Long and Short Reviews
The apocalypse had happened and zombies weren’t the only threat to people anymore – marauders, outlaws roaming the countryside who felt it their right to take and destroy anything they felt like. Atticus had been wandering for about a year when he decided it was time to get back in touch with what remained of humanity. Only the community Atticus first came across wasn’t what he expected, and when Atticus meets Remy the two men need to rely on each other in order to survive the world they’re left in. I found this to be an interesting and quick-paced zombie-style story. I enjoyed the alternate universe and tone of the author’s voice which mingled hope and devastation with just a hint of humour (I laughed aloud when I discovered “Fifty Shades” had survived the end of the world…). While it’s clear the world has irreversibly changed, much of the characters remaining are relatable and easy to feel empathy for. I was pleased there wasn’t much gore in the story – the shattered world and worst aspects of humanity felt like more than enough to me, personally. I also appreciated how while there were some vile characters, there were also good people trying to do the right thing and help stitch back what could be saved of humanity. I feel these two elemental forces are – at heart – what so many stories really are about and I quickly found myself enmeshed in the story and really rooting for Atticus and Remy. The two men became intimate after a fairly short period of time – but the author helped make me find this believable. With genuine dangers lurking all around and a lot of unknowns about the future it seemed understandable for people to take their pleasure where it was possible to find it. While survival in the post-apocalyptic world is definitely front-and-center of the plot, the growing trust and relationship between Atticus and Remy also captured my attention. There’s quite a bit of steamy sex and readers who enjoy the bedroom door kept wide open should find the heat level here more than satisfies. With a strong plot, good world-building, cheerful ending and a steamy M/M romance this book was a great, quick read and one I can happily recommend.
