her flaws.
Love it all – highly recommended.
I have reviewed each book separately in this series so this is just an overview –
Great story! Great characters! Twisty plot! I really liked the use of numerous characters to tell the story. The writing style was easy to follow and fast-paced. There were some grammatical errors but they didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Dylan was my favourite character – feisty, vulnerable, brave and accepting of her flaws.
Love it all – highly recommended.
May 19, 2022
loved this
This is the 2nd series of books that I have read from Baileigh,
Characters are great, you begin to empathise with them right from the first few chapters. The book had excitement, horror without being over the top, obviously the book is violent, we’re not going to win the zombie apocalypse with a cup of tea and a bit of cake are we. So overall, yes five stars from me to the coffee addict who lives in South Africa. Great book Baileigh.
This is the 2nd series of books that I have read from Baileigh,
Characters are great, you begin to empathise with them right from the first few chapters. The book had excitement, horror without being over the top, obviously the book is violent, we’re not going to win the zombie apocalypse with a cup of tea and a bit of cake are we. So overall, yes five stars from me to the coffee addict who lives in South Africa. Great book Baileigh.
October 25, 2023
If you are a fan of zombie apocalypse narratives, have I got a series for you? Apocalypse Z: Rise of the Undead by Baileigh Higgins is just the thing you might want to read. I know some of my GR friends are into Zompocalypse scenarios and the series of stories they engender. Largely, they follow specific tropes and are reliable page-turners, hence the success of the Walking Dead.
Here, the series begins in Africa where Dr. Tara Lee discovers the outbreak and attempts to develop a vaccine to immunize against the overtly negative results of the disease. When the town is overrun by infected, Dr. Lee and her protector, Saul, must escape via helicopter, then plane to the United States under harrowing and perilous circumstances.
Obviously, the pandemic goes global and the cast of survivors grows, is culled, then expanded once again. Lather, rinse, repeat. I enjoyed the characters, their story arcs, the dilemmas, the victories, and the sudden deaths, which are all integral parts to a series of books that compel readers to feel, empathize, and care.
I highly recommend these novellas. I found them difficult to put down, because they were wrought by suspense, action, and moments of pathos. This is my third book / series read for the Halloween season, and it is damn near perfect.
Here, the series begins in Africa where Dr. Tara Lee discovers the outbreak and attempts to develop a vaccine to immunize against the overtly negative results of the disease. When the town is overrun by infected, Dr. Lee and her protector, Saul, must escape via helicopter, then plane to the United States under harrowing and perilous circumstances.
Obviously, the pandemic goes global and the cast of survivors grows, is culled, then expanded once again. Lather, rinse, repeat. I enjoyed the characters, their story arcs, the dilemmas, the victories, and the sudden deaths, which are all integral parts to a series of books that compel readers to feel, empathize, and care.
I highly recommend these novellas. I found them difficult to put down, because they were wrought by suspense, action, and moments of pathos. This is my third book / series read for the Halloween season, and it is damn near perfect.
December 15, 2021
The title says it all with a capital Z
If you like Zombie books, this is a series for you. Every chapter in all the books has at least one in it. Others, well you can guess the result since Zombies don't die, they just multiply. After this, if you haven't already perused the series "Children of the Apocalypse."
If you like Zombie books, this is a series for you. Every chapter in all the books has at least one in it. Others, well you can guess the result since Zombies don't die, they just multiply. After this, if you haven't already perused the series "Children of the Apocalypse."
February 2, 2022
A fun read
The first book, not chapter zero, was a bit stunted. And the flow from 1 book to the next was choppy. But on the whole a very good read. There is some very nice writing in these books, along with some nice misdirection. I recommend these to anyone who wants to read more zombie books.
The first book, not chapter zero, was a bit stunted. And the flow from 1 book to the next was choppy. But on the whole a very good read. There is some very nice writing in these books, along with some nice misdirection. I recommend these to anyone who wants to read more zombie books.
May 23, 2022
A zombie apocalypse story, written in a Game of Thrones style from the viewpoint of multiple characters. The story focuses on a small group of individuals and their journey, doesn't show the government involvement at all. I enjoyed the story, though some of the characters were annoying. The ending was a little abrupt, but should satisfy anyone who enjoys this genre.
January 23, 2022
definitely read this - highly recommend
I’m a zombie and post apocalyptic fan and whey you find a series that’s a little different you just love it.
Take a chance on this box set - I promise you won’t regret it!
I’m a zombie and post apocalyptic fan and whey you find a series that’s a little different you just love it.
Take a chance on this box set - I promise you won’t regret it!
February 25, 2022
Really gripping read
Only recently got into this genre of writing. Must admit its addictive. This collection is well written and the pace of the story is just right. Looking forward to seeing what else this author has written.
Only recently got into this genre of writing. Must admit its addictive. This collection is well written and the pace of the story is just right. Looking forward to seeing what else this author has written.
May 14, 2022
Well written Z books
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and everything felt "real" people behaved like people, heroes get scared, love makes people crazy, just generally well written. I still had the occasional eye rolling cliché times but such is life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and everything felt "real" people behaved like people, heroes get scared, love makes people crazy, just generally well written. I still had the occasional eye rolling cliché times but such is life.
January 12, 2024
absolutely brilliant
I really loved this boxset! The way the author writes is just brilliant. The story flows amazingly well and there are so many twists and turns. Prepare yourself for a wild ride!!
I really loved this boxset! The way the author writes is just brilliant. The story flows amazingly well and there are so many twists and turns. Prepare yourself for a wild ride!!
January 18, 2024
Thrilling Boxset
That was a rip roaring read, adrenaline laden heart thumping adventure. It ended with a mighty explosion. Loved it and would highly recommend it. Of course Dylan was my favorite character and I absolutely loved her sense of humor.
That was a rip roaring read, adrenaline laden heart thumping adventure. It ended with a mighty explosion. Loved it and would highly recommend it. Of course Dylan was my favorite character and I absolutely loved her sense of humor.
May 31, 2024
An action packed read
A good series if you enjoy zombie books, nothing to unexpected but still a fun read, a bit gruesome in parts but then it wouldn’t be a good zombie read if it wasn’t.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
A good series if you enjoy zombie books, nothing to unexpected but still a fun read, a bit gruesome in parts but then it wouldn’t be a good zombie read if it wasn’t.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 23, 2025
Brilliant!
The good, the bad, and the ugly - Baileigh has definitely written a humdinger of a series here. There were quite a lot of punctuation errors that were a bit , the story, characters and situations pulled you in, leaving me breathless and totally engrossed.
The good, the bad, and the ugly - Baileigh has definitely written a humdinger of a series here. There were quite a lot of punctuation errors that were a bit , the story, characters and situations pulled you in, leaving me breathless and totally engrossed.
December 1, 2021
Fight for survival
Great, well developed characters. Tons of action as people face their enemies in a struggle to live in a new world.
Great, well developed characters. Tons of action as people face their enemies in a struggle to live in a new world.
January 12, 2022
best book ever!!!
Wonderful, wonderful read!!! Wish I could start over and read it again. All the characters were really brought to life and I felt like I knew them.
Wonderful, wonderful read!!! Wish I could start over and read it again. All the characters were really brought to life and I felt like I knew them.
January 21, 2022
Disappointed
The body of the book was great! BUT!!! To many unanswered questions and the ending sucked!! I won't give it away but I'm not impressed.
The body of the book was great! BUT!!! To many unanswered questions and the ending sucked!! I won't give it away but I'm not impressed.
February 21, 2022
Loved It!!!!!!!!
There was no disliking this book! From the first page to the last you are held in a steel grip. For all you zombie lovers out there, you have got to read this book!
There was no disliking this book! From the first page to the last you are held in a steel grip. For all you zombie lovers out there, you have got to read this book!
February 22, 2022
Great series
I loved how she took ordinary people,mixed in zombies and created an extraordinary story. I can't wait to get the next set
I loved how she took ordinary people,mixed in zombies and created an extraordinary story. I can't wait to get the next set
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews