Andrew Kibe’s Decay plunges readers into a nightmarish, high-stakes experiment that questions the boundaries of human endurance and morality. The story begins with Sam Williams waking up in a mysterious steel room, disoriented and desperate for answers. He and a diverse group of strangers are thrust into a deadly game where survival hinges on their ability to navigate escalating trials filled with horrifying threats, including zombified creatures and brutal ethical dilemmas. Each step in the experiment pushes them closer to their physical and psychological limits while revealing unsettling truths about their captors and themselves.

Kibe’s writing is immersive and visceral, pulling no punches in its depiction of terror and chaos. The opening chapter hooked me instantly; the claustrophobic imagery of Sam’s initial confinement was so vivid that I could almost feel the cold steel walls closing in. Kibe excels in creating tension, whether through eerie silences or the grotesque, blood-soaked battles against the zombified enemies. For instance, the description of the first encounter with a zombie was so graphic and intense that I could practically hear the crunching bones and taste the metallic tang of blood in the air. Yet, amidst the gore, Kibe threads a moving narrative about familial love, as Sam’s quest is deeply rooted in his longing to reunite with his sister.

While the action sequences are gripping, the character dynamics elevate the story further. Sam’s reluctant heroism contrasts with Leon’s hardened pragmatism and Walter’s paranoid conspiracy theories, creating friction that feels raw and believable. The inclusion of Kelly, a ten-year-old girl, adds a heartbreaking layer to the stakes. Watching her try to navigate this hellish reality alongside her protective mother, Heather, and then seeing her resilience after her mother’s tragic death, was both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Kibe’s ability to capture human vulnerability amidst monstrous chaos is commendable.

One aspect that stood out was the philosophical undertone running through the narrative. As the group progresses through the trials, they’re forced to confront not only external threats but also their moral boundaries. In one chilling moment, Leon’s assertion that they must kill to survive raises uncomfortable questions about humanity’s instinctual drive for self-preservation versus its capacity for compassion. Similarly, Sam’s internal struggle weighing his promise to protect Kelly against his own desire to find his sister adds depth to his character and keeps readers emotionally invested.

Decay is a gripping blend of survival horror and psychological drama. Andrew Kibe’s prose is sharp, his pacing relentless, and his world-building immersive. The book is perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games or survival horror stories such as The Walking Dead. If you enjoy exploring the darker corners of human nature under extreme circumstances, this book is a must-read. But fair warning: it’s not for the faint-hearted; brace yourself for a bloody, emotionally charged ride that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Pages: 233 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CPQWXW5W