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Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead
At its core, Love & Other Cures for the Recently Undead is a gritty, emotional, and strangely tender post-apocalyptic coming-of-age tale. We follow CeCe, a teenage girl who wakes up from a two-year blackout only to discover she was among the Infected, essentially the undead, during the downfall of civilization. As she tries to rebuild a life in a world that has changed beyond recognition, she confronts loss, trauma, guilt, and, unexpectedly, the guy who bit her. It’s not just a zombie survival story, it’s about identity, healing, and navigating the ugly mess of grief and rebirth.
I wasn’t prepared for how raw this book would hit. The opening chapters aren’t action-packed in the usual undead thriller way, but they are claustrophobic and gut-wrenching. CeCe waking up in darkness, confused and crushed under bodies, is horrifying, not because of gore but because it’s so human and real. Ramsay doesn’t rush the emotional recovery, and I appreciated that. You really feel CeCe’s pain when she realizes her mother didn’t make it, that her best friend and boyfriend are missing, that she’s been gone for two years and everything she loved (tennis, high school, her future) is shattered. That kind of slow-burn horror hits harder than any jump scare.
The writing style is simple but effective. Ramsay keeps things clean and fast-moving, even when the plot slows down. There’s a lot of introspection, especially in scenes where CeCe returns to her old school as part of the Rehabilitation Program. Those moments of being surrounded by other damaged kids with missing limbs, haunted eyes, and weird silence hit me like a punch to the chest. And the subtle tension with Olivia, the hostile Survivor, is quietly terrifying. But where the book really surprised me was Derrick. The boy who infected CeCe? It turns out he’s been cured, too. And somehow, this book manages to make you feel something when they meet again. Confused anger. Loathing. Maybe even curiosity. I didn’t want to root for him, but I found myself leaning in.
What really stood out was the emotional weirdness of returning to something familiar that’s now unrecognizable. Ramsay captures that eerie feeling of trying to go back to normal when “normal” is gone forever. When CeCe walks through her school, sees her old tennis team photo, or opens her ex-boyfriend’s locker. Those moments are small, but they carry so much weight. And it’s honestly heartbreaking how she’s just expected to rejoin society, do her homework, eat her weird canned spaghetti, and pretend everything’s fine. It’s not. It never will be. And that tension between survival and actual living is what keeps the book from falling into cliché.
Love and Other Cures for the Recently Undead is for anyone who’s ever felt like a stranger in their own life, or tried to rebuild something that doesn’t quite fit anymore. It’s not a light read, but it’s oddly hopeful in its own way. There’s still love. There’s still friendship. And there’s still that weird human ability to keep going, even when everything’s broken. I didn’t expect to care this much about a girl with a zombie bite. I’m glad I read it.
Pages: 270 | ISBN: 979-8-9870253-4-5
Army of 29 Cats
Wynter St. Vaughan’s novel Army of 29 Cats is weird in the best way possible. Army of 29 Cats is a gritty, post-apocalyptic story told through the eyes of street-smart, dumpster-diving cats. The setting is Atomic City, a once-thriving metropolis now drowning in purple fog, feral vibes, and existential dread. Our main feline hero, McGrady, is basically a warrior-poet with claws, and along with his anxious but lovable sidekick Paws, they set out to find out what’s corrupting their city—and their friends. It’s like Watership Down meets Blade Runner, but covered in fur and way more sarcastic.
I was not expecting to get emotionally attached to a cat. But there I was, rooting for him as he leapt rooftops, dodged glowing-eyed mutant dogs, and tried to rescue Felina, a cat gone rogue. The writing has this flow that jumps between poetic and street-wise without missing a beat. Like when Grandma Mittens describes Felina’s haunting purple eyes. That’s some vivid storytelling. The whole world-building around Atomic City is eerie and immersive. It’s a mess of decay, forgotten neighborhoods, creepy raccoons, and weird purple goo that’s turning everyone into mindless husks. I was hooked.
The dialogue is hilarious and punchy. The banter between McGrady and Paws had me laughing. There’s also a moment where Amazing Grace—who totally lives up to her name—pulls a full-on parkour escape from a dog pack and disappears like a silver ninja. And when Professor Waffles showed up with his steampunk goggles, I almost clapped. The characters are so over-the-top but grounded in enough raw emotion that it works.
Sometimes, the book throws a lot at you. Like, every chapter ramps up the action and adds another creepy villain, new neighborhood, or dramatic cat monologue. I occasionally lost track of who was infected and who was just cranky. And the purple-eye infection subplot was super cool and ominous but gets a bit murky in explanation. I wanted a tiny bit more clarity there, especially after the introduction of Mr. Geiger, the ultra-creepy villain.
Still, I had a blast reading this. The mix of high-stakes adventure, grimy urban survival, and cat drama is unique. If you’re into dystopias, underground animal rebellions, or just want something completely unexpected, Army of 29 Cats delivers. It’s great for readers who liked Redwall but always wished the characters were sassier and the setting more cyberpunk. I’d hand this to teens, adult animation fans, or anyone who secretly thinks their cat is plotting world domination.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0DPTTHRXV
Always Asking Questions
Rebels and Saints follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
America has been riding high in many ways since WW2. The US ended up being the most powerful nation in the modern world. And yet… How then can there be no universal health care? So many gun deaths? Teachers paid a pittance? So much poverty in a country with so much? Such a division between the haves and have-nots, as well as polarized politics?
Maybe it’s my Canadian showing (and we’re no 51st state), but I fear a collapse could happen. I doubt it will be like my books, but there are too many problems for things not to come to a head. It’s easy to imagine corporate overlords running the government when so much is about the bottom line and making money.
The GreenCorps towns were modeled on coal mining towns of the past and the monopoly of the company stores, as was District 12 and the Seam from The Hunger Games. Some of my inspiration came from reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and watching the movie October Sky, about Homer Hickum and the Rocket Boys. Escaping that kind of life of drudgery was so difficult.
Another inspiration was for the entire series. The train hoppers were modeled on my grandfather, his brother, and a friend who hopped trains from Utah to California and back several times during the Great Depression.
The landfill scavengers of SoCal were inspired by Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood.
I also wanted to set some of my story in Utah because I was born in Ogden. My family moved to Canada when I was two, but we visited every year through my childhood, and we went on several road trips using Ogden as a starting point. I’ve hiked in the canyons, swam in the Reservoir, and visited dozens of towns and cities in the west. I also forced my husband to detour to Craters of the Moon on our Volcanoes Roadtrip in 2010, so I loved that I could picture the landscape and setting of the story.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
I always borrow bits of myself and people I know when writing. I hope I can get inside my characters and make them feel real. Clark, for example, doesn’t connect well with others and always feels alone. I’ve felt that way often, and like Clark, I went through a short phase when I couldn’t speak around others. Elsa is tough and doesn’t give in to peer pressure and constantly strives to do better, which I can also relate to. Plus, she’s much happier and more secure with Walker. I can relate to having a partner who makes me feel safe and accepted as myself.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
My editor has pointed out that I ask a lot of questions, and I’m working on reducing the number. That said, I have constant questions and things I’m wondering-my head is a very busy place. I used to think everyone was that way, but it seems I might have been mistaken. I think it might be more common with a neurodivergent brain.
When I was writing, I asked myself what would make the story satisfying? What would happiness look like to the different characters? What would they need to show their hope, their belief in a better life? I thought about what would make a rebellion successful. I didn’t want huge battles and a huge war, but I asked myself how else an uprising could work. My answer was that everyone scared to take part needed to choose a side and be brave in their own way.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have two ideas…so far.
1. Wade got away. I think Tatsuda, Ginger, and Wade might meet again in a few years.
2. I have a story on the shelf, one written in 2020, that I plan to revise. It’s set in 2192 across the continent in Salem, Massachusetts. It could be the opening of another series that might connect to the Train Hoppers, showing what’s happening in other places throughout North America post-collapse.
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With renewed hope, they return to join the rebels. Some sneak into SoCol to free Elsa’s family, others lead teams to collect seeds from the bunkers, and others bring hope to the populace and free the downtrodden.
Like Elsa, Janna grew up in SoCal, but instead of escaping, her brother sold her as a prostitute. Liberated by the rebels, she plans to fight alongside them.
Clark grew up in rebel Utah and, one by one, has lost his family to GreenCorps. Broken, he hides among the neutral Saints, taking refuge and avoiding his problems—until he meets Janna.
Though cracks have appeared in the Greencorps stranglehold, it will take everyone working together to break them apart. Without them, the rebel cause will fail and the corporatocracy will once more prevail.
Grab your copy of Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom, the action-packed conclusion to the Train Hoppers series.
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom
Lena Gibson’s Rebels and Saints is the gripping third installment of the Long Haul trilogy, a dystopian saga that follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of GreenCorps, a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. Set in the year 2195, the novel continues Elsa’s journey as she leads the fight to distribute long-lost seed reserves that could free people from corporate dependency. With high-stakes train-hopping, underground bunkers, and daring escapes, the book is a thrilling blend of adventure and rebellion, all while exploring themes of survival, autonomy, and hope in a bleak world.
Right off the bat, the pacing had me hooked. This is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Mason and his team are sneaking off a train into enemy territory. Gibson has this great way of making every movement feel significant and every risk feel personal.
What really made this book stand out wasn’t just the action it was the characters. Elsa, Walker, Mason, and Caitlyn aren’t just rebels with a mission they’re people with relationships, regrets, and fears. Elsa’s internal struggles, especially in moments where she realizes just how much power she wields, feel incredibly real.
The world-building is superb. Instead of drowning readers in exposition, Gibson reveals details naturally through the rebels’ experiences. The concept of train-hopping as a means of resistance is brilliant, adding a sense of motion and unpredictability to the story. And the contrast between GreenCorps-controlled zones and rebel havens is stark. That contrast makes the fight for freedom feel even more urgent.
By the time I hit the final chapters, my emotions were all over the place. There’s a sense of triumph, yes, but also loss—because the fight doesn’t end just because the book does. That’s the hallmark of a good dystopian novel. If you love fast-paced adventure with heart and if you enjoy stories about found families and underdogs taking on impossible odds, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DVNLNMGC
After the Fall: The Engineer and the Apocalypse
After The Fall is a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative that follows Haley, a woman on the run from her recent past, as she attempts to reclaim her distant past across the ocean in the wake of a devastating nuclear war. While the premise might seem like well-trodden territory, Gerry Gainford transforms it into something refreshingly original. His approach reinvigorates familiar themes, defying expectations and conventions with a bold creative flair that stands out, particularly when compared to the genre’s usual offerings.
What sets After The Fall apart is its understated portrayal of the apocalypse. Rather than relying on the exaggerated desolation common in similar tales, Gainford opts for a more subdued yet deeply unsettling aftermath. Civilization has indeed crumbled, and the environment bears the scars of catastrophe, but the world Gainford crafts is far from a clichéd wasteland. Instead, it’s layered, intricate, and vividly rendered, offering depth beyond what Haley’s perspective reveals.
Haley herself is a compelling protagonist. A flawed and deeply human character, she’s driven by a singular goal: to get home. Her journey is fraught with hardship, vividly chronicled in a way that’s both harrowing and rewarding to read. Gainford’s inclusion of a content warning at the outset is a thoughtful touch, ensuring readers are prepared for the more intense moments without feeling blindsided. This deliberate consideration prevents the book from veering into gratuitous territory, striking a balance that respects the reader.
It is worth noting that the novel’s use of non-linear storytelling and frequent flashbacks, though thematically significant, can sometimes disrupt the narrative’s momentum. These shifts in timeline pull the reader away from the immediacy of Haley’s current plight. While the flashbacks provide valuable context, I feel their placement occasionally hampers the story’s flow, creating moments where the pacing falters somewhat.
The overall execution of After The Fall is nothing short of impressive. Gainford’s ability to breathe new life into a genre often saturated with repetition is commendable. His nuanced world-building and rich character development make for an engaging read, even when the timeline hopping proves momentarily frustrating. The conclusion hints at a sequel, which is an exciting prospect. While timeline mechanics may not be my preference, they don’t overshadow the book’s many strengths. I’m eagerly looking forward to the continuation of Haley’s journey and the next chapter in Gainford’s enthralling series.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D8RFJ1ML
A Look at the Future
El aullido de los Invisibles immerses readers into a desolate future where Earth has been devastated by environmental collapse and social decay. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea came from a post I saw on social media. It was the seed from which the world and story of Onnyriom emerged, and what was originally going to be one book became three.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
Unfortunately, I found inspiration in the world around us and in the way humans treat animals and the earth in general. There is also a deep criticism of the society in which we live.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Above all, social criticism and reflection on the way human beings act today.
The idea was to create a hard story with a message, but one that would engage the reader. The truth is that it is having a very good reception.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
´´El aullido de los invisibles´´is the first part of the trilogy Onnyriom. I published the second part (´´Conciencia de hiel´´) in August, and the third part (´´El presagio de la desoñación´´) will be released in December of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Review
En el despiadado mundo de Onnyriom, un planeta donde las apariencias engañan y el karma se cobra sus deudas con intereses, la realidad es oscura y desgarradora.
Sin embargo, no todo está perdido. Del corazón temerario de unos pocos valientes nacerá el valor para arriesgar su vidapor salvar a los humanos de su inexorable destino.
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En un mundo post apocalíptico, la humanidad se convierte en la materia prima de una nueva raza que ha conquistado el planeta: los onnyrianos. Los humanos, considerados inferiores, se cultivan bajo escalofriantes condiciones y son comercializados de pies a cabeza por la gigantesca empresa Gova.
Alysa, una onnyriana que se verá obligada a seguir el legado familiar e incorporarse a trabajar en Gova, tendrá la oportunidad de cambiar su destino al crear una alianza con uno de los pocos grupos resistentes y embarcarse en la misión más peligrosa de su vida.
What If We Did Not Die?
The INCARNEX Compound follows the creator of a compound that can bring people back from the dead, who has to confront the darker side of his creation and the fact that there is a flaw that could cost him and others their lives. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As an avid fan of science fiction and follower of scientific advancement, I’ve always been fascinated by technologies that fundamentally change how we live.
Death is the one true universal human experience we all share. This made me wonder: what happens when we remove that commonality? How would it affect our relationships, our ambitions, our very understanding of what it means to be human?
The idea grew while I was reading about recent breakthroughs in life-extension medicine, but INCARNEX goes beyond mere life extension into true regeneration, which opened up a fascinating realm of possibilities. This led me down a rabbit hole of research, exploring works by philosophers and researchers who tackle the big questions: What happens when we die? What is human consciousness? What makes us who we are? Are we simply the sum of our memories and experiences, or is there something more fundamental to our identity?
These are the topics The INCARNEX Compound sets out to explore, amid the world of a dystopian thriller!
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The setting was heavily influenced by my experiences last summer when I returned to the UK last from Vietnam, where I live most of the year. I was struck by how the wealth divide had grown starker than ever before, particularly in London where you can walk from a street of luxury to one of poverty in mere steps. This disparity became a crucial element of the world-building, as I realized how a technology like INCARNEX would inevitably deepen these societal divisions. Who gets access to immortality? Who decides? These questions shaped not just the physical setting but the social landscape of the novel.
Many of the locations in the book, including the observatory, the school, and the farmhouse, are drawn from real places I’ve spent time in and that readers can visit. I find that grounding fictional elements in real-world settings helps create a more immersive and believable story, especially when dealing with such huge concepts as the INCARNEX technology.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At its heart, this book explores the deep connections we share with those closest to us. Just as INCARNEX challenges the boundary between life and death, the story examines how our bonds with loved ones can persist beyond physical limitations. Ultimately, it’s about how the people we care for, and the lengths we’ll go to for them, define who we are.
The INCARNEX Compound also delves deep into the ethical implications of playing with nature’s fundamental laws and the conflict between scientific progress and moral responsibility. What price would we be willing to pay for immortality? And perhaps more importantly, should we pay it at all?I believe that in the ever-changing, technology dominated world in which we live, these themes have never been more pertinent to explore than they are today.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
The next installment, The INCARNEX Rebellion, is currently in editing and picks up two years after the events of The INCARNEX Compound.
David and Celia face unprecedented challenges: a brewing rebellion, a revolutionary advancement in INCARNEX that pushes the boundaries of what we thought possible, and a new team of characters whose loyalties remain uncertain. It’s shaping up to be an intense, fast-paced continuation of the story that I hope to have out in early 2025.
The trilogy will conclude with a final installment that brings all the threads together in a world-altering climax. Our characters won’t just be fighting for survival – they’ll be fighting for everything they’ve ever known and believed in. The conclusion will force them to confront the true nature of consciousness, identity, and what it really means to be human in a world where death is no longer a certainty.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Or he was, until he woke up handcuffed to a bed eight years after being shot in the head.
With no memories of the attack that claimed his and his twin sister’s lives, adjusting to resurrection is grim. Especially since the compound he developed, INCARNEX, is to blame.
Unfortunately, David has woken up in a world with far bigger problems. Bringing people back from the dead is expensive—global-revolution expensive. Meanwhile, a fatal flaw in his creation leaves David in a race against time before his and millions of other host bodies shut down entirely.
When an enigmatic stranger offers David a deal—the chance to redeem himself and save countless lives, including his own—he has just one hundred days to confront past mistakes and unravel the dark secrets of INCARNEX.
As dangers and betrayals mount, David’s frantic race against death becomes ever more desperate. Can he save himself and what remains of society before time runs out, or is the cost of immortality simply too high?
The INCARNEX Compound
Eight years ago, David Harris engineered a groundbreaking compound to defy death itself. Eight years ago, he and his twin sister perished in a tragic accident. Now, David wakes up—handcuffed to a bed in a world unrecognizable. The once-promising INCARNEX, his revolutionary cure for mortality, has spiraled into failure, plunging society into chaos. As time runs out, David must race to undo the damage he’s unleashed. With countless lives hanging in the balance and danger lurking everywhere, he faces a chilling reality: he doesn’t know who to trust, and every second counts.
The INCARNEX Compound by A.J. Roe is an electrifying dystopian sci-fi novel that follows David Harris on his heart-pounding journey to make amends for his catastrophic mistake. Roe crafts a riveting story that refuses to let up. David’s perspective captivates readers, drawing them into his internal struggle while keeping the tension high. His relatability adds depth to the narrative, making his fight to correct his past all the more compelling. Even the side characters shine, each layered with intrigue and unpredictability, keeping readers guessing at every turn. The plot is a whirlwind—packed with suspense, action, and moments of genuine surprise. Roe’s storytelling never loses momentum, offering a relentless pace that ensures there’s no room for boredom. The novel consistently challenges expectations, keeping the audience engaged and hungry for answers. The intricate web of trust and deception is masterfully crafted, and the thrill of discovery is palpable throughout.
For fans of dystopian sci-fi, The INCARNEX Compound is an absolute must-read. A.J. Roe delivers a well-written, gripping tale that is nearly impossible to put down. His ability to balance fast-paced action with thought-provoking themes is exceptional, making the book both exciting and intellectually satisfying. Roe keeps readers questioning everything, while his knack for narrative twists keeps anticipation high. This novel is an exhilarating ride from start to finish, and I’m eagerly awaiting what Roe has in store next.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0D11B92SB
