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the_wistful_word_witch's review
3.0
I'm not usually one for apocalyptic zombie books, but this was a really interesting take on the origin story! So much so that I read it in one sitting. I even looked forward to seeing what happened in the second one!
regitzexenia's review against another edition
4.0
Review copy from the publisher, Facet.
Reviewed on my blog Bookish Love Affair.
How much can happen in one day? I mean, how badly could thing get out of hand?
Very. Really very much. And as such, we see the beginning of an assumed zombie-apocaplypse through the eyes of two boys in their late teens and how in just one day everything changes.
It's fast-paced, kinda disgusting and spooky. I wonder what happens on day two.
Reviewed on my blog Bookish Love Affair.
How much can happen in one day? I mean, how badly could thing get out of hand?
Very. Really very much. And as such, we see the beginning of an assumed zombie-apocaplypse through the eyes of two boys in their late teens and how in just one day everything changes.
It's fast-paced, kinda disgusting and spooky. I wonder what happens on day two.
energyrae's review
5.0
Thomas, Dan, and Jennie are out for her paper route when things go awry. At an older woman's house, Jennie must bring the paper inside, though she has Dan do it for her. When Dan's screams send them racing inside, they realize the woman isn't normal, in fact, she looks quite like a zombie and if they aren't careful, her scratch could infect all three of them. Hiding in the basement with no means of escape, the hours dwindle away as they desperately try to come up with a plan.
I always love reading Clausen's work because he's really great at writing horror. Once the action started, it was non-stop, having you race through the pages to see what's going to happen. I didn't much care for Jennie because she whined, a lot, and I think Clausen did a great job at creating such an unlikable character. I think so many of the trios decisions were perfectly bad decisions, ones that make for classic horror story mistakes, and you watch them pile up. Dead Meat is well-written, with fast-paced fun in an easy and quick novella sized book perfect for fans of zombies and horror.
I always love reading Clausen's work because he's really great at writing horror. Once the action started, it was non-stop, having you race through the pages to see what's going to happen. I didn't much care for Jennie because she whined, a lot, and I think Clausen did a great job at creating such an unlikable character. I think so many of the trios decisions were perfectly bad decisions, ones that make for classic horror story mistakes, and you watch them pile up. Dead Meat is well-written, with fast-paced fun in an easy and quick novella sized book perfect for fans of zombies and horror.
bookwormbunny's review
Dead Meat: Day 1 is a horror thriller by Nick Clausen that promises readers a trip down “scary lane.” This story takes place in Denmark with three teenagers out on a regular day not expecting the horrors that they are about to face as one simply goes into an old woman’s house to do a simple job – deliver a newspaper. Things take a horrific turn with a gruesome discovery that, due to a cruel twist of fate, has far-reaching consequences.
Being an avid fan and lover of horror movies and always looking for my next thrill from a horror story, I was eager to dive into this book. I was eager to see where the author would take me in the familiar troupe of zombies and death. I have to say I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job with this short story keeping me engaged as to what was going to happen next. I’m pleased to say that a couple of characters do a lot better than I was expecting. I was honestly expecting some of the typical clichés seen in horror movies where nobody does the obvious. I guess it helps that one of the characters watched quite a few horror movies and knows what should be done.
I can honestly say that there is nothing I don’t like about this book. Be forewarned…there is no happy ending…as this is just the beginning. I will admit that I got annoyed with one of the characters, but I know that this was done with intent by the author. The author does his best to make these characters as true to life in this story and it works! We see the humanity in them as they try to resist doing the “ultimate” deed in the name of survival.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is truly a horror success and I look forward to learning what happens next as a terrible realization hits one of the characters at the end, and one that I’m sure will have you yelling at them (and it falling on deaf ears). If you enjoy horror stories, zombies, and well-created characters then I highly recommend this story.
Being an avid fan and lover of horror movies and always looking for my next thrill from a horror story, I was eager to dive into this book. I was eager to see where the author would take me in the familiar troupe of zombies and death. I have to say I was not disappointed. The author does a fantastic job with this short story keeping me engaged as to what was going to happen next. I’m pleased to say that a couple of characters do a lot better than I was expecting. I was honestly expecting some of the typical clichés seen in horror movies where nobody does the obvious. I guess it helps that one of the characters watched quite a few horror movies and knows what should be done.
I can honestly say that there is nothing I don’t like about this book. Be forewarned…there is no happy ending…as this is just the beginning. I will admit that I got annoyed with one of the characters, but I know that this was done with intent by the author. The author does his best to make these characters as true to life in this story and it works! We see the humanity in them as they try to resist doing the “ultimate” deed in the name of survival.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is truly a horror success and I look forward to learning what happens next as a terrible realization hits one of the characters at the end, and one that I’m sure will have you yelling at them (and it falling on deaf ears). If you enjoy horror stories, zombies, and well-created characters then I highly recommend this story.
sstarke's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me why I love the zombie genre so much. This one is a different take because it's the very beginning, the origin story if you will. I got an ARC copy, but it didn't effect my opinion whatsoever. I found myself tearing through this book to see what happened.
Like many of these types of books, the main characters made some really stupid decisions. I give them latitude because they're young and in a stressful situation. There are some flaws and I found one typo, but this is a very enjoyable book that does what it sets out to do. It's a creepy zombie story that delivers. I would recommend it if these are the types of stories you enjoy.
Like many of these types of books, the main characters made some really stupid decisions. I give them latitude because they're young and in a stressful situation. There are some flaws and I found one typo, but this is a very enjoyable book that does what it sets out to do. It's a creepy zombie story that delivers. I would recommend it if these are the types of stories you enjoy.
literarygadd's review
4.0
I’ll be honest, I was a bit hesitant going into this book, I don’t usually handpick a book that I believe will have a lot of gore, and choosing to read a zombie book is an almost absolute guarantee that there is going to be a significant amount of blood and guts. This assumption was correct, but Nick’s writing had me hooked from the first page, so I was here for the show and enjoyed every word.
Do not pick up this book thinking it will be a short read, because the minute you finish this novella, you’re going to want to read the next one. Which is exactly what I did, and is why two nights later I’m now on Dead Meat: Day 4 and anticipating the release of Day 5. These book “snacks” are addictive and “once you pop, you can’t stop”.
Most zombie stories, specifically movies and television, follow a very predictable script, and once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. While you can appreciate them all with their slight variations, there’s very little surprise in the arc and finale. Clausen threw this playbook out the window and crafted an unparalleled drama that ties the supernatural into what is a traditionally clinical origin story.
Everything about Dead Meat is so well executed. Each zombie attack is a shocking surprise despite having read several. Every character is well fleshed out (pun slightly intended) so that every loss is mourned. I can guarantee that you won’t know where the story is going or how it will end. Regardless of the apocalyptic trajectory, you won’t want it to end.
This book 100% surprised me and I will read this series through Day 100.
Do not pick up this book thinking it will be a short read, because the minute you finish this novella, you’re going to want to read the next one. Which is exactly what I did, and is why two nights later I’m now on Dead Meat: Day 4 and anticipating the release of Day 5. These book “snacks” are addictive and “once you pop, you can’t stop”.
Most zombie stories, specifically movies and television, follow a very predictable script, and once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. While you can appreciate them all with their slight variations, there’s very little surprise in the arc and finale. Clausen threw this playbook out the window and crafted an unparalleled drama that ties the supernatural into what is a traditionally clinical origin story.
Everything about Dead Meat is so well executed. Each zombie attack is a shocking surprise despite having read several. Every character is well fleshed out (pun slightly intended) so that every loss is mourned. I can guarantee that you won’t know where the story is going or how it will end. Regardless of the apocalyptic trajectory, you won’t want it to end.
This book 100% surprised me and I will read this series through Day 100.
ania_star's review
5.0
This is how zombie-apocalypse starts. Dean Meat is one of the scariest stories I've ever read (I don't read much scarry stuff :)) and I made a mistake of reading it before bed. :)
Three teenagers: a girl, her boyfriend, and her brother are delivering the paper to the secluded house. They find a crazy lady, who starts to attack them. When escaping they end up locked in the basement, with no escape. It's hot, they are trapped, and the lady keeps on scratching at the door. One of them gets scratched by the lady. Now teenagers are fighting the clock, they have to escape before they get infected and kill all the zombies before they spread out.
Also, one of my favorite things about the book is the explanation, how Zombies came to be and from where.
The writing is amazing, the story starts right in the middle of the action and I was sucked right, from the start till the very end. It's a thrilling, page-turning book, perfect for Halloween month. :)
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good horror book.
received from Author
Three teenagers: a girl, her boyfriend, and her brother are delivering the paper to the secluded house. They find a crazy lady, who starts to attack them. When escaping they end up locked in the basement, with no escape. It's hot, they are trapped, and the lady keeps on scratching at the door. One of them gets scratched by the lady. Now teenagers are fighting the clock, they have to escape before they get infected and kill all the zombies before they spread out.
Also, one of my favorite things about the book is the explanation, how Zombies came to be and from where.
The writing is amazing, the story starts right in the middle of the action and I was sucked right, from the start till the very end. It's a thrilling, page-turning book, perfect for Halloween month. :)
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good horror book.
received from Author
amanda_lee's review
5.0
This was so good and entertaining. It's fast paced and pulls you in right away. I was kept on the edge of my seat with my heart racing. One of my biggest issues with zombie stories is the believably, this was told in a way that made it feel real and possible.
I really liked the characters. There's some angst among these three teens who find themselves in this terrifying survival situation. I loved that we were thrown in at day one and that the characters weren't clueless. I can't wait for the next one.
I highly recommend this for any zombie lovers or anyone who wants a good creepy read.
I really liked the characters. There's some angst among these three teens who find themselves in this terrifying survival situation. I loved that we were thrown in at day one and that the characters weren't clueless. I can't wait for the next one.
I highly recommend this for any zombie lovers or anyone who wants a good creepy read.
ericarobyn's review
4.0
Love zombie tales? This YA horror tale is 140 pages filled with teen angst and terror!
When we meet the three main characters, the tension is already very high!
The three teens are stuck in a very warm basement with someone on the other side of the door who just keeps scratching at the door…
One character is complaining about pain, the second character is absolutely terrified, and the third is having an internal struggle with the entire situation as well as some personal struggles. And of course, two of the characters are already fighting with each other.
We soon learn that the three characters are in a situation where they are being held captive in the basement because there is a zombie on the other side of the door. We also get a flashback to learn what happened before they wound up where they are in the present.
For the remainder of the tale, we see the characters deal with many situations that get darker and darker, and more terrifying and horrible as the story progresses.
Some of the scenes had be cringing. Some had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next. Some scenes will be stuck in my head for a long time to come.
Of course, this is just day one. So there’s a bit of a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what day two is like!!
My Favorite Passages:
Jennie is obviously out of the picture – she couldn’t hit the floor if she fell down, especially not with her wounded arm.
“What do you think was the point of the ritual?” Dan asks.
“No idea. I didn’t go to Hogwarts.”
Dan doesn’t seem to hear the joke. He just starts turning pages again.
My Final Thoughts:
Phew! What a read! I definitely recommend this one to fans of YA horror. This one certainly didn’t shy away from the gruesome details!
When we meet the three main characters, the tension is already very high!
The three teens are stuck in a very warm basement with someone on the other side of the door who just keeps scratching at the door…
One character is complaining about pain, the second character is absolutely terrified, and the third is having an internal struggle with the entire situation as well as some personal struggles. And of course, two of the characters are already fighting with each other.
We soon learn that the three characters are in a situation where they are being held captive in the basement because there is a zombie on the other side of the door. We also get a flashback to learn what happened before they wound up where they are in the present.
For the remainder of the tale, we see the characters deal with many situations that get darker and darker, and more terrifying and horrible as the story progresses.
Some of the scenes had be cringing. Some had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next. Some scenes will be stuck in my head for a long time to come.
Of course, this is just day one. So there’s a bit of a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see what day two is like!!
My Favorite Passages:
Jennie is obviously out of the picture – she couldn’t hit the floor if she fell down, especially not with her wounded arm.
“What do you think was the point of the ritual?” Dan asks.
“No idea. I didn’t go to Hogwarts.”
Dan doesn’t seem to hear the joke. He just starts turning pages again.
My Final Thoughts:
Phew! What a read! I definitely recommend this one to fans of YA horror. This one certainly didn’t shy away from the gruesome details!
fernbell's review
5.0
I wanted to read some spooky stories as it is the month of October and I really don’t usually read them. I have to say the reason is that I have too vivid of an imagination so it sticks with me. This year I wanted to do something different and try again. I am not sure if this was a good decision after reading this story. So I read the description and thought it sounded interesting. Maybe one that wouldn’t be too creepy even if it did contain zombies. Can you hear me laughing at myself. Ya it was creepy. Yet I can say it was a really good story and got me caught up right away. I liked the characters and the world building. I could picture it happening the way the author described it. I think in a way for me that made it worse as it made it more believable. Well done, for me I could feel my heart beating fast by the end. Like I said I don’t usually read or even watch movies like this for a reason. Saying that I would look for more by this author as the writing style and characters was well done. Seemed like I just started it and I was at the end. The end does leave an opening for more and I do want to know more, yet there was also an ending that I was satisfied with for now. I did received an ARC for an honest review. I would recommend this book to others and am thinking I should go buy it so when the next part comes out I can reread this part first to get back into the mood.