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Ward Z #1
Ward Z
When a new patient arrives on his hospital ward, Dr. Andrew Page assumes she's just another in a long line of people who need his help. Having been disgraced several years earlier, Page is a bitter man who sees his cancer patients as barely human. But this particular patient is hiding a dark secret, buried deep within her body.
Soon the ward is in lockdown, and Page is the only man who might be able to save the word from a terrifying new life-form. The new patient's tumor is spreading and seemingly becoming sentient, creating a strain of creatures that looks, sound and act exactly like zombies.
For Page, this is a chance to reclaim his reputation and make a huge breakthrough. For the military, however, the creatures are a deadly threat. When the ward is sealed off, Page finds himself in a race against time, not only to discover the truth about the creatures but also to stop the military destroying the entire building – with everyone, infected or not, trapped inside.
Ward Z is the first book in a series about a deadly infection, and about the different factions that try to destroy – and sometimes profit from – a new form of life.
Soon the ward is in lockdown, and Page is the only man who might be able to save the word from a terrifying new life-form. The new patient's tumor is spreading and seemingly becoming sentient, creating a strain of creatures that looks, sound and act exactly like zombies.
For Page, this is a chance to reclaim his reputation and make a huge breakthrough. For the military, however, the creatures are a deadly threat. When the ward is sealed off, Page finds himself in a race against time, not only to discover the truth about the creatures but also to stop the military destroying the entire building – with everyone, infected or not, trapped inside.
Ward Z is the first book in a series about a deadly infection, and about the different factions that try to destroy – and sometimes profit from – a new form of life.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
178 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,686 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 27, 2021
Cancer Zombies? 🧟♀️ Have I Now Heard Everything?
It’s true. I’m a zombie lover. I love to read about zombies. Because they scare me. If they weren’t scary, I wouldn’t read about them.
Something strange is going on in the generic, local hospital. A patient is alive. Or dead. Or dying?
Something is going on. Something is going wrong…inside her.
Dr. Page is curious. He is definitely interested in studying her to learn all that he can, but suddenly, he is under lockdown.
The patients in his ward are unable to leave, even those who appear healthy. The military has taken over. Something suspicious is going on. Something suspect is happening.
Patients are dying. Are they really? Yes. Definitely dying. Unfortunately, they aren’t behaving like they should. And they’re becoming veeeery hungry. 🧟♀️
It’s true. I’m a zombie lover. I love to read about zombies. Because they scare me. If they weren’t scary, I wouldn’t read about them.
Something strange is going on in the generic, local hospital. A patient is alive. Or dead. Or dying?
Something is going on. Something is going wrong…inside her.
Dr. Page is curious. He is definitely interested in studying her to learn all that he can, but suddenly, he is under lockdown.
The patients in his ward are unable to leave, even those who appear healthy. The military has taken over. Something suspicious is going on. Something suspect is happening.
Patients are dying. Are they really? Yes. Definitely dying. Unfortunately, they aren’t behaving like they should. And they’re becoming veeeery hungry. 🧟♀️
June 5, 2017
I'm a huge fan of zombie/virus movies so I am very always eager to read a good book of the same genre and I was not disappointed by this book. I was impressed by the fact of using a cancer as an starting point for the virus evolving. The characters where believable and you are able to connect to them easily which always helps the book flow easily. Very good read!
November 16, 2014
I feel I should state after reading so many brilliantly composed reviews, that this one is my first...
Amy Cross is a talented creator; she certainly has a flair for thinking outside of the box and dragging you into her stories, willingly or not! Is she the best writer? No certainly not, will you get annoyed with some of her use of language? Probably, but will you love the ideas and new takes on old storylines? Oh yes!!! and this is the reason why I have given this book 3 stars.
It will grip you from the off and open your mind to other possibilities of cancer and zombies. You can't help yourself but to think sometimes "what would I do if that was me". The dilemmas of the doctors discovering this new cancer, and seeing from the patients eyes how they are dealing with this all is brilliant.
This book has so much potential but has left me wanting to re-write it and really run with her ideas. Amy Cross has a fabulous imagination, if only she could sharpen her writing skills to really take this book all the way.
Should that put you off reading it? That depends if you can take the language with a pinch of salt and just enjoy the story for what it is. I certainly did and was suckered into it from beginning to end. For me, it was worth it!
Amy Cross is a talented creator; she certainly has a flair for thinking outside of the box and dragging you into her stories, willingly or not! Is she the best writer? No certainly not, will you get annoyed with some of her use of language? Probably, but will you love the ideas and new takes on old storylines? Oh yes!!! and this is the reason why I have given this book 3 stars.
It will grip you from the off and open your mind to other possibilities of cancer and zombies. You can't help yourself but to think sometimes "what would I do if that was me". The dilemmas of the doctors discovering this new cancer, and seeing from the patients eyes how they are dealing with this all is brilliant.
This book has so much potential but has left me wanting to re-write it and really run with her ideas. Amy Cross has a fabulous imagination, if only she could sharpen her writing skills to really take this book all the way.
Should that put you off reading it? That depends if you can take the language with a pinch of salt and just enjoy the story for what it is. I certainly did and was suckered into it from beginning to end. For me, it was worth it!
October 8, 2018
Zombies with a difference!
Normally I would veer away from any sort of zombie horror but this one was written by Amy Cross and I was intrigued. Rightly so, this book was a real page turner. True, we had a doctor who, in his early twenties, was lecturing his distinguished peers about his radical cancer research. Really? At that age, in the real world, he would still have been a medical student or, at best, a junior doctor. But, ignore that conundrum, go with the flow and enjoy a well written and genuinely scary tale.
Normally I would veer away from any sort of zombie horror but this one was written by Amy Cross and I was intrigued. Rightly so, this book was a real page turner. True, we had a doctor who, in his early twenties, was lecturing his distinguished peers about his radical cancer research. Really? At that age, in the real world, he would still have been a medical student or, at best, a junior doctor. But, ignore that conundrum, go with the flow and enjoy a well written and genuinely scary tale.
June 22, 2015
Different but good
Interesting enough to keep me up at night. I have never read a zombie story but I am sure to read more!
Interesting enough to keep me up at night. I have never read a zombie story but I am sure to read more!
January 6, 2023
One thing I love is when authors give a completely new and fresh take on the idea of what causes the zombie apocalypse. Cross uses an already terrifying disease that is rife in humankind: cancer. Ward Z shifts viewpoints between a brilliant though arrogant cancer oncologist, a leukemia patient at the end of her life, and her daughter. There are a few other voices thrown in from time to time, but the three main ones are Dr. Page, Cally and her daughter Emma. I don't want to give you any spoilers, but let me give you the idea that cancer might be a new kind of lifeform, and it might be evolving into something far deadlier than we've ever seen before.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I do need to tell you that I was at least halfway through it before the zombie outbreak became apparent. Cross writes very well, but I was left wondering what exactly is the infection vector. I won't discount her book for that though, because I haven't finished the whole story. A smart author will leave me asking questions so that I'll go out and get that second and third book, and Cross has left me wanting more.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I do need to tell you that I was at least halfway through it before the zombie outbreak became apparent. Cross writes very well, but I was left wondering what exactly is the infection vector. I won't discount her book for that though, because I haven't finished the whole story. A smart author will leave me asking questions so that I'll go out and get that second and third book, and Cross has left me wanting more.
October 23, 2022
This is the most unique and exciting origin of zombies story that I have ever read! I love Amy Cross’ creativity. What a ride! This is the first book in a series of three, looking specifically at patients in a hospital ward, and the development of zombies within them. We follow three main people in this story. First, there’s Callie, who is a cancer patient at the hospital. Then there is Callie’s young daughter, Emma, who is trapped in the quarantined hospital once an infected patient contaminates the entire ward. Finally there is Andrew Page, the oncologist and researcher on the ward floor. This book was fast paced and kept me interested to know what would happen next. I’m looking forward to reading the next two in the series.
February 22, 2019
Possibly more realistic
It's always fun to imagine how a zombie apocalypse would start, but it never seems to be really dealt with, as in this book. This takes you to a possible ground zero, but not really. Right now there are real zombie deer in Michigan and other states. I'm horrified it has to happen to animals. But we know in that case it stems from a "wasting disease". This book came the closest to explaining a how and why. I liked the confinement aspect, it never got stale. This is a good read. Fun for zombie lovers. I'm off to start to second book in th e series.
It's always fun to imagine how a zombie apocalypse would start, but it never seems to be really dealt with, as in this book. This takes you to a possible ground zero, but not really. Right now there are real zombie deer in Michigan and other states. I'm horrified it has to happen to animals. But we know in that case it stems from a "wasting disease". This book came the closest to explaining a how and why. I liked the confinement aspect, it never got stale. This is a good read. Fun for zombie lovers. I'm off to start to second book in th e series.
May 24, 2019
Love Any Cross books
If you like twists, turns, laughter,surprised , Me Cross will give you all that. She is talented in different genres. Some of the first books I read by her were great horror stories. Liked them so much that I have gone on to read her science fiction and her great zombie books and others. This particular book was one that I had a hard time putting down even when I should have been getting sleep for work the next day. Cudos Amy Cross
If you like twists, turns, laughter,surprised , Me Cross will give you all that. She is talented in different genres. Some of the first books I read by her were great horror stories. Liked them so much that I have gone on to read her science fiction and her great zombie books and others. This particular book was one that I had a hard time putting down even when I should have been getting sleep for work the next day. Cudos Amy Cross
August 31, 2016
This is a compilation edition of the Ward Z series, parts 1-8.
I have chosen to review/rate this book, episode by episode.
I would like to add one personal note before I begin this review. Due to the fact that this series is set on a Cancer ward, and the characters are dealing with death and loss, I found myself stopping and starting this book a couple times. Yet, I found that the emotions and complications of terminal Cancer, desperation of trial treatments, and doctors whom seemed a bit too coldblooded were appropriately explored in this series. In short, this wasn’t just a zombie book.
Infection (Ward Z 1.1) 3 Stars.(solid beginning, interesting plot line, good world building)
This episode starts with a bang, five years prior to the outbreak. Much of this (and the second) episode is spent world/and character building. At times I got confused with the introduction of so many characters. I ended up resorting to note taking in order to keep track of who was whom.
The episode (story) is told in alternating first person perspective. Which again was a bit confusing in the beginning to get used to but I felt it added a lot to defining (building up) the characters.
While I can’t say as I ‘liked’ many of the characters in this book until the last pages, they are richly developed, complex individuals who grow/evolve as the series progresses.
Death's Head (Ward Z 1.2) 3 stars (Gripping mystery, solid character building, strong emotional intensity )
Most of this episode revolved around Dr. Dominique Ribery, Dr. Andrew Page and the patient Cally Briggs. We get to see what makes them tick, learning a bit about their individual back stories.
This is also where I decided that I despised all three characters. I found myself questioning why I was reading the story because it clearly wasn’t about the characters (at this point). But the mysterious form of Cancer had my interest peaked so I moved forward in the story.
The Carrier (Ward Z 1.3) Four stars (solid pace, good plot progression)
Episode 2 left us in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I was biting at the bit to get back to what was happening. I was frustrated that this episode started with a flashback. It is an important flashback which helps to explain the tension in the mother/daughter relationship, but I felt that it was in the wrong place. The Ward had just been quarantined by the military!
That being said, this episode is one where the story begins to look more like a zombie story. This episode read pretty quickly as it is filled with some decent action scenes.
Passing Through (Ward Z 1.4) 4 stars (Strong emotional pull, intriguing mystery, great character exploration.)
This episode balances the plot by developing compassion for the patients as they struggle to deal with the aftermath of their cancers while also building up the ‘villains’ (doctors/military) in the action-suspense elements of the story.
At this point I truly hated Dr. Page, Dr. Gerrold and Lincoln! I wasn’t too impressed with Cally, but had bonded to Emma and found June amusing.
Leviathan (Ward Z 1.5) 4.5 stars (highly suspenseful)
This episode starts off with a closer look at Dr. Page in a sort of ‘sympathy for the devil’ approach, then flips back onto the ward as we watch the virus and the panic spread.
In an attempt to avoid spoilers, I will simplify my thoughts to say that: I enjoyed the action inside this episode. At this point in the story I was totally hooked.
The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was the awkward flashback. I am so not a fan of the disruption in the story flow that they cause.
Dreadnought (Ward Z 1.6) 5 stars Loved it!
This episode is almost 100% zombie-combat action. The conditions on the ward are intense and the characters are totally freaking out!
Even though there is that one flashback at the end, I gave this episode 5 stars for the intensity of the action.
Trojan (Ward Z 1.7) 5 Stars (Lots of twists, and one big surprise!)
Episode 7 starts off reintroducing us to a young army soldier simply known as Colin. The story then slides back onto the ward where we find out that all hell has broke out and the military has made its decision regarding the fate of those on Ward Z.
Dr. Page has made more interesting findings regarding the virus. An additional twist is revealed regarding the patient Cally Briggs.
I found my mind swimming to keep up with the changes in this episode. Every time I thought they had learned something and things were going to be OK, the situation flipped.
Evolution (Ward Z 1.8)
The first paragraph of this episode made me cringe. I don’t think I could do what Dr. Page did.
So here in this final episode we have all those loose ends starting to dovetail. Each of those annoying flashbacks prove to be of value as they play part in wrapping up this book.
As I am trying to avoid spoilers, I will keep my comments as brief as possible.
While I liked the ending, it left us in a place where this story could easily expand into a second season. If there is a second season, I would love to read it.
As the books description clearly states, it is best to read this series in order. Also, due to the gore in this series, it is not appropriate for young or sensitive readers.
Other than those two precautions, I highly recommend this series to Horror - zombie readers.
I have chosen to review/rate this book, episode by episode.
I would like to add one personal note before I begin this review. Due to the fact that this series is set on a Cancer ward, and the characters are dealing with death and loss, I found myself stopping and starting this book a couple times. Yet, I found that the emotions and complications of terminal Cancer, desperation of trial treatments, and doctors whom seemed a bit too coldblooded were appropriately explored in this series. In short, this wasn’t just a zombie book.
Infection (Ward Z 1.1) 3 Stars.(solid beginning, interesting plot line, good world building)
This episode starts with a bang, five years prior to the outbreak. Much of this (and the second) episode is spent world/and character building. At times I got confused with the introduction of so many characters. I ended up resorting to note taking in order to keep track of who was whom.
The episode (story) is told in alternating first person perspective. Which again was a bit confusing in the beginning to get used to but I felt it added a lot to defining (building up) the characters.
While I can’t say as I ‘liked’ many of the characters in this book until the last pages, they are richly developed, complex individuals who grow/evolve as the series progresses.
Death's Head (Ward Z 1.2) 3 stars (Gripping mystery, solid character building, strong emotional intensity )
Most of this episode revolved around Dr. Dominique Ribery, Dr. Andrew Page and the patient Cally Briggs. We get to see what makes them tick, learning a bit about their individual back stories.
This is also where I decided that I despised all three characters. I found myself questioning why I was reading the story because it clearly wasn’t about the characters (at this point). But the mysterious form of Cancer had my interest peaked so I moved forward in the story.
The Carrier (Ward Z 1.3) Four stars (solid pace, good plot progression)
Episode 2 left us in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I was biting at the bit to get back to what was happening. I was frustrated that this episode started with a flashback. It is an important flashback which helps to explain the tension in the mother/daughter relationship, but I felt that it was in the wrong place. The Ward had just been quarantined by the military!
That being said, this episode is one where the story begins to look more like a zombie story. This episode read pretty quickly as it is filled with some decent action scenes.
Passing Through (Ward Z 1.4) 4 stars (Strong emotional pull, intriguing mystery, great character exploration.)
This episode balances the plot by developing compassion for the patients as they struggle to deal with the aftermath of their cancers while also building up the ‘villains’ (doctors/military) in the action-suspense elements of the story.
At this point I truly hated Dr. Page, Dr. Gerrold and Lincoln! I wasn’t too impressed with Cally, but had bonded to Emma and found June amusing.
Leviathan (Ward Z 1.5) 4.5 stars (highly suspenseful)
This episode starts off with a closer look at Dr. Page in a sort of ‘sympathy for the devil’ approach, then flips back onto the ward as we watch the virus and the panic spread.
In an attempt to avoid spoilers, I will simplify my thoughts to say that: I enjoyed the action inside this episode. At this point in the story I was totally hooked.
The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was the awkward flashback. I am so not a fan of the disruption in the story flow that they cause.
Dreadnought (Ward Z 1.6) 5 stars Loved it!
This episode is almost 100% zombie-combat action. The conditions on the ward are intense and the characters are totally freaking out!
Even though there is that one flashback at the end, I gave this episode 5 stars for the intensity of the action.
Trojan (Ward Z 1.7) 5 Stars (Lots of twists, and one big surprise!)
Episode 7 starts off reintroducing us to a young army soldier simply known as Colin. The story then slides back onto the ward where we find out that all hell has broke out and the military has made its decision regarding the fate of those on Ward Z.
Dr. Page has made more interesting findings regarding the virus. An additional twist is revealed regarding the patient Cally Briggs.
I found my mind swimming to keep up with the changes in this episode. Every time I thought they had learned something and things were going to be OK, the situation flipped.
Evolution (Ward Z 1.8)
The first paragraph of this episode made me cringe. I don’t think I could do what Dr. Page did.
So here in this final episode we have all those loose ends starting to dovetail. Each of those annoying flashbacks prove to be of value as they play part in wrapping up this book.
As I am trying to avoid spoilers, I will keep my comments as brief as possible.
While I liked the ending, it left us in a place where this story could easily expand into a second season. If there is a second season, I would love to read it.
As the books description clearly states, it is best to read this series in order. Also, due to the gore in this series, it is not appropriate for young or sensitive readers.
Other than those two precautions, I highly recommend this series to Horror - zombie readers.
July 4, 2020
Wooooowwwwww
The way this story is told, the way it all adds up to make such perfect sense. You could actually see this happening. I mean it could actually happen. At the end I felt like I was really there and my thoughts turned to what I'D do if faced with the same ending. This book was worth it. Omgosh it was so darn worth it!!!
The way this story is told, the way it all adds up to make such perfect sense. You could actually see this happening. I mean it could actually happen. At the end I felt like I was really there and my thoughts turned to what I'D do if faced with the same ending. This book was worth it. Omgosh it was so darn worth it!!!
March 2, 2019
Wow. This was a very different concept than what I was anticipating. original concept. I think this may be my favorite Amy Cross book so far. Sure a few spelling errors as I've noticed with her other work but nothing I can't look past.
April 29, 2019
Great read
I really like Amy Cross books and have been following her for a long time. Also liking books about zombies, she did a great job in creating a storyline about how the outbreak began.
I really like Amy Cross books and have been following her for a long time. Also liking books about zombies, she did a great job in creating a storyline about how the outbreak began.
September 17, 2019
Maybe not her best but pretty good read
Easy to follow, original plot that kinda drags because of multiple character development that is informative but never really feels like you get to engage. Hoping book two fills out the rough edges!
Easy to follow, original plot that kinda drags because of multiple character development that is informative but never really feels like you get to engage. Hoping book two fills out the rough edges!
May 10, 2018
Better than anticipated!
Definitely worth the read! I could not put this book down, not what I expected. The writer is my new favorite!
Definitely worth the read! I could not put this book down, not what I expected. The writer is my new favorite!
June 7, 2018
Interesting read
As a cancer patient myself, this was an interesting read. I saw a lot of parallels between what I feel on the daily basis and how the patients felt.
As a cancer patient myself, this was an interesting read. I saw a lot of parallels between what I feel on the daily basis and how the patients felt.
July 10, 2018
Not what you think - even better
This was a great medical thriller and not the usual zombie story. Fantastic suspense, characters, and editing. Easy five stars.
This was a great medical thriller and not the usual zombie story. Fantastic suspense, characters, and editing. Easy five stars.
October 5, 2018
A bit too talky not enough zombie
October 23, 2018
I'm in remission.
I was just curious to know how interesting you could make cancer. To my surprise it is a good read. I didn't want it to end.
I was just curious to know how interesting you could make cancer. To my surprise it is a good read. I didn't want it to end.
February 16, 2019
Zombies!
I Enjoyed rhis book and will be starting on book 2. Have read and enjoyed other books by same author.
I Enjoyed rhis book and will be starting on book 2. Have read and enjoyed other books by same author.
March 25, 2019
Zombies?
Well, this is different! Amy Cross tells us a zombie story with a great thriller theme. Her cliffhangers and twists and turns keep us filled with suspense.
Well, this is different! Amy Cross tells us a zombie story with a great thriller theme. Her cliffhangers and twists and turns keep us filled with suspense.
May 9, 2019
Too much rambling, needs to stay on point.
It,s ok but could be better.i'll try the other book to see,maybe it will improve i hope so,i
I'll give it another chance.
It,s ok but could be better.i'll try the other book to see,maybe it will improve i hope so,i
I'll give it another chance.
May 15, 2019
Author Amy Cross Ward Z
All of your book's are great 👍 keep me on the edge of my seat until the end , book 1 is finished and now time for book 2
All of your book's are great 👍 keep me on the edge of my seat until the end , book 1 is finished and now time for book 2
September 8, 2019
Great Living Dead read
Liked this book a lot. Not like the usual zombie genre. Character development and a story that was believable. Good read
Liked this book a lot. Not like the usual zombie genre. Character development and a story that was believable. Good read
June 22, 2022
My first book by this author. I absolutely loved it. A way different take on the “ zombie” apocalypse. But, cancer figures in too. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!!
December 21, 2016
Having read a lot of Cross's haunting horror tales, it was nice to see her branch out into one of my preferred genres, zombie horror. I enjoyed how deftly she manages her idea of the outbreak along with developing characters that you either love or hate along with the manner in which they choose for containment purposes. I'm just waiting for more.
October 30, 2015
Another intriguing story, which, although gory in parts, has a sound psychological base. Ward Z touches upon the very real sad issues of cancer and its physical and mental terrors, although twisted to fit into a clever and original idea...cancer as something 'more' - I don't give spoilers.
I do like the way this author writes, in particular many points of view in first person, so to give depth, development and realism to a variety of characters.
Overall, a good, entertaining read to spark the imagination and thought process.
I do like the way this author writes, in particular many points of view in first person, so to give depth, development and realism to a variety of characters.
Overall, a good, entertaining read to spark the imagination and thought process.
December 29, 2013
Okay
The storyline wasn't awful, though the character devloepment was a tad sub par. Ms. Cross really didn't bring anything exciting or new to the zombie genre tough. To be honest, it seemed more like an alien story than a zombie novel. A prequel of sorts, I suppose. The who, what, when, where, why was thoroughly covered in the book, and if the price was right, I'd probably buy a sequel to this, just to see what happened. But overall, it wasn't bad and it wasn't fantastic.
The storyline wasn't awful, though the character devloepment was a tad sub par. Ms. Cross really didn't bring anything exciting or new to the zombie genre tough. To be honest, it seemed more like an alien story than a zombie novel. A prequel of sorts, I suppose. The who, what, when, where, why was thoroughly covered in the book, and if the price was right, I'd probably buy a sequel to this, just to see what happened. But overall, it wasn't bad and it wasn't fantastic.
April 8, 2014
An interesting concept and setting, but the execution wasn't as skilled as I was hoping for. The writing was competent but lackluster, and I found the characters disappointingly flat. (I also found the pacing a little odd in some places, as if things were being padded and drawn out too much -- but that may be because, from what I can tell, this was originally created as a serial.) Not terrible, but nothing really special here that zombie fans couldn't find done better elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews