Deadland Rising - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

Deadland Rising (Deadland Saga, #3)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The conclusion of the critically acclaimed DEADLAND SAGA:

Winter has arrived.
It has been nearly one year since the zombie hordes claimed the world. As the plague eats away at its victims’ bodies, the Fox survivors search for a safe place to rebuild what they have lost. But a dangerous new threat has risen, hunting them from every direction. To survive, Cash, Clutch, and their small band of refugees must put their faith in a group of strangers and a new government with radical plans. It will take all of the Fox survivors’ strength and courage to endure in this barren, hostile world. Even that might not be enough.

(Deadland Rising is a journey through Dante Alighieri's “Paradiso”, the classic tale on the seven virtues… zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I loved the first two books in this trilogy so much, I've been stalking Rachel Aukes' website for news about the final book. So you can imagine my excitement when she sent me an early digital copy for review.

And this book was so worth the wait!

There's less zombies in this book than in the other books, but there's more than enough danger to make this a suspenseful and intense read.

The plague and the zombies have left the survivors robbed of the conveniences they were used to, and the lack of a structured society makes the world a dangerous place. Cash and Clutch face important decisions. Who should they trust? How do they deal with the problems thrown their way? And how are they going to rebuild their life?

I was totally captured by this book from the start and read it almost in one sitting (dinner is overrated).

The way Aukes writes this story makes it feel real, and Cash and Clutch are easy to root for. That doesn't mean they're perfect, they have their flaws and emotional scars, but they're trying to make the right choices, and they care for each other and their friends.

As in the previous books Aukes shows that zombies may be dangerous, but it's humans who can be more deadly and rotten. I like how Aukes shows how different people can react to stress, leadership and danger. How it makes some people fight to hold on to what they know is right, and how others turn to their base urges.

As for this book being a re-imagining of Dante Alighieri's Paradiso: for those familiar with this work, it will be fun to find all the comparisons and little Easter eggs, but you don't have to know anything about Paradiso to enjoy Deadland Rising.

All in all this book is a fitting and more than worthy conclusion to an awesome trilogy, and you bet I'll be getting the paperback, so I have all three books to hug and reread as often as I want.

Why should you read it:
Post Apocalyptic Awesomeness!


Find buy links here

Deadland's Harvest - Book Review (repost/reread)

Deadland's Harvest (Deadland #2)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
It has been one hundred days since the zombies claimed the world. Cash, along with forty-two survivors, have found safety in the secluded and well-guarded Fox National Park. The leaves are changing colors, a beautiful, brutal reminder that winter is coming. As the survivors prepare for freezing months without electricity and not enough food, they learn of massive zombie herds several hundred miles north…and headed their way.

To save the park, Cash must find a place for the survivors to hide from the migrating herds. If Cash and her small band of volunteers don’t succeed by winter, the Fox survivors just may become Deadland’s Harvest.

(Deadland’s Harvest is a journey through Dante Alighieri's classic tale on the seven deadly sins… zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
Some of you might remember how much I loved 100 Days in Deadland, the first book in this trilogy. So you can imagine how excited I was when I got a digital copy of Deadland's Harvest for review.

And this book is awesome!

Aukes uses the seven deadly sins as a guideline for her story, but in such a way that it doesn't interfere with your reading pleasure. You can easily identify the sins in each part of the story, but the things that are happening, the action, and zombie mayhem make sure you are totally engrossed in the story.

The story starts where 100 Days in Deadland ended, and with only a small reprieve Cash and her friends are once again caught up in the horrors of the zombie apocalypse. The story is intense and full of action. Zombies, greedy humans and more make surviving difficult. There's lots of death and destruction going on, and Cash and those close to her have to fight for survival. I was hooked from the start and had trouble putting the book down. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

Aukes doesn't pull any punches and there were some gruesome scenes and deaths that shocked me. I can say I was glad that most of my favorite characters survived, although not without wear and tear. And the ending...

It's not a cliffhanger ending, but so many things have happened, so many things might still happen: I seriously need to get my trotters on the last book in this trilogy!

If you haven't started on this trilogy yet, I can only tell you to pick up the first book asap, because these books are so good. You can count on it that I'll be rereading this book, and I'm stalking bookdepository, so I can buy this book in print as soon as possible.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome zombie read!


Find buy links here

100 Days in Deadland - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

100 Days in Deadland (Deadland, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The world ended on a Thursday.

In one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: vicious, gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living. There is no government, no shelter.

Still in her twenties, Cash has watched her friends die, only to walk again. An office worker with few survival skills, she joins up with Clutch, a grizzled Army veteran with PTSD. Together, they flee the city and struggle through the nine circles of hell, with nothing but Clutch’s military experience and Cash’s determination to live. As they fight to survive in the zombie inferno, they quickly discover that nowhere is safe from the undead… or the living.

This is the beginning after the end.

(100 Days in Deadland is a modern remake of Dante's Inferno, the classic tale on the horrors of hell... zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I love zombie retellings of classics, so this modern zombie remake of Dante's Inferno was right up my alley.

And it's so good!

There's lots of cool zombie action, an intense story and characters you can really love.

Even though this book is filled with (subtle) references to Dante's Inferno I will confess that I didn't really take note of them, because the story is so good I was totally engrossed in it. Cash and Clutch are both awesome characters and I rooted for them to survive the ruthless zombie attacks and the even more vile attempts of other people to take away what little they have.

The story follows the descend into hell and with each new circle a new emotion gets introduced to the story. It makes for really intense reading as the sins and emotions that get thrown into the mix are getting gradually worse. There are some really gruesome scenes in this book and they fit the intensity of the story in my opinion. I kept cheering Cash and Clutch on, even as things seemed to go from bad to worse. At times Aukes gave Cash and Clutch some much needed reprieve from their trials and I rejoiced with them whenever things went well for them.

I can't give away too much about the ending without being too spoilery, but I can tell you I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series, because I need more!!

All in all this is a totally awesome post apocalyptic read that I can advice to anyone who loves a good zombie story. That it's a remake of Dante's Inferno is a bonus, but believe me: you don't need to have read it to enjoy and love this book.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Post Apocalyptic read with lots of zombies.


Find buy links here

Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure - Book Review

Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure (Flight of the Javelin #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
An alien ship. Stolen colonists. All Throttle wanted was a vacation...

Fifteen years into a twenty-year voyage, war veteran Captain Throttle Reyne is looking forward to taking a break from dealing with malfunctions, glitches, and the hassles of monitoring a thousand colonists in cryo-sleep.

But when her colony ship breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Throttle and her crew must leave the colonists behind to search for help. They find a ship that's not only missing a crew… it's clearly not from their star system.

It's the discovery of a lifetime. All they need to do is tow the mysterious vessel back to their colony ship for further study and
Throttle won't ever have to work again. One problem. While they're away, the colony ship is stolen—with the colonists still on board.

Throttle gives chase to a lawless star system on the outer rim. To get their colonists back, they must take on the pirates and ganglords who will do anything—and sell anyone—to make a buck.

They play dirty. But Throttle and her crew play dirtier.

Strap on your restraints and experience the start of this new space opera thrill ride. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jennifer Foehner Wells, and Star Wars.

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read!

Throttle and her crew are totally awesome, and I was hooked from the start. The action is almost non-stop, and there are some really tense and dangerous situations Throttle need to deal with. I was cheering her on to save her colonists and to save the day.

This story is gritty, intense, dirty, and oh so good!

The worldbuilding is terrific, and I could easily picture all the cool places that appear in this book. I also think this setting and this story would lend themselves really well for a rpg computer game, the likes of the Mass Effect trilogy. I'd play the shit out of it, I can tell you!

And the ending! OMG! I'm still reeling and I need the next book. You bet I'll be getting my greedy trotters on it once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a super cool Space Opera Adventure.


buy from amazon

Release Day Alert - Black Sheep

You bet I'll be reading this book as soon as I can fit it into my reading schedule.


Black Sheep: A Space Opera Adventure
by Rachel Aukes

An alien ship. Stolen colonists. All Throttle wanted was a vacation...

Fifteen years into a twenty-year voyage, war veteran Captain Throttle Reyne is looking forward to taking a break from dealing with malfunctions, glitches, and the hassles of monitoring a thousand colonists in cryo-sleep.

But when her colony ship breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Throttle and her crew must leave the colonists behind to search for help. They find a ship that's not only missing a crew… it's clearly not from their star system.

It's the discovery of a lifetime. All they need to do is tow the mysterious vessel back to their colony ship for further study and
Throttle won't ever have to work again. One problem. While they're away, the colony ship is stolen—with the colonists still on board.

Throttle gives chase to a lawless star system on the outer rim. To get their colonists back, they must take on the pirates and ganglords who will do anything—and sell anyone—to make a buck.

They play dirty. But Throttle and her crew play dirtier.

Strap on your restraints and experience the start of this new space opera thrill ride. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jennifer Foehner Wells, and Star Wars.


Buy from Amazon

Bounty Hunter - Book Review

Bounty Hunter: Lone Gunfighter of the Wastelands
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The world went down the crapper.

Then the revolution came. Things stink even worse now.

The wealthy Sloan brothers stake their claim over the lawless wastelands. With no one to stand against them, the people are left to the mercy of the corrupt tyrants. We need a gunfighter who isn't afraid to stand against impossible odds. The problem is that all the heroes died in the revolution… which means we'll have to settle for "Havoc" Joe Ballast.

Ballast is no stranger to bad luck, but when the Sloan brothers corner him, they'll soon learn that you should never, ever underestimate the Bounty Hunter.

What did I think of it:
Rachel Aukes' Deadland Saga is one of my all time favorite reads, so you bet I jumped on the chance to read and review this book, especially as it was pitched to me as "The Mandalorian meets Fallout". Who can resist that?!

And this is such a cool read!

Havoc/Joe isn't a nice guy. He's not a bad guy either, but he's jaded, practical, and totally shoots first if it looks like bullets will start flying. He does have his soft spots though, and those make that you can root for him, and they are what gets him in trouble.

I loved the setting, which indeed reminded me of some of the Fallout games. It's a grim world, full of bandits, so called law makers, bounty hunters, and those who are just trying very hard to survive. There are mentions of the wars that led to this situation, and that add to the overall atmosphere in this book.

From the start this book is full of action and I was hooked right away. I could really relate to Joe, even though he can be quite the grump (or maybe because he's a grump ;-) ). I really enjoyed the narrative voice, which is quite humorous at times. It mostly follows Joe, but switches to other characters at times as well. I especially loved T-Rex of the other characters: a bounty hunter who's even more pragmatic than Joe.

All in all this is a really great read, and you bet I'm getting my hands on the next book, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
Mandalorian meets Fallout! Need I really say more?


buy from Amazon

Fringe Runner - Book Review (repost)

And here's a review repost of another book I've been rereading.


Fringe Runner (Fringe Series, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The first in a new space opera series!

After the colonization of Mars and Europa, it took us fewer than five generations to reach beyond our solar system and discover new planets capable of supporting human life. Too far away to be governed under Earth law, the Collective was formed. Several hundred years later, the Collective has expanded to a thriving system of six inhabited worlds, but power struggles are common, and a seemingly inevitable interplanetary war looms on the horizon. It’s nearly impossible for the working class to make ends meet.

Aramis Reyne is one of the working class. An old space captain hounded by arthritis and war memories, he struggles to make enough credits to feed his crew and keep his ship flying by running mail and supplies to the farthest, most dangerous reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. When he’s offered a no-questions-asked contract to pick up a package, he jumps at the opportunity. But, he quickly learns that he should’ve asked questions…and that there are far worse things in the Collective than being broke.

What did I think of it:
If you haven't noticed I love Rachel Aukes' Deadland Saga, I haven't been singing its praises loud enough. So when I was asked to read and review her new book Fringe Runner, I jumped at the chance.

And Fringe Runner is a great read!

Obviously the Deadland Saga is better in my opinion (Zombies!), but Fringe Runner is a seriously cool SF adventure.

Reyne is a cool lead character. He's not a virile cocky alpha dude, but instead an older seasoned captain, struggling with age and his past. His crew is very interesting as well. My favorite was Throttle, the pilot and Reyne's adopted daughter. All of them get caught up in events that might destroy the life they have, and even kill them if they can't figure out what's going on.

I was hooked from the start. Aukes knows how to write a compelling story. There is lots of action, conspiracies, and dangerous situations. I liked getting to know Reyne and his past, and was rooting for him and his crew to come out of their predicament alive.

The world building is well done without unnecessary info dumps and while some things stay vague, there's enough explanation to be able to picture the planets and people Reyne and his crew encounter.

Some of the major story lines got their solution in this book, making sure you aren't left totally frustrated when finishing the book, but there's enough still unresolved to make you eager for the next book.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and will be keeping an eye out for the next.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed SF adventure.


Find buy links here

Fringe Runner - Book Review (repost)

Fringe Runner (Fringe Series, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The first in a new space opera series!

After the colonization of Mars and Europa, it took us fewer than five generations to reach beyond our solar system and discover new planets capable of supporting human life. Too far away to be governed under Earth law, the Collective was formed. Several hundred years later, the Collective has expanded to a thriving system of six inhabited worlds, but power struggles are common, and a seemingly inevitable interplanetary war looms on the horizon. It’s nearly impossible for the working class to make ends meet.

Aramis Reyne is one of the working class. An old space captain hounded by arthritis and war memories, he struggles to make enough credits to feed his crew and keep his ship flying by running mail and supplies to the farthest, most dangerous reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. When he’s offered a no-questions-asked contract to pick up a package, he jumps at the opportunity. But, he quickly learns that he should’ve asked questions…and that there are far worse things in the Collective than being broke.

What did I think of it:
If you haven't noticed I love Rachel Aukes' Deadland Saga, I haven't been singing its praises loud enough. So when I was asked to read and review her new book Fringe Runner, I jumped at the chance.

And Fringe Runner is a great read!

Obviously the Deadland Saga is better in my opinion (Zombies!), but Fringe Runner is a seriously cool SF adventure.

Reyne is a cool lead character. He's not a virile cocky alpha dude, but instead an older seasoned captain, struggling with age and his past. His crew is very interesting as well. My favorite was Throttle, the pilot and Reyne's adopted daughter. All of them get caught up in events that might destroy the life they have, and even kill them if they can't figure out what's going on.

I was hooked from the start. Aukes knows how to write a compelling story. There is lots of action, conspiracies, and dangerous situations. I liked getting to know Reyne and his past, and was rooting for him and his crew to come out of their predicament alive.

The world building is well done without unnecessary info dumps and while some things stay vague, there's enough explanation to be able to picture the planets and people Reyne and his crew encounter.

Some of the major story lines got their solution in this book, making sure you aren't left totally frustrated when finishing the book, but there's enough still unresolved to make you eager for the next book.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and will be keeping an eye out for the next.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed SF adventure.


Find buy links here

Collision - Book Review (repost)

Collision (Colliding Worlds Trilogy #1)
by Berinn Rae/Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
Sienna Wolfe knows it’s going to be an interesting day when a man with golden skin and strange tattoos crashes in her backyard… and ends up tied to her bedposts. She likes her life just the way it is – simple, easy, relaxed. But when the gorgeous new alien in her life asks for her help in an inter-galactic war on a collision course with earth, she can’t say no… but she’ll soon wish she had.

Sienna struggles with her new, unpredictable world, which includes trying to protect earth from alien domination and dodging attempts on her life. And to make matters worse, her greatest enemy – who just so happens to have annoyingly good looks – offers her a double-edged proposal to end the war. All she has to do is give up her freedom and turn her back on the love of her life. Now it’s up to Sienna to pull off the impossible: save the world and – hopefully – live a little happily ever after.

What did I think of it:
I absolutely love the Deadland Saga by Rachel Aukes. She also writes under the penname Berinn Rae*, so while waiting for the last book in the Deadland Saga, I decided to try Collision, the first book in a SciFi trilogy.

And this is a nice read.

I had expected more of a build up in the romance between Sienna and Legian, but that was not to be. They meet, they kiss, and Bam! They're a couple. I had liked to see a bit more development in that relationship to be honest. Because it was all so quick I didn't really feel invested in their relationship.

But that aside I enjoyed the story. The aliens are interesting, the whole set up intriguing and there's some cool action. I might have been disappointed in the romance, the overall action storyline made up for that.

The lead characters of the next two books are introduced, and I must say I'm very curious about book two in this trilogy.

So although this book isn't as cool as the Deadland Saga, it's still fun enough that I'll put it on my keeper shelves and will pick up the next book sometime.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable SciFi romance


*this series is now listed as written by Rachel Aukes*

Find buy links here

100 Days in Deadland - Book Review (repost)

100 Days in Deadland (Deadland, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The world ended on a Thursday.

In one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: vicious, gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living. There is no government, no shelter.

Still in her twenties, Cash has watched her friends die, only to walk again. An office worker with few survival skills, she joins up with Clutch, a grizzled Army veteran with PTSD. Together, they flee the city and struggle through the nine circles of hell, with nothing but Clutch’s military experience and Cash’s determination to live. As they fight to survive in the zombie inferno, they quickly discover that nowhere is safe from the undead… or the living.

This is the beginning after the end.

(100 Days in Deadland is a modern remake of Dante's Inferno, the classic tale on the horrors of hell... zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I love zombie retellings of classics, so this modern zombie remake of Dante's Inferno was right up my alley.

And it's so good!

There's lots of cool zombie action, an intense story and characters you can really love.

Even though this book is filled with (subtle) references to Dante's Inferno I will confess that I didn't really take note of them, because the story is so good I was totally engrossed in it. Cash and Clutch are both awesome characters and I rooted for them to survive the ruthless zombie attacks and the even more vile attempts of other people to take away what little they have.

The story follows the descend into hell and with each new circle a new emotion gets introduced to the story. It makes for really intense reading as the sins and emotions that get thrown into the mix are getting gradually worse. There are some really gruesome scenes in this book and they fit the intensity of the story in my opinion. I kept cheering Cash and Clutch on, even as things seemed to go from bad to worse. At times Aukes gave Cash and Clutch some much needed reprieve from their trials and I rejoiced with them whenever things went well for them.

I can't give away too much about the ending without being too spoilery, but I can tell you I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series, because I need more!!

All in all this is a totally awesome post apocalyptic read that I can advice to anyone who loves a good zombie story. That it's a remake of Dante's Inferno is a bonus, but believe me: you don't need to have read it to enjoy and love this book.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Post Apocalyptic read with lots of zombies.


Find buy links here

Deadland Saga Now Available as Audiobook

THE COMPLETE DEADLAND SAGA
by Rachel Aukes is now available as a single audiobook!

This is one of my favorite zombie series. There is lots of cool action, great characters, suspense, zombie mayhem, and difficult decisions.

THis audiobook contains all 3 novels in the Deadland Saga, which comes out to over 28 hours of listening. If you're an Audible customer, that's over a full day's worth of audio for a single credit. See it on Audible.

If you would rather read than listen: get the complete series here.

Fringe Runner - Book Review

Fringe Runner (Fringe Series, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The first in a new space opera series!

After the colonization of Mars and Europa, it took us fewer than five generations to reach beyond our solar system and discover new planets capable of supporting human life. Too far away to be governed under Earth law, the Collective was formed. Several hundred years later, the Collective has expanded to a thriving system of six inhabited worlds, but power struggles are common, and a seemingly inevitable interplanetary war looms on the horizon. It’s nearly impossible for the working class to make ends meet.

Aramis Reyne is one of the working class. An old space captain hounded by arthritis and war memories, he struggles to make enough credits to feed his crew and keep his ship flying by running mail and supplies to the farthest, most dangerous reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. When he’s offered a no-questions-asked contract to pick up a package, he jumps at the opportunity. But, he quickly learns that he should’ve asked questions…and that there are far worse things in the Collective than being broke.

What did I think of it:
If you haven't noticed I love Rachel Aukes' Deadland Saga, I haven't been singing its praises loud enough. So when I was asked to read and review her new book Fringe Runner, I jumped at the chance.

And Fringe Runner is a great read!

Obviously the Deadland Saga is better in my opinion (Zombies!), but Fringe Runner is a seriously cool SF adventure.

Reyne is a cool lead character. He's not a virile cocky alpha dude, but instead an older seasoned captain, struggling with age and his past. His crew is very interesting as well. My favorite was Throttle, the pilot and Reyne's adopted daughter. All of them get caught up in events that might destroy the life they have, and even kill them if they can't figure out what's going on.

I was hooked from the start. Aukes knows how to write a compelling story. There is lots of action, conspiracies, and dangerous situations. I liked getting to know Reyne and his past, and was rooting for him and his crew to come out of their predicament alive.

The world building is well done without unnecessary info dumps and while some things stay vague, there's enough explanation to be able to picture the planets and people Reyne and his crew encounter.

Some of the major story lines got their solution in this book, making sure you aren't left totally frustrated when finishing the book, but there's enough still unresolved to make you eager for the next book.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and will be keeping an eye out for the next.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed SF adventure.


Find buy links here

Deadland Rising - Release Day Book Review

Deadland Rising (Deadland Saga, #3)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The conclusion of the critically acclaimed DEADLAND SAGA:

Winter has arrived.
It has been nearly one year since the zombie hordes claimed the world. As the plague eats away at its victims’ bodies, the Fox survivors search for a safe place to rebuild what they have lost. But a dangerous new threat has risen, hunting them from every direction. To survive, Cash, Clutch, and their small band of refugees must put their faith in a group of strangers and a new government with radical plans. It will take all of the Fox survivors’ strength and courage to endure in this barren, hostile world. Even that might not be enough.

(Deadland Rising is a journey through Dante Alighieri's “Paradiso”, the classic tale on the seven virtues… zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I loved the first two books in this trilogy so much, I've been stalking Rachel Aukes' website for news about the final book. So you can imagine my excitement when she sent me an early digital copy for review.

And this book was so worth the wait!

There's less zombies in this book than in the other books, but there's more than enough danger to make this a suspenseful and intense read.

The plague and the zombies have left the survivors robbed of the conveniences they were used to, and the lack of a structured society makes the world a dangerous place. Cash and Clutch face important decisions. Who should they trust? How do they deal with the problems thrown their way? And how are they going to rebuild their life?

I was totally captured by this book from the start and read it almost in one sitting (dinner is overrated).

The way Aukes writes this story makes it feel real, and Cash and Clutch are easy to root for. That doesn't mean they're perfect, they have their flaws and emotional scars, but they're trying to make the right choices, and they care for each other and their friends.

As in the previous books Aukes shows that zombies may be dangerous, but it's humans who can be more deadly and rotten. I like how Aukes shows how different people can react to stress, leadership and danger. How it makes some people fight to hold on to what they know is right, and how others turn to their base urges.

As for this book being a re-imagining of Dante Alighieri's Paradiso: for those familiar with this work, it will be fun to find all the comparisons and little Easter eggs, but you don't have to know anything about Paradiso to enjoy Deadland Rising.

All in all this book is a fitting and more than worthy conclusion to an awesome trilogy, and you bet I'll be getting the paperback, so I have all three books to hug and reread as often as I want.

Why should you read it:
Post Apocalyptic Awesomeness!


Find buy links here

An Interview with Rachel Aukes + Giveaway

I'm very happy to welcome Rachel Aukes to my blog today. She's the author of the awesome Deadland Saga. The first book, 100 Days in Deadland was my favorite zombie read of 2013, and the second book, Deadland's Harvest is just as awesome!

Rachel kindly agreed to an interview, and she'll be giving away a print copy of Deadland's Harvest to one reader of my blog!


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Rachel.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?
I’m Rachel Aukes (pronounced “ah-kiss”), and yes, that’s my real name. I’m a writer of the bestselling Deadland Saga. I love animals, Guinness, anything sci-fi, and flying. I live in the Midwest United States, which makes it pretty easy to get out and fly my small airplane whenever I want.

What can you tell us about your books?
I write speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror). Right now, I’m working on the third book in the three-part Deadland Saga, and there will be several short stories to go along with it. Next on deck will be a bio-thriller, which will be a fun project I’m cowriting with an author I highly respect. I’ve also written romance (in the science fiction and paranormal side) under the pen name Berinn Rae.

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?
Yes. :-)

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?
I still have a desk job in the corporate world, which keeps me at another kind of desk. So, when I can get away from desks, I head to the airport and take the Champ out for a sunset flight.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?
I bought a pair of badass boots I’d been wanting for a long time. They’re black and full of buckles. I still wear them to conventions whenever I’m in the mood to kick zombie butt.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?
I haven’t had a chance to read nearly as much as I’d like lately, but I still manage to fit in a book every now and then. A couple great books I’ve read recently are Slow Burn by Bobby Adair and Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Fleming. As for influences, Douglas Adams, Stephen King, and Sherrilyn Kenyon without a doubt have greatly impacted my writing style. Each are geniuses in their own way.

Are there pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?
There were some pigs in Deadland’s Harvest, though they were only mentioned briefly. Since I grew up on a hog farm, you can bet there will be pigs in future books!

Ah, yes... I remember them...
I will look forward to more pigs in your future books :-)
Thanks for dropping by!

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About Rachel
Rachel Aukes is the international bestselling author of 100 Days in Deadland, which was named one of the best books of 2013 by Suspense Magazine and one of the best zombie books by the Huffington Post. She also writes romantic science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Berinn Rae, which includes the RWA award-winning short story "Stealing Fate," a USA Today recommended read. Rachel lives in Iowa with her husband and an incredibly spoiled sixty-pound lap dog. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes and trying (not so successfully) to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.

Rachel is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Born: Manchester, Iowa, USA
Current location: Des Moines, Iowa, area
Schools: MPA, Drake University; BA, University of Northern Iowa

Website: www.RachelAukes.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachel.aukes
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelaukes


About Deadland's Harvest:
The seven deadly sins with a shambling twist.

The critically acclaimed DEADLAND SAGA:
Book 1: 100 Days in Deadland
Book 2: Deadland’s Harvest
Book 3: Deadland Rising

It has been one hundred days since the zombies claimed the world. Cash, along with forty-two survivors, have found safety in the secluded and well-guarded Fox National Park. The leaves are changing colors, a beautiful, brutal reminder that winter is coming. As the survivors prepare for freezing months without electricity and not enough food, they learn of massive zombie herds several hundred miles north…and headed their way.

To save the park, Cash must find a place for the survivors to hide from the migrating herds. If Cash and her small band of volunteers don’t succeed by winter, the Fox survivors just may become Deadland’s Harvest.

(Deadland’s Harvest is a journey through Dante Alighieri's classic tale on the seven deadly sins… zombie apocalypse style!)

Find buy links to 100 Days in Deadland and Deadland's Harvest here

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Giveaway

Rachel has kindly offered a print copy of Deadland's Harvest to one reader of my blog.

giveaway closed - winner: Enbrethiliel

Deadland's Harvest - Book Review

Deadland's Harvest (Deadland #2)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
It has been one hundred days since the zombies claimed the world. Cash, along with forty-two survivors, have found safety in the secluded and well-guarded Fox National Park. The leaves are changing colors, a beautiful, brutal reminder that winter is coming. As the survivors prepare for freezing months without electricity and not enough food, they learn of massive zombie herds several hundred miles north…and headed their way.

To save the park, Cash must find a place for the survivors to hide from the migrating herds. If Cash and her small band of volunteers don’t succeed by winter, the Fox survivors just may become Deadland’s Harvest.

(Deadland’s Harvest is a journey through Dante Alighieri's classic tale on the seven deadly sins… zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
Some of you might remember how much I loved 100 Days in Deadland, the first book in this trilogy. So you can imagine how excited I was when I got a digital copy of Deadland's Harvest for review.

And this book is awesome!

Aukes uses the seven deadly sins as a guideline for her story, but in such a way that it doesn't interfere with your reading pleasure. You can easily identify the sins in each part of the story, but the things that are happening, the action, and zombie mayhem make sure you are totally engrossed in the story.

The story starts where 100 Days in Deadland ended, and with only a small reprieve Cash and her friends are once again caught up in the horrors of the zombie apocalypse. The story is intense and full of action. Zombies, greedy humans and more make surviving difficult. There's lots of death and destruction going on, and Cash and those close to her have to fight for survival. I was hooked from the start and had trouble putting the book down. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

Aukes doesn't pull any punches and there were some gruesome scenes and deaths that shocked me. I can say I was glad that most of my favorite characters survived, although not without wear and tear. And the ending...

It's not a cliffhanger ending, but so many things have happened, so many things might still happen: I seriously need to get my trotters on the last book in this trilogy!

If you haven't started on this trilogy yet, I can only tell you to pick up the first book asap, because these books are so good. You can count on it that I'll be rereading this book, and I'm stalking bookdepository, so I can buy this book in print as soon as possible.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome zombie read!


Find buy links here

Top Pearls 2013 - part 1

Here are 12 of 24 books we read this year that we wanted to give a shout-out, because they're really cool.
I haven't included the books that (will) have their own shout-out and giveaway post (except one).

Click the titles to go to my review, and stay tuned for part 2!


Alliance Forged by Kylie Griffin
This is a wonderful Fantasy Romance with a swoonworthy hero according to Voodoo Bride.

Absolution by Susannah Sandlin
A Paranormal Romance with yet another awesome hero, and with a solid action storyline that made this a great read for both Voodoo Bride and me.

100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes
This zombie retelling of Dante's Inferno is so cool I bought a print version after I finished reading the ebook.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA.


Horde by Ann Aguirre
The epic conclusion of an amazing Post Apocalyptic YA trilogy.

White Cat by Holly Black
A cool Paranormal YA about a boy who grew up in a family of con men.

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Who knew books about angels could be this awesomely gritty? A great Post Apocalyptic YA.

Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson
The third book in a really cool UF series that keeps getting better and better.


Alien Research by Gini Koch
A great addition to a SF series that is cool, funny, and a pleasure to read.

The Outside by Laura Bickle
Words are not enough to tell you how awesome this 2nd book in a Post Apocalyptic duology with Amish and vampires is.

Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines
What makes an already amazing UF series even better: Zombies!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
A really fun and suspenseful Paranormal YA.

100 Days in Deadland - Book Review

100 Days in Deadland (Deadland, #1)
by Rachel Aukes

What is it about:
The world ended on a Thursday.

In one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: vicious, gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living. There is no government, no shelter.

Still in her twenties, Cash has watched her friends die, only to walk again. An office worker with few survival skills, she joins up with Clutch, a grizzled Army veteran with PTSD. Together, they flee the city and struggle through the nine circles of hell, with nothing but Clutch’s military experience and Cash’s determination to live. As they fight to survive in the zombie inferno, they quickly discover that nowhere is safe from the undead… or the living.

This is the beginning after the end.

(100 Days in Deadland is a modern remake of Dante's Inferno, the classic tale on the horrors of hell... zombie apocalypse style!)

What did I think of it:
I love zombie retellings of classics, so this modern zombie remake of Dante's Inferno was right up my alley.

And it's so good!

There's lots of cool zombie action, an intense story and characters you can really love.

Even though this book is filled with (subtle) references to Dante's Inferno I will confess that I didn't really take note of them, because the story is so good I was totally engrossed in it. Cash and Clutch are both awesome characters and I rooted for them to survive the ruthless zombie attacks and the even more vile attempts of other people to take away what little they have.

The story follows the descend into hell and with each new circle a new emotion gets introduced to the story. It makes for really intense reading as the sins and emotions that get thrown into the mix are getting gradually worse. There are some really gruesome scenes in this book and they fit the intensity of the story in my opinion. I kept cheering Cash and Clutch on, even as things seemed to go from bad to worse. At times Aukes gave Cash and Clutch some much needed reprieve from their trials and I rejoiced with them whenever things went well for them.

I can't give away too much about the ending without being too spoilery, but I can tell you I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series, because I need more!!

All in all this is a totally awesome post apocalyptic read that I can advice to anyone who loves a good zombie story. That it's a remake of Dante's Inferno is a bonus, but believe me: you don't need to have read it to enjoy and love this book.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Post Apocalyptic read with lots of zombies.


Find buy links here

Release Day Zombie Alert - 100 Days in Deadland

Today is the release day of 100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes. It's a modern remake of Dante's Inferno. As you might know I love retellings and this one even includes zombies! I'll be reading this one as soon as I made a dent in my tbr-pile


100 Days in Deadland
by Rachel Aukes

A Journey Through Dante's Inferno with a Shambling Twist...

The world ended on a Thursday.

In one day, the world succumbed to a pestilence that decimated the living. In its place rose a new species: vicious, gruesome, wandering monsters with an insatiable hunger for the living. There is no government, no shelter.

Still in her twenties, Cash has watched her friends die, only to walk again. An office worker with few survival skills, she joins up with Clutch, a grizzled Army veteran with PTSD. Together, they flee the city and struggle through the nine circles of hell, with nothing but Clutch’s military experience and Cash’s determination to live. As they fight to survive in the zombie inferno, they quickly discover that nowhere is safe from the undead… or the living.

This is the beginning after the end.


(100 Days in Deadland is a modern remake of Dante's Inferno, the classic tale on the horrors of hell... zombie apocalypse style!)

Buy for:
Kindle - Nook