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The Dead #1
The Dead
Book by David Gatward
First published July 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 16, 2010
I've not quite read a horror novel like it. David's writing is so sense-driven that it's not just like watching a particularly gory horror movie; it's like living and certainly SMELLING it, yeuch! But SO much fun, far too short for my liking and hanging out for October till I can read volume 2 - The Dark.
Full review to come on my blog - www.alexeatsbooks.blogspot.com
Full review to come on my blog - www.alexeatsbooks.blogspot.com
April 27, 2019
What’s Good About It
It’s really good fun. And disgusting. The fact that it opens with a chapter called ‘Rotten Meat’ says an awful lot about the book. There are gruesome monsters, gory battles, and a magnificently grotesque good guy (or is he?) too.
The pace is intense, never letting up for a second, and in this sort of book that’s important. It’s aimed at an audience not known for giving much time or attention to reading, so it has to hook them fast and keep them hooked. It’s also pretty short, which is nice – again, the teen boys it’s marketed to aren’t likely to hang around for long (generally speaking, of course) and as for the rest of us – there are only so many exploding body parts we can take.
Lazarus Stone is a great character – a real everyday lad with daddy issues and a distaste for the education system. One of the major factors that prevents boys reading (apparently) is their difficulty in relating to the characters in books. I doubt many will have that problem with Lazarus.
What’s Not So Good
I wonder where it can be taken next. Well, I know where it’s going to be taken next because of the cliffhanger ending, but still – we’ve had the Dead escaping from their dimension, we’ve had grisly action scenes and gruesome descriptions. I’m worried it will all get a bit old after a second and third book.
It’s really good fun. And disgusting. The fact that it opens with a chapter called ‘Rotten Meat’ says an awful lot about the book. There are gruesome monsters, gory battles, and a magnificently grotesque good guy (or is he?) too.
The pace is intense, never letting up for a second, and in this sort of book that’s important. It’s aimed at an audience not known for giving much time or attention to reading, so it has to hook them fast and keep them hooked. It’s also pretty short, which is nice – again, the teen boys it’s marketed to aren’t likely to hang around for long (generally speaking, of course) and as for the rest of us – there are only so many exploding body parts we can take.
Lazarus Stone is a great character – a real everyday lad with daddy issues and a distaste for the education system. One of the major factors that prevents boys reading (apparently) is their difficulty in relating to the characters in books. I doubt many will have that problem with Lazarus.
What’s Not So Good
I wonder where it can be taken next. Well, I know where it’s going to be taken next because of the cliffhanger ending, but still – we’ve had the Dead escaping from their dimension, we’ve had grisly action scenes and gruesome descriptions. I’m worried it will all get a bit old after a second and third book.
April 24, 2022
This one was ok, it is so so similar to the works of Darren Shan you'd almost think it was him writing under a different name. The cover is definitely similar and so is the writing. But something is missing it didn't grab me as much as Darren Shan's works, can't say I will be in a hurry to read the next in the series
July 30, 2024
Looking into this book I wasn’t sure what to expect but the ride was amazing. Lazarus is great MC, I love the fact he just doesn’t care. His nonchalant attitude towards the events at the beginning were interesting and fun. And now as we find out more about him and the Dead I’m excited to see what’s next.
October 15, 2019
This was a bit slow to get fully started. Some of the conversations were a bit mundane. Otherwise an average horror story for teens.
September 23, 2010
I don't read much YA horror books, but I really should. And I think that I will very soon, as The Dead is the first in a new series of books by David Gatward.
It follows Lazarus Stone, nearly 16, as he learns some very surprising things one night as this really creepy and horrific thing appears in his house and tells Lazarus that unless something happens very quickly, a torrent of angry demons will start ripping through the veil that separates Lazarus's normal life from The Dead. Didn't you just get chills just reading that synopsis? I did.
The book is quite short, but action-packed. Lazarus and his best mate, Craig are on a mission to find some answers. Specifically to find out about these demon-visits and the dead, but also, what has happened to Lazarus's dad?! What I loved about The Dead is that it isn't all one big gore-fest. Yes, it is gorey and some gruesome things do happen, but it also seemed to really concentrate on this idea that Lazarus has no idea who his father is. It's so easy to scratch our parents off as being nothing but parents and Lazarus really has his eyes opened to the fact that his father in particular is very a different person to who he thought he was. Maybe all of our parents are.
The horror aspects of the book were done well. I was sufficiently creeped out and I really would not recommend reading this book late at night, or on your own. There's a scene in a hospital that I would like removed from my brain because everytime I think of it, I am a little bit afraid.
It follows Lazarus Stone, nearly 16, as he learns some very surprising things one night as this really creepy and horrific thing appears in his house and tells Lazarus that unless something happens very quickly, a torrent of angry demons will start ripping through the veil that separates Lazarus's normal life from The Dead. Didn't you just get chills just reading that synopsis? I did.
The book is quite short, but action-packed. Lazarus and his best mate, Craig are on a mission to find some answers. Specifically to find out about these demon-visits and the dead, but also, what has happened to Lazarus's dad?! What I loved about The Dead is that it isn't all one big gore-fest. Yes, it is gorey and some gruesome things do happen, but it also seemed to really concentrate on this idea that Lazarus has no idea who his father is. It's so easy to scratch our parents off as being nothing but parents and Lazarus really has his eyes opened to the fact that his father in particular is very a different person to who he thought he was. Maybe all of our parents are.
The horror aspects of the book were done well. I was sufficiently creeped out and I really would not recommend reading this book late at night, or on your own. There's a scene in a hospital that I would like removed from my brain because everytime I think of it, I am a little bit afraid.
February 24, 2018
What a book! I was hooked from the start, and that doesn't often happen to me!
this book is utterly gruesome, with the most vile creatures imaginable, the Dead. The descriptions of these creatures are just amazing, so detailed they might make you feel a little sick!
as many have already said, this has a similar feel to it as Darren Shan's Demonata series, and because of this similar style, I am hoping the series continues to be just as great!
very compelling story, one of those rare books that you really can't put down!
only a couple of things irritated me slightly, firstly, the way Lazarus and Craig talked to each other on the phone at the very start of the book, although probably relitively accurate (if slightly calmed down) version of current teenage conversations, I found it rather annoying, but luckily, this seems to be dropped really quickly once the Dead start appearing. the other thing that got to me was that the cover of this book is almost identical to the cover of Darren shan's Bec, so I assume they have the same artist, but that's just me being petty!
so if you are a fan of truely horrible horror, then this is definately for you!
this book is utterly gruesome, with the most vile creatures imaginable, the Dead. The descriptions of these creatures are just amazing, so detailed they might make you feel a little sick!
as many have already said, this has a similar feel to it as Darren Shan's Demonata series, and because of this similar style, I am hoping the series continues to be just as great!
very compelling story, one of those rare books that you really can't put down!
only a couple of things irritated me slightly, firstly, the way Lazarus and Craig talked to each other on the phone at the very start of the book, although probably relitively accurate (if slightly calmed down) version of current teenage conversations, I found it rather annoying, but luckily, this seems to be dropped really quickly once the Dead start appearing. the other thing that got to me was that the cover of this book is almost identical to the cover of Darren shan's Bec, so I assume they have the same artist, but that's just me being petty!
so if you are a fan of truely horrible horror, then this is definately for you!
December 7, 2011
Hodder Children's Books
Lazarus Stone is a normal 15 year old who gets up one night and discovers a skinless figure drenched in blood in his living room. His father has disappeared and (it turns out) is not quite who he thought he was. The bloody figure in his house has one simple message.
'The Dead are Coming.'
The dead are indeed trying to escape from the world beyond and it seems Lazarus is in the right place at the right time. We also encounter an alcoholic winged woman who drives a four wheeled drive like a maniac !
Reading 'The Dead' is another journey for me into the realm of YA fiction. David Gatward tells a fun and twisty story and seems to have a talent for this genre. It's fun, it's light, it keeps your interest and it has all the required ingredients.
This isn't going to win the Man Booker Prize, it isn't the most beautifully written book I have read this year but that's not what it is about. It's a fun read, I think i would have loved it if I had read it when I was 15 like Lazarus Stone. If you like YA fiction then you may like this. The Dark is the first in a trilogy and maybe I will read the other two. I haven't decided yet.
7.5/10
Lazarus Stone is a normal 15 year old who gets up one night and discovers a skinless figure drenched in blood in his living room. His father has disappeared and (it turns out) is not quite who he thought he was. The bloody figure in his house has one simple message.
'The Dead are Coming.'
The dead are indeed trying to escape from the world beyond and it seems Lazarus is in the right place at the right time. We also encounter an alcoholic winged woman who drives a four wheeled drive like a maniac !
Reading 'The Dead' is another journey for me into the realm of YA fiction. David Gatward tells a fun and twisty story and seems to have a talent for this genre. It's fun, it's light, it keeps your interest and it has all the required ingredients.
This isn't going to win the Man Booker Prize, it isn't the most beautifully written book I have read this year but that's not what it is about. It's a fun read, I think i would have loved it if I had read it when I was 15 like Lazarus Stone. If you like YA fiction then you may like this. The Dark is the first in a trilogy and maybe I will read the other two. I haven't decided yet.
7.5/10
July 4, 2017
2.5 [revised rating - it was okay]
This was my first horror novel, so I didn't know what to expect. With that in mind, THE DEAD introduced to me a dreadful other-world, where the Dead "live". (heh...puns) I think that there were definite problems with character development, as well as articulation with language- however that may be justified to the fact that this is completely new territory for me.
In the case of characters, I didn't really feel connected to any of them. They were there, they did stuff, they said things, but why should I give a flying hoot what happens to them? However, the story allowed me to overlook this to an extent, because while the characterization was pretty mediocre/non-existent, I was pulled in and interested to the very end. Even after the somewhat lackluster ending, I think I want to read the next installment of the series. Maybe that's just a "series" thing, in that I like finishing things I start . . . . Once again, not sure.
Full review to be posted on my blog September 9th.
This was my first horror novel, so I didn't know what to expect. With that in mind, THE DEAD introduced to me a dreadful other-world, where the Dead "live". (heh...puns) I think that there were definite problems with character development, as well as articulation with language- however that may be justified to the fact that this is completely new territory for me.
In the case of characters, I didn't really feel connected to any of them. They were there, they did stuff, they said things, but why should I give a flying hoot what happens to them? However, the story allowed me to overlook this to an extent, because while the characterization was pretty mediocre/non-existent, I was pulled in and interested to the very end. Even after the somewhat lackluster ending, I think I want to read the next installment of the series. Maybe that's just a "series" thing, in that I like finishing things I start . . . . Once again, not sure.
Full review to be posted on my blog September 9th.
May 11, 2013
The dead are coming!
Well, what can I say, this one sentence provided my imagination with lots of images and I immediately picked up all three books and purchased them.
The Dead is book one of the series. It starts out strong and carried me right through to the last page. It’s fast-paced and interesting. There’s no time to ponder or get distracted or to check what’s on television because something is happening all the time to demand your full attention.
If you’re looking for deep and meaningful, then this isn’t the book for you. This book is fun, vivid and entertaining. Yes, it’s classed as horror, but there’s no need to be scared—blood and guts are definitely a part of the story—unless, of course, you are of a timid nature, in which case there will be plenty to cause you fear.
And the characters? We are introduced to Lazarus and Craig, best mates, and Arielle (you’ll have to read the book to find out more about her). They are likeable and work well together. I’m looking forward to reading where the author will take them in book two, The Dark.
Recommended.
Well, what can I say, this one sentence provided my imagination with lots of images and I immediately picked up all three books and purchased them.
The Dead is book one of the series. It starts out strong and carried me right through to the last page. It’s fast-paced and interesting. There’s no time to ponder or get distracted or to check what’s on television because something is happening all the time to demand your full attention.
If you’re looking for deep and meaningful, then this isn’t the book for you. This book is fun, vivid and entertaining. Yes, it’s classed as horror, but there’s no need to be scared—blood and guts are definitely a part of the story—unless, of course, you are of a timid nature, in which case there will be plenty to cause you fear.
And the characters? We are introduced to Lazarus and Craig, best mates, and Arielle (you’ll have to read the book to find out more about her). They are likeable and work well together. I’m looking forward to reading where the author will take them in book two, The Dark.
Recommended.
February 11, 2012
Spinechilling, fast paced and humorous this book gripped me from the start. The dialogue is that of a typical british teenager making it believeable. My only moan is that it was WAY to gory, not the kind of gore that would make me throw the book away from me or cringe, it was hard to picture that much gore in my head, it was just way too detailed for me. The character's are the best kind. A reluctant hero, a best friend who manages to keep calm and make any situation funny, a female alcholic angel who drives a 4x4 and is the complete oppisite of what you would expect an angel to be and a nurse who plays a small role in the first book but you'll see more of her in the second.
A fantastic plot line that made me beggin' for more! "The Dead" is a top notch thriller and definately worth a read. 5 Star.
A fantastic plot line that made me beggin' for more! "The Dead" is a top notch thriller and definately worth a read. 5 Star.
October 30, 2012
I picked up The Dead because I wanted something quick to read alongside another hard-going book I’m reading. It was perfect.
I finished it in two sittings and loved it.
A bit different from other horror stories I have read, The Dead was full of intriguing twists and developments that always kept the pages turning.
I really liked Lazarus, the lead character, because he didn’t fall into his role easily on discovery of the weird things happening around him - he doubted everything and ran away. He was very human… and you need a touch of human when you’re frightened.
I finished it in two sittings and loved it.
A bit different from other horror stories I have read, The Dead was full of intriguing twists and developments that always kept the pages turning.
I really liked Lazarus, the lead character, because he didn’t fall into his role easily on discovery of the weird things happening around him - he doubted everything and ran away. He was very human… and you need a touch of human when you’re frightened.
July 3, 2011
Really fast paced and the action starts within the first few pages, no dull build up. I'd recommend this to any parent who wants to get their reluctant teens to read. It's pretty gruesome but not just constant descriptions of bloody flesh so there's a nice balance there! Great cliffhanger at the end makes me think there really is more to the story and it's not just one book that's been stretched into a trilogy. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 17, 2010
What a fantastic, edge of your seat read. In the world of zombie fic, Gatward has done something you don't see every day: he's written something with its own, original mythology. This is gripping and racy, filled with horrifying monsters and lots of gore. Loved it, can't wait for the next one!
June 14, 2013
The dead is about a boy called lazerus stone who has a father who is cares more about his job but in his free time he is always fiddling with his clocks. He care more about the clocks he had than lazerus. One day he go away and leaves him at home and that's when it begins
August 3, 2012
Great Story. Pages fly by, leaves you wanting the next book. Not currently avalilable in Canada, so do yourself a favor and order The Dark and The Damned at the same time from Amazon
October 7, 2015
Horrifying book which sends a chill down your spine at night...
July 13, 2010
Expected to hate it, but I didn't.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews