Robin’s Review of The Dying Butterfly

The Dying Butterfly

by D.L. Fletcher

Rating: 5 out of 5.
The Dying Butterfly
by D.L. Fletcher

A post-apocalyptic zombie story. Though it is about an illness the message remains true, and that is when there seems to be no light hold on to hope. It is about never giving up when it appears there is nothing left to fight for. 
It is about not taking anything for granted from the simplicity of tasks to the little noises, all the way up to the people we cherish; and that sometimes the strangers we meet along the way, even if we don’t see it, are the ones that give us that strength. Holly and Tony were a young couple in love. They thought they had all the time in the world, but they were wrong... As the illness spread and the population was dying, chaos sprang forcing Holly, Tony, and her family to flee their homes. A plan set and necessities previously stocked for this anticipated moment they took to the road. One night as the deranged charged their camp they were forced to scatter, separating Holly from everyone she knew and loved. In her search for her family and Tony, she stumbles upon a small community. By the light of a flickering candle, from a typewriter she found in her travels, Holly tells us about the illness, her new life, and her search for the ones she lost. She shares her new philosophies on life, all that we take for granted each and every day, and human vulnerability as she reminisces the past, and her dreams of one day being reunited with the love of her life and her family.
Robin's Review: This was a well written, well thought out story with intense bits that made it a real page turner. The writing was descriptive enough to give you the idea of what the author was trying to portray but not overly gory. So, in that this is not your typical zombie apocalypse story. It focuses on the characters, their lives, their trials, and their trauma.

This story is told through the main character, Holly as she journals her thoughts of what she went through.

Introduction of charaters:
Her boyfriend/husband Tony Gardner
Her parents Jim and Georgie Wood
Their neighbors Joyce and Brad
Landon and Dahlia who were stragglers
Mr. Donald Clay Head of the community
Her rescued dog, Maxine
Lucy and Jordan part of the community
Zombie Apocalypse Tips:

It was no longer a world to trust first and see if they disappoint you later.

Describing the amount of infected as a pyramid scam. “Hundreds hooked hundreds more in, turning it to thousands overnight and thousands more the next."

“I know it's risky, but practice and learning is the only way to get strong now; and being close to some sort of supply source.”

"Look for a place maybe no one will want."

Learn how to be stealthy, and how to fight without getting bit.

Pre-packed bags of personal necessities or Bag for Running

Flashlight
two-way radios
freeze dried food
sleeping bags that attach to the outside of packs
small survival books on edible and healing plants
large variety of vegetable seeds
two shirts, three pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, bottle of tablets to purify water, and one thin jacket

Medical kits:
antibiotics, inhalers gauze, slings, safety pins, cotton, alcohol and antibiotic creams. Gravol, Advil and Pepto-Bismol.

Other Items to Collect:

Pre-packed bags of personal necessities or Bag for Running,
Flashlight
two-way radios
freeze dried food
sleeping bags that attach to the outside of packs
small survival books on edible and healing plants
large variety of vegetable seeds
two shirts, three pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, bottle of tablets to purify water, and one thin jacket
Candles, packs of every size of battery
flashlights, windup radios, Water, water, water

Prep the house by putting boards by the windows ready to be hammered up and fill pillowcases with sand, stacking them as needed for barricades inside entrances.

I remember asking my dad why we didn't just leave right then and there rather than do all that work to protect something we had no power to hold on to. This isn't to protect the house Holly. It's to protect those in it.

We need to save our resources for when there aren't any resources left. If we run now, we burn through everything unnecessarily. We will be looking for food and water when we should be working at getting as far away as we can. This is all to make sure everyone is safe.


Rules To Live By:

No fires for any reason

No yelling and to watch the volume when laughing

Keep your eyes open and watch the perimeter.

Set up a schedule and ration the food and portions.

All washing of any kind should be done with lake water. No exceptions. We need to conserve the fresh water - drinking only.

Save the use of flashlights to when they are a must. Batteries will be rationed like everything else.

Have multiple plans

Stay put when told


#dystopian #apocalyptic #romance #thriller #horror

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Robin’s Review of So Over the Undead (Zooey Zombie Book 2)

Zooey is back and she’s learning how life is going to be…

So Over the Undead (Zooey Zombie Book 2)

by Alex Apostole

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Alex Apostol
So Over the Undead 
Book 2 of 2: Zooey Zombie



Zooey is back and she's learning how life is going to be for her now that she's Undead. There are laws to protect this new race of human and their rights, but she quickly realizes many don't want them to be able to go to school or work or even live in the same neighborhoods as regular people. As Zooey tries to piece her life back together she gets caught up in a social nightmare as the human race fights back against the Undead. Can Zooey stand up for her new race and be heard or will her voice fall on deaf ears? In light of recent attacks being blamed on the Undead reverting back to their zombie state, it's harder than ever to find support.
Robin's Review: Zooey Beckett is returning to Harvard University. She graduated in June of 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. And then the zombie apocalypse happened. Now she is re-enrolling for her graduate studies in Cognition, Brain, and Behavior Psychology, but as an “Undead” this time.

What is an “Undead” you may ask?

It’s a new race of human called the Undead, people who had been changed into zombies by the rampaging virus and then brought back to life by what the government deemed the cure, but it wasn’t a cure, more of a suppression of one’s inner zombie. She’ll receive the “cure” twice a week for the rest of her life.

As Zooey tries to integrate back into society she is met with quite a few obstacles, prejudice and racism are just the tip of the iceberg that she is up against. Even her longtime friends Elizabeth and Oliver who have stood by her throughout everything, before and after the apocalypse, just can’t understand what she feels, let alone what she has gone through and is going through.


This is what I like to call a “cozy” zombie apocalypse story, that means is that I could read it again and again it’s that entertaining. The world building is different and exciting because it is post-apocalyptic, I loved this, and the world is rebuilding but with a twist. One of my favorite ideas in the story were the NATIONWIDE Z-ALERTS. The characters were your average snarky young adults with some good one liners. This was such an enjoyable story with the same underlying issues as we have today. What a compelling read for zombie readers and lovers a like. 


It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this amazing story.
#dystopian #sciencefiction #fantasy #postapocalyptic #horror

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Robin’s Review of Apocalypse: A Zombie Thriller

It’s like Anne Rice meets Anita Blake in Underworld…with ghosts.

Apocalypse: A Zombie Thriller

 by Hayley Anderton & Laura Swift

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Apocalypse: A Zombie Thriller
by Hayley Anderton & Laura Swift

The virus has arrived. A deadly virus that destroys humanity. A virus that replaces the living with creatures that crave human flesh. As the human race dwindles, an unlikely group of young survivors battle against the odds to stay alive and avoid joining the ranks of the undead. Follow Cassie as she desperately searches for her brother; Heidi as she tries to cope with the consequences of her actions; and Ginge as she takes on a new role of keeping everyone alive.  Lives will be lost. The army of the dead will keep on growing. Welcome to the apocalypse.
Robin's Review: Cassie, Luke, Heidi, Eliza, Poppy, and Rob all go to the same school. When the outbreak starts, they are separated but try to get back to each other. Picking up Toby, Rori, Heidi, Eliza, Gemma, and Warren along the way.
They make their way to their friends’ farm where Ginge, Hannah, Billy and Cara live.

Here I go again:
This is what I call a cozy zombie apocalypse story. Meaning I could read this again and again, it was that entertaining. It was fast paced with bits of action and a little gore but a quick and satisfying read.
The characters were your average snarky young adults with some good one liners. I liked how they understood that it was a zombie apocalypse and went with the flow. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Zombie Tips:

Doors won’t hold forever.

Always search for weapons.

“Time to adopt the mindset and move with the times.”

Don’t make noise so that the rotters pinpoint your location and trap you.

Of course, hit them in the head seems to work.

Close the door behind you so no one can sneak up on you.

Always collect food as you go when given the chance.

“This might be the end of the world. We’ve got to stick together now.”

Zombie Apocalypse Rules:

“Number one. Nobody goes out alone. Secondly, every single one of us needs to be armed. And thirdly…” His eyes grew dark. “Ginge did the right thing by Gemma. We all need to be prepared for more scenarios like this one. If anyone is bitten…we don’t hesitate. We don’t wait. We put the sorry bastard out of their misery.”


Favorite Lines:

“Wow, she’s got some impressive teeth on her…do you not feed her or something?” Heidi grinned to herself. “Did she bite off more than she could chew?”

“Haven’t you heard? The only people who survive the apocalypse are the psychos. And usually, the ones with a sarcastic sense of humor.”

“God, I’m so out of breath. If I’d known the apocalypse was coming, I might have done some more cardio.”

“This is the bloody apocalypse, Heidi. I wouldn’t call this the optimum environment for chilling out.’’

“This isn’t a bloody field trip!”

“We don’t know when we’ll be able to eat next. I doubt that the rotters will leave Tesco alone just for our convenience…”

“You did what you could in the moment you were given. That’s enough.”

“Like after you watch a horror film at a sleepover and then you can’t even face going to the bathroom?” “Oh God, I’m glad someone else gets it. I’ve needed to pee since dinner.”

“We have to plan for a new future. Forget everything you had planned. Forget university. We’re not students anymore. We’re hunters, fighters, survivors.” Eliza sniffed. “Not sure what employers would think if I put that on my CV.”



Next book in this series will be released March 31, 2022

It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.


#horror #humorous #action #adventure #romance #dystopian #sciencefiction #fantasy

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Robin’s Review of The Curse of Cain: A Werewolf Urban Fantasy

The Curse of Cain: A Werewolf Urban Fantasy Part of: The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged (4 books)


 by Theophilus Monroe

Rating: 5 out of 5.
The Curse of Cain: A Werewolf Urban Fantasy 
Part of: The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged (4 books)
by Theophilus Monroe

The Curse of Cain:
When a necromancer is admitted to Vilokan Asylum against her will, and she evokes the ghost of Cain's murdered brother, Abel, he'll have to do more than treat the patient... he'll have to confront the ghosts of his past, literally.

Razing Cain:
After agreeing with the new Vampire Council to take on their newest batch of younglings, and help them tame their blood cravings, things quickly get out of hand at Vilokan Asylum. Dr. Cain will need more than a "blood suckers" support group to get a handle on the issue. He'll require the aid of Baron Samedi... of course, when the Baron is involved, his help almost always comes at a cost.

Cain and Angel:
A fallen angel has a change of heart. Samyaza, aka "Sam," just can't stomach the big guy "downstairs" and his propensity for torture, fire, and all that devilish crap. But he's burned her bridges with the celestials, too. When Sam comes to Vilokan Asylum, he hopes Cain's experience with the guy "upstairs" can help him find his own path on the narrow road between the warring leagues of angels. But when the Archangel Michael is sent to arrest the "unfallen" angel, Cain must approach the Divine for the first time in several millennia to advocate for his patient.
Robin's Review: As always, a great read. This story is based at the Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged with psychiatrist, Doctor Cain helping these magical patients. Doctor Cain himself is a werewolf with an attitude and I can’t help but love him. These stories are full of paranormal creatures in a fantastic world built in modern times and to me seem to be completely natural. It is well written, thought out and quite entertaining. The characters are complex but relatable in a supernatural sense. I really enjoy reading anything that Theophilus Monroe writes.


It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book from the author, but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of these entertaining stories.

#youngadult #teen #ghost #horror #fantasy #urbanfantasy #werewolves
These are such epic lines:

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Robin’s Review of We Who Sleep: Three Ghosts in the Machine Book 3

Those who sleep have awakened, and Dearborn is the only thing standing in the way of the rest they desire.

We Who Sleep: Three Ghosts in the Machine Book 3

by G. Allen Willbanks

Rating: 5 out of 5.
We Who Sleep: 
Three Ghosts in the Machine 
Book Three
by G. Allen Willbanks

The year is 1762 and the rough seas are threatening and treacherous—but they have nothing on Captain William Dearborn. Dearborn, captain of the Deadly Vagabond, is master of both his ship and his men—who know to turn a blind eye to his nefarious activities. But when a faulty compass guides them from their chosen course, his past comes back to haunt him. Those who sleep have awakened, and Dearborn is the only thing standing in the way of the rest they desire.
Robin's Review: This is a well written fast paced story. It was rich with cool pirate nostalgic feels. It is a short story, so I won’t go into detail. But it is about a Captain and his dark secret. An interesting and entertaining story from start to finish. Well done.
They: Three Ghosts in the Machine Book One

Spiritus ex Machina: Three Ghosts in the Machine Book Two

It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.

#shortstory #mystery #thriller #suspense #ghost #seastories #horror

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Robin’s Review of Tyrant’s Rise: The Wailing Echoes Series Book 1 of 2

Zooey is back and she’s learning how life is going to be…

Tyrant’s Rise Book 1 of 2: The Wailing Echoes Series

by Bella Dean Joyner

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Tyrant's Rise
The Wailing Echoes Series
by Bella Dean Joyner

The tyrant has risen, and it needs another soul. 
Following the death of their estranged father, Joseph Young and his sister, Hope, inherit a dilapidated yet spacious cabin in the woods, complete with sprawling greenhouse and deep, unexplained gouges in the timber. As a strange plant takes root within the walls, Joseph feels something calling from the forest...Something ancient and magical...Something powerful...Something evil...And it's been waiting for Hope. Can Joseph save his sister from eternal damnation, or will the tyrant claim him instead?
Robin's Review: A tale of siblings Joseph and Hope who inherit their estranged and possibly insane father’s cabin. A not so small cabin with an attached greenhouse. It is isolated in a remote area in the woods and in which the closest town is a small town called Strega Falls of Kentucky. In this town everyone and everything is buttoned down tight at dusk. Which should have been the first clue. Am I Right?

They came to “wrap up” their father’s life and hopefully figure out what to do with his things, and then decide what to do with the cabin. Their Uncle Allen believes that they can and should sell it and go back to living their lives. But upon seeing the cabin and its mysterious claw marks and blood they are not sure what to do with it. So, they wonder; What was their father doing out here so isolated from everyone? Was he just eccentric or was he truly unstable? And what and why was he researching the occult and how could that possibly be connected to their mothers death years ago? So many unanswered questions but are they ready to find out the answers? And at what cost?

This story creeped me out with its suspenseful horror. The telling of it was so descriptive I really felt like I was there, and I got scared. Duh? The plot was well written, thought out and entertaining. The characters were likable and realistic. The world building was rich and interesting. I really enjoy anything written by Bella Dean Joyner. I highly recommend all of her books especially this one.
Witch's Bargain (The Wailing Echoes Series)
Part of: The Wailing Echoes Series

Invocation's Torment
The Wailing Echoes Series Book 2 of 2: 
This title will be released on February 25, 2022.

#darkfantasy #horror #suspense #mystery #thriller #occult #demon

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Robin’s Review of Wait for Me

Wait for Me

by J.M. McKenzie

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Wait for Me
by J.M. McKenzie

Lisa is on a train, 20 miles from home, when the United Kingdom is hit by a terrifying bioterrorist attack, and a national emergency is declared. After she was separated from her husband, Neil, in the hours following the September 11th attack, she made him promise that, in the event of a similar crisis, their priority should be to go home and wait for each other there. Keeping her promise, and trusting Neil to keep his, she sets out on what she believes will be a quick and easy journey. But the world she once knew has changed forever and has become deadly and unpredictable. Will she make it back home to Neil? Will he be there? Will he wait for her?
Robin's Review: This is a story of one woman’s courage to get back home to her husband after an apocalyptic event in the UK. The plot was interesting and entertaining. The setting was descriptive and understandable. The main characters were your average everyday people put in the horrifying position and then made to make hard decisions. Mistakes were made by the characters but that made it all the more relatable.

#dystopian
#postapocalyptic
#sciencefiction
#fantasy
#horror
#zombie

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Robin’s Review of Nightmares: A Collection of Scary Stories

“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamed of in your philosophy”, said William Shakespeare.

Nightmares: A Collection of Scary Stories

by Kate DeJonge

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Nightmares: A Collection of Scary Stories
by Kate DeJonge

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamed of in your philosophy", said William Shakespeare. "But, what about those things from Hell", I ask, "that haunt our many Universes as nightmares? "Explore the underbelly of our world through the eyes of someone who has seen more shades of reality than any person should. Kate will take you on a tour of the darkest corners of her mind, daring you to imagine a fate worse than those inflicted upon her characters while you peek through your fingers to finish her short stories. There are more than ghosts, witches, vampires, and werewolves to be afraid of out there. Come along, little pretties, and find out what else is lurking in the dark. This is an anthology of short stories and novellas written by Kate DeJonge during the summer of 2021, a period of time that most will remember as the "Just Before".

The Muck Olla
The Warlock of Stoney Creek
Small Town Secrets Ghoul
The Mortician’s Son
The Devil’s Acre
The Cemetery That Never Was
The Artist.
Mind Games
The House in Thunder Bay (a true story).
On a Dark, Dark Night
The Ghosts of Fort George (a true story) Remembering Camille (a novella)
Helen’s Story (a novella)
Robin's Review: Because they were short stories, I will not tell you about them that way you can appreciate them on your own.

I must say all of them were deliciously creepy and oddly satisfying. I don’t know if I could pick a favorite because I enjoyed them all, but the ones based on a true story were beyond frightening. Kate DeJonge has a twisty and creative way of writing, and I can’t wait for more from her.

Thanks so much for a review copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review of my personal opinion.

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Robin’s Review of Magnified and Sanctified

Humanity has a hidden name…

Magnified and Sanctified

by J. David Core

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Magnified and Sanctified
by J. David Core

Humanity has a hidden name, a “secret cord” known and feared in our unconscious minds for millennia. Uttered for the first time in human history, it has the power to control our very essence, altering us at the cellular level and changing us into mindless reapers intent on sharing the irresistible name; transforming all who hear and calling them to join the danse.
Robin's Review: This is an interesting take on a zombie apocalypse story. It is full of plausible science and freakish fiction, but it is up to you to figure out what parts are what. I liked that it was a clean and different way of spreading the “infection” resulting in zombies. The plot was strong, but it did leave you hanging in a few places which adds to the creepiness. The characters were well written and easily relatable. All in all, it was a good book. On a side note, it had some good tips for edible plants and such.

This title will be released on December 31, 2021.

Thanks so much for an advance review copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review of my personal opinion.

Zombie
Horror
Post-Apocalyptic
Thriller
Science Fiction
Fantasy




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Robin’s Review of Piece by Piece

Sometimes, all it takes is perspective to appreciate the simple things.

Piece by Piece

by Daemon Manx

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Piece by Piece
by Daemon Manx

How would you live your life if you knew the year you were going to die. Sometimes, all it takes is perspective to appreciate the simple things, or a little extra concern for the frailty of the present moment to fully understand what makes life worth living. And sometimes, all it takes is a little shove in the right direction. When Bobby Canfield was eleven years old, he received a message from a mysterious presence called Mac. The delivery of this message was through a Ouija board, and it would forever change Bobby's life. After all, it's not every day you find out when you are going to die.
Robin's Review: Another great read from Daemon Manx.
His writing just sucks you in with how fluid he writes. His stories are so fantastically imaginative with rich descriptions that you feel yourself pulled into the story.

Piece by Piece

“I have discovered that life is a journey that we each must take, and the only way to find the answers is to ask the questions ourselves. No one can do it for us. It is a puzzle we must solve on our own, piece by piece.”

This was an exciting read for me. I loved how Mr. Manx made in such a short time such a vibrant and entertaining story with supernatural undertones that seem so undeniable plausible and real.

The Widower

“The noises that escaped from David’s lips were not exactly the cries of a man in pain, and they weren’t precisely the anguished wails of sorrow. The sound that David expressed as the beast drained him was much closer to that of relief.”

This story has an interesting and emotional tone to it that I found fascinating. I loved how it had a bit of an edge to it in how it was written.

I never want to pass up a book by Daemon Manx and neither should you. Always a five-star rating.

Thanks so much for an advance review copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review of my personal opinion.





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