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The Pandora Strain: Zombie Road #3
Three Months In Undead Shoes
Forced apart.
Hunted by unseen danger.
The only way to survive is together.
After a harrowing journey through infected territory, Jane Finch, her loyal Great Dane, and her equally protective almost-zombie Grey have reached the military base in the mountains. It’s supposed to be safe. But the last thing they can do is drop their guard. Surrounded by soldiers, reeling from her first kiss with Grey and the news that he has a wife, Jane is separated from Grey. The loss leaves her aching. Then she’s thrust into a tenuous role of ‘behavioral investigator’ for the base. When she uncovers a shocking truth, she’s desperate to reach Grey.
Kept in chains and subject to constant tests, Grey is torn between reclaiming his life as Commander Jack Hale and embracing his altered state. The base’s expert doctor and the woman claiming to be Jack’s wife insist that he needs to focus on training soldiers and leave Jane behind. But those same people are keeping deadly secrets—including feral zombies in cages.
Grey is told that Jane makes him feral. But his altered instincts are convinced he belongs with her—and that she’s in terrible danger. And he’s right. There’s a hidden enemy in the base, a traitor plotting to destroy all the survivors.
If being feral means he can save his pack, does he even want to be human?
This is the thrilling conclusion to The Pandora Strain: Zombie Road trilogy. Inside you'll find unusual zombies, devious plots, unexpected twists, and utterly devoted dogs.
Hunted by unseen danger.
The only way to survive is together.
After a harrowing journey through infected territory, Jane Finch, her loyal Great Dane, and her equally protective almost-zombie Grey have reached the military base in the mountains. It’s supposed to be safe. But the last thing they can do is drop their guard. Surrounded by soldiers, reeling from her first kiss with Grey and the news that he has a wife, Jane is separated from Grey. The loss leaves her aching. Then she’s thrust into a tenuous role of ‘behavioral investigator’ for the base. When she uncovers a shocking truth, she’s desperate to reach Grey.
Kept in chains and subject to constant tests, Grey is torn between reclaiming his life as Commander Jack Hale and embracing his altered state. The base’s expert doctor and the woman claiming to be Jack’s wife insist that he needs to focus on training soldiers and leave Jane behind. But those same people are keeping deadly secrets—including feral zombies in cages.
Grey is told that Jane makes him feral. But his altered instincts are convinced he belongs with her—and that she’s in terrible danger. And he’s right. There’s a hidden enemy in the base, a traitor plotting to destroy all the survivors.
If being feral means he can save his pack, does he even want to be human?
This is the thrilling conclusion to The Pandora Strain: Zombie Road trilogy. Inside you'll find unusual zombies, devious plots, unexpected twists, and utterly devoted dogs.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
About the author
Dee J. Holmes
36 books103 followersThe characters I care about aren't content with the status quo. They don’t sit in some narrow, boilerplate box and do what they’re told—they break the laws of their worlds, defying everything for what's right and for true love. Whether battling fantastical odds, facing science fiction dilemmas or nursing a supernatural heartache, they challenge expectations and change their worlds.
I love complex worlds and even more complex characters. Fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance and geekery abound—and they're holding hands with opinions. Sometimes created while appreciating a fine rye. Probably NSFW.
I’m not only an author, I’m a visual artist. Decades of creating imagery in multiple mediums and the desire to see my characters brought to life led me to create book covers. I might have started with my own, but now I craft carefully branded, personalized covers for many authors.
Aside from authoring and drawing, I live with my husband and our Great Dane, Fable (aka Mistress of Menace, Duchess of Oof, the Terror Beast) in beautiful Vancouver. When I’m not creating, I’m enjoying a long walk with my giant doggo, or shooting some monsters in a co-op video game with my husband.
Above all, I love crafting exciting tales that pull at your heartstrings—and maybe your pant-strings—stories which excite and sweep readers into new worlds and leave them wanting more.
I love complex worlds and even more complex characters. Fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance and geekery abound—and they're holding hands with opinions. Sometimes created while appreciating a fine rye. Probably NSFW.
I’m not only an author, I’m a visual artist. Decades of creating imagery in multiple mediums and the desire to see my characters brought to life led me to create book covers. I might have started with my own, but now I craft carefully branded, personalized covers for many authors.
Aside from authoring and drawing, I live with my husband and our Great Dane, Fable (aka Mistress of Menace, Duchess of Oof, the Terror Beast) in beautiful Vancouver. When I’m not creating, I’m enjoying a long walk with my giant doggo, or shooting some monsters in a co-op video game with my husband.
Above all, I love crafting exciting tales that pull at your heartstrings—and maybe your pant-strings—stories which excite and sweep readers into new worlds and leave them wanting more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 5, 2024
It took a while to get interesting again after they had made it to the safe Base but i liked the Plottwist at the end though the Situation might have been resolved a bit so easily.
I am not sure what to feel about the emerging alpha, pack anf mate dynamics. Was a bit caught off guard by that one.
I am not sure what to feel about the emerging alpha, pack anf mate dynamics. Was a bit caught off guard by that one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
I have a new favorite paranormal romance series! Undead dudes are hot.
PS - You can't tell me Rio and Fox aren't gay for each other. That hot redhead woman at the end? Red herring, I say. RioxFox 4ever!
PS - You can't tell me Rio and Fox aren't gay for each other. That hot redhead woman at the end? Red herring, I say. RioxFox 4ever!
January 2, 2024
I still am currently read, but I'll be honest... not a lot really happens in the largest portion of the book... im about finished with it, and so far, the most excitement has been when Grey leaves the compound... will update when finished, hoping something crazy good happens so I can update with more stars. Truly do love this trilogy.
Edit: I've finished the book, and the ending is truly the cherry on top. But that being said, I found myself skipping a large portion of the book due to the lack of anything happening. I have updated it to 4 stars for the ending, but the second and first book will remain my favorites. The slow burn of this trilogy was beautifully done, but I felt like we only got a small snippet at the end, and it did not feel satisfying. Left me feeling like there should have been more. I do love the style we get from our author when it comes to his burning desire for our female MC, but I just truly do wish there was more for us at the end. As for how Grey turned, I assume we will possibly get a snippet of information about that in her next book, Pandoras Strain. I do look forward to reading, but I will be sad to let go of our beloved super zombie and his lovely zombie-head-bashing-with-bats and dog trainer of a mate.
Edit: I've finished the book, and the ending is truly the cherry on top. But that being said, I found myself skipping a large portion of the book due to the lack of anything happening. I have updated it to 4 stars for the ending, but the second and first book will remain my favorites. The slow burn of this trilogy was beautifully done, but I felt like we only got a small snippet at the end, and it did not feel satisfying. Left me feeling like there should have been more. I do love the style we get from our author when it comes to his burning desire for our female MC, but I just truly do wish there was more for us at the end. As for how Grey turned, I assume we will possibly get a snippet of information about that in her next book, Pandoras Strain. I do look forward to reading, but I will be sad to let go of our beloved super zombie and his lovely zombie-head-bashing-with-bats and dog trainer of a mate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
This was a pretty nice conclusion to an exciting trilogy.
I had some difficulty with Jane being the genius that figures everything out. Not that she wasn't smart, but that she was always the hero and the brain behind the clues. She was surrounded by scientists and other military personnel that would have more experience with traitors and subterfuge. But it was a dog trainer that cracked the case. I mean.. even Rachel had several degrees, worked for the CIA, and was an actual SPY.. yet she didn't have a clue anything shady was happening. Though she was distracted by personal grief so maybe she would've missed it.
I did like Gray's missions and I am interested in more of that so maybe I will look into the spinoffs.
I had some difficulty with Jane being the genius that figures everything out. Not that she wasn't smart, but that she was always the hero and the brain behind the clues. She was surrounded by scientists and other military personnel that would have more experience with traitors and subterfuge. But it was a dog trainer that cracked the case. I mean.. even Rachel had several degrees, worked for the CIA, and was an actual SPY.. yet she didn't have a clue anything shady was happening. Though she was distracted by personal grief so maybe she would've missed it.
I did like Gray's missions and I am interested in more of that so maybe I will look into the spinoffs.
May 4, 2026
4 stars
────── ✦ ──────
“You can’t tell him to act like a person and then treat him like an animal.”
────── ✦ ──────
This ended up being a really good conclusion to the series. I will say, the first half was kind of boring for me. Not bad, just slower than I wanted, and I found myself waiting for something to properly grab me. But once Grey and Jane reunited, that was it. Suddenly I was invested all over again, and the second half carried the whole book for me.
I knew Dr. Ko was dodgy almost immediately. The man had “I am absolutely up to something shady” written all over him. But the zombie reveal actually got me. That I did not see coming. Grey’s character progression was also one of the best parts of this book. Watching him wrestle with who he used to be versus who he is now made him feel so much more layered, and I really liked where his arc landed by the end.
Also, I’m sorry, but what do you mean the zombie has a knot on his dick? Don’t think I missed that little detail. Because I did not.
There honestly is not a heap more to say. Once it got going, I really enjoyed it. It all just came together nicely. Most importantly, it actually felt like a satisfying ending. A good conclusion to the series, which is all I really wanted.
────── ✦ ──────
“You can’t tell him to act like a person and then treat him like an animal.”
────── ✦ ──────
This ended up being a really good conclusion to the series. I will say, the first half was kind of boring for me. Not bad, just slower than I wanted, and I found myself waiting for something to properly grab me. But once Grey and Jane reunited, that was it. Suddenly I was invested all over again, and the second half carried the whole book for me.
I knew Dr. Ko was dodgy almost immediately. The man had “I am absolutely up to something shady” written all over him. But the zombie reveal actually got me. That I did not see coming. Grey’s character progression was also one of the best parts of this book. Watching him wrestle with who he used to be versus who he is now made him feel so much more layered, and I really liked where his arc landed by the end.
Also, I’m sorry, but what do you mean the zombie has a knot on his dick? Don’t think I missed that little detail. Because I did not.
There honestly is not a heap more to say. Once it got going, I really enjoyed it. It all just came together nicely. Most importantly, it actually felt like a satisfying ending. A good conclusion to the series, which is all I really wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
Book #20 of 2026
3.5/5 rounded to 4
Spice: FINALLY!!! Yesssss.
Surprisingly I liked this one the least. Compared to the first book, there was almost too *much* happening in the plot. I absolutely get the reasoning now they're in a government run facility for three months, but the book changed tones from "Will they survive?! Look at them being so realistic in this environment" to sad longing, science-focused, badass fighting teams, and conspiracy plots. All enjoyable! Just a tonal shift that needed to happen and I absolutely understand, but I'm selfish and I love me some Jane/Grey time learning how to do some Tarzan&Jane communication. Grey is less badass zombie and more just straight up badass which is great for him and for their relationship, but for their sakes, I wish they could just go hole up somewhere with Schroddie and love on each other.
But the spice finally heats up and it's absolutely worth the slow burn.
3.5/5 rounded to 4
Spice: FINALLY!!! Yesssss.
Surprisingly I liked this one the least. Compared to the first book, there was almost too *much* happening in the plot. I absolutely get the reasoning now they're in a government run facility for three months, but the book changed tones from "Will they survive?! Look at them being so realistic in this environment" to sad longing, science-focused, badass fighting teams, and conspiracy plots. All enjoyable! Just a tonal shift that needed to happen and I absolutely understand, but I'm selfish and I love me some Jane/Grey time learning how to do some Tarzan&Jane communication. Grey is less badass zombie and more just straight up badass which is great for him and for their relationship, but for their sakes, I wish they could just go hole up somewhere with Schroddie and love on each other.
But the spice finally heats up and it's absolutely worth the slow burn.
October 12, 2023
LOVED it!!!
I could not get enough time to read this in one setting if I wanted to, but work breaks, coffee in the morning, and a brief spell before bedtime had me glued to its pages! The dynamics of Grey, and Jane, and even Shroddie have kept me enamored through the first book into this one. I love their connections. The newer characters to pop up in this story which included those with wariness and trust issues seem to come around, and the overly scary feral Jacob Harris I was glad to see that he had a good part to play. Kudos to the extermination on the baddies, and it was good to know that secret agent Rachel did not have dishonorable intentions. Anyways, I can't wait to read the next book "Pandora Strain", but will totally hold out... Dee J. Holmes is an awesome author, and if you haven't read any of her books I suggest you start!
I could not get enough time to read this in one setting if I wanted to, but work breaks, coffee in the morning, and a brief spell before bedtime had me glued to its pages! The dynamics of Grey, and Jane, and even Shroddie have kept me enamored through the first book into this one. I love their connections. The newer characters to pop up in this story which included those with wariness and trust issues seem to come around, and the overly scary feral Jacob Harris I was glad to see that he had a good part to play. Kudos to the extermination on the baddies, and it was good to know that secret agent Rachel did not have dishonorable intentions. Anyways, I can't wait to read the next book "Pandora Strain", but will totally hold out... Dee J. Holmes is an awesome author, and if you haven't read any of her books I suggest you start!
February 14, 2024
I don’t even know where to begin, really. After the cliffhanger from the previous book in this series, I IMMEDIATELY started reading this one and oh boy, it did not disappoint.
This book had me wanting to reach through it and into the world of the story just to throttle certain asshole characters that will go unnamed. Then at other points, I was squealing and down right ignoring messages on my phone just to see what was going to happen next!
And talk about the most perfectly paced slow-burn?? Was I on a call when I finally got to that part of this book? Yes. Did I audibly and without thinking vocalise my delight at certain events? Absolutely.
All in all, this was a wonderful series and I can’t wait to read the next parts of said series.
11/10.
This book had me wanting to reach through it and into the world of the story just to throttle certain asshole characters that will go unnamed. Then at other points, I was squealing and down right ignoring messages on my phone just to see what was going to happen next!
And talk about the most perfectly paced slow-burn?? Was I on a call when I finally got to that part of this book? Yes. Did I audibly and without thinking vocalise my delight at certain events? Absolutely.
All in all, this was a wonderful series and I can’t wait to read the next parts of said series.
11/10.
August 14, 2024
So it sounds like this is the official end of Jane and Grey’s story and I don’t want it to be! I have loved every second of reading this series. I am so glad to learn that there is a new Pandora Strain series about Grey’s team and it sounds like the author is doing a short story on Rossi in her newsletter which I cannot wait to read!
It sounds like there could be so many more books in this series since basically everything about the infection is unknown! The next series is going to be set in Los Angeles and I’ll be reading that as well. Maybe we’ll have some answers about how the strain(s) got started, how and why they manifest differently in different people, and if there is a cure for the Ferals and Repeaters.
Wish I have more stars to give!
It sounds like there could be so many more books in this series since basically everything about the infection is unknown! The next series is going to be set in Los Angeles and I’ll be reading that as well. Maybe we’ll have some answers about how the strain(s) got started, how and why they manifest differently in different people, and if there is a cure for the Ferals and Repeaters.
Wish I have more stars to give!
February 19, 2024
4.5 / 4 Stars
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Jane & Gray/Jack
Well, I had a feeling who the culprit was, but not the twist as to the person's true identity.
Enjoyed Jane & Gray's relationship. Also liked that there is a HEA, but wish there was more. Would like to know more bout how this virus is going to be tamed. Will the repeaters have a "new normal" like Gray? I would like a 4th book. Maybe a spin-off that ends up really being the 4th book!! Dee J. Holmes is leaving me hanging.....
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Jane & Gray/Jack
Well, I had a feeling who the culprit was, but not the twist as to the person's true identity.
Enjoyed Jane & Gray's relationship. Also liked that there is a HEA, but wish there was more. Would like to know more bout how this virus is going to be tamed. Will the repeaters have a "new normal" like Gray? I would like a 4th book. Maybe a spin-off that ends up really being the 4th book!! Dee J. Holmes is leaving me hanging.....
February 2, 2025
Well written zombie romance
Whilst not a huge world build or even huge character base build, still a good read. Was unique in that this is an actual zombie romance with a HEA. Would have loved to have Jane's brilliance more emphasized in the story but really enjoyed Greys self discovery and growth into the new him. Love that the ending leaves it open for more too. Thanks for the enjoyable read.
Whilst not a huge world build or even huge character base build, still a good read. Was unique in that this is an actual zombie romance with a HEA. Would have loved to have Jane's brilliance more emphasized in the story but really enjoyed Greys self discovery and growth into the new him. Love that the ending leaves it open for more too. Thanks for the enjoyable read.
October 20, 2023
worth ten stars!
This third book was so very worth the wait. The love between Jane and Grey heats up. The danger ramps up. Evil finally shows it’s true colours and lives need saving. Schroddie is the most awesome of doggos. There are twists and surprises galore to keep you on your toes…or the edge of your seat. An unmissable series!
This third book was so very worth the wait. The love between Jane and Grey heats up. The danger ramps up. Evil finally shows it’s true colours and lives need saving. Schroddie is the most awesome of doggos. There are twists and surprises galore to keep you on your toes…or the edge of your seat. An unmissable series!
January 24, 2024
I really love the story of Grey and Jane. I would love to keep reading and find out how life goes for them with him, still being a zombie or having the virus strain in his body. It was a great ending, and everything that happened was very unexpected. The storytelling was great. The writing was great.
December 18, 2024
love the series
Perfect main characters! Truthful is so refreshing no angst no unsaid nothing and truly surviving and then realizing that someone cares about you a great deal. I couldn’t ask for more. My husband couldn’t wait for me to tell him more of the story each time I’d start again.
Perfect main characters! Truthful is so refreshing no angst no unsaid nothing and truly surviving and then realizing that someone cares about you a great deal. I couldn’t ask for more. My husband couldn’t wait for me to tell him more of the story each time I’d start again.
October 8, 2023
Awesome! Loved this series, and I'm looking forward to the next series set in this world. Grey and Jane make a great pair, and I loved the dogs and the rest of the characters. And of course, I'm dying to know who's really running the show and what their agenda is.
January 28, 2024
4.5 ***
Hoopla audio and kindle edition
Excellent 'happy for now' conclusion to the trilogy. Jane and Grey were a great couple. I know another book is due to be released this year about another couple. I hope there are more stories with Jane and Grey in the future.
Hoopla audio and kindle edition
Excellent 'happy for now' conclusion to the trilogy. Jane and Grey were a great couple. I know another book is due to be released this year about another couple. I hope there are more stories with Jane and Grey in the future.
September 4, 2024
Best zombie series!
This series blew me away. It's different than other zombie apocalypse stories. Lots of heart, grit, determination, and a love story to boot. I highly recommend the whole series and look forward to the Pandora Strain series coming up.
This series blew me away. It's different than other zombie apocalypse stories. Lots of heart, grit, determination, and a love story to boot. I highly recommend the whole series and look forward to the Pandora Strain series coming up.
December 8, 2024
This turned into a whole different story, which threw me off a little. There were good parts and some others not so much, only because they were totally avoidable if the characters had been a little bit more aggressive in their pursuits.
October 3, 2023
Best zombie romance books. Wow, what a ride! I loved the characters, the cute dogs, the horror and the love story. :)
December 29, 2023
I liked it
Book number two is my favorite but this one was still really good. LITTLE bit of romance,1 sex scene but still action packed ..
Book number two is my favorite but this one was still really good. LITTLE bit of romance,1 sex scene but still action packed ..
January 3, 2024
Really enjoyable book and series as a whole. Some parts were a bit cliche but overall well written and entertaining.
April 23, 2024
Great book
I so love this series. The characters and the story line is wonderful. Looking forward to the next set. Great job.
I so love this series. The characters and the story line is wonderful. Looking forward to the next set. Great job.
December 2, 2024
good zombie read
I liked this series. Offered a different take on the zombie situation which is greatly appreciated. And every story is better when you add a dog in the mix.
I liked this series. Offered a different take on the zombie situation which is greatly appreciated. And every story is better when you add a dog in the mix.
January 1, 2025
Cute series.
January 17, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
Read all the books in this series in 1-3 days. I love this book and the development of Grey and Jane.
Read all the books in this series in 1-3 days. I love this book and the development of Grey and Jane.
February 6, 2025
Zombies + Great Dane + true love!
Can't understand why this hasn't been made into a movie or better yet a series. Reads so much better than the Walking Dead. Great story!
Can't understand why this hasn't been made into a movie or better yet a series. Reads so much better than the Walking Dead. Great story!
May 28, 2025
dragged a bit but still a good book
January 29, 2026
I actually really enjoyed this series loved how involved the doggo was sorry sorry doggos 🐶
June 13, 2025
I reached to chapter 22 and thought the story had another book coming. Well i was wrong. The ending was a good one and a good surprise. I liked the whole series and the different take on the zombie story. Well done.
June 22, 2026
doggy, beast
Great end to a surprisingly good series. I didn’t know what I would think when I started Book 1, back when. But I’ve enjoyed reading the journey between Jane and Grey.
Great end to a surprisingly good series. I didn’t know what I would think when I started Book 1, back when. But I’ve enjoyed reading the journey between Jane and Grey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews