Title: Dead New World
Author: Ryan Hill
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Cover Art by: Conzpiracy Digital Arts
Release Date: 13th October 2014
BLURB supplied by Curiosity Quills Press
Zombies
aren’t mindless anymore.
Before
the world fell into chaos, zombies existed only in the imagination. Now,
there’re more dead walking the earth than living. Zombies move about freely,
while humans are forced behind concrete barricades to stay alive.
A man known
only as the Reverend has become a threat to the rebuilding United States. The
leader of a powerful cult, the Reverend somehow controls the zombies, bending
them to his will. He believes zombies are God’s latest creation, making
humanity obsolete, and he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance
to become one. With the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, his army composed of both
humans and zombies, he may well get his wish.
Best
friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot
and a zombie bit Ambrose… though he didn’t completely turn. He survived the
virus, only to become a human-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and
unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the
race is on to save her from a fate worse than death.
Holt
and Ambrose must sacrifice everything to take down the Reverend and survive in
this dead new world. But will they lose their souls in the process?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & INTERVIEW
Growing up,
Ryan Hill used to spend his time reading and writing instead of doing homework.
This resulted in an obsession with becoming a writer, but also a gross
incompetence in the fields of science and mathematics.
A graduate of
North Carolina State University, Ryan has been a film critic for over five
years. He lives in Raleigh, NC, with his dog/shadow Maggie. Ryan also feels
strange about referring to himself in the third person.
What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
Ryan Hill, I was in born in Greensboro, NC in 1979. I currently live in Raleigh, NC.
Ryan Hill, I was in born in Greensboro, NC in 1979. I currently live in Raleigh, NC.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I always wanted to be a writer of some sort. For a time, I wanted to be a screenwriter. Even lived in Los Angeles for a little while and worked on some independent films. I prefer novels, though. There's a lot more freedom with what you can do.
I always wanted to be a writer of some sort. For a time, I wanted to be a screenwriter. Even lived in Los Angeles for a little while and worked on some independent films. I prefer novels, though. There's a lot more freedom with what you can do.
When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?
I still don't completely consider myself a writer. I consider myself someone who loves to write, but until it becomes my day job, I won't feel comfortable calling myself a writer. Insert comment about me being a typical, insecure writer here.
I still don't completely consider myself a writer. I consider myself someone who loves to write, but until it becomes my day job, I won't feel comfortable calling myself a writer. Insert comment about me being a typical, insecure writer here.
Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
Interesting question. It varies for everyone, I guess. I'd always written, at least for fun, most of my life. In February of 2011, I had some health issues and decided it was time to take writing seriously, if that's what I really wanted to do. I received my first publishing offer in September 2013.
Interesting question. It varies for everyone, I guess. I'd always written, at least for fun, most of my life. In February of 2011, I had some health issues and decided it was time to take writing seriously, if that's what I really wanted to do. I received my first publishing offer in September 2013.
Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
Yep, I have the infamous day job. I do communications for the North Carolina state government.
Yep, I have the infamous day job. I do communications for the North Carolina state government.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in
less than 20 words what would you say?
My latest book is DEAD NEW WORLD, about a teenage soldier trying to save his beloved from a cult leader hellbent on turning everyone into a zombie.
My latest book is DEAD NEW WORLD, about a teenage soldier trying to save his beloved from a cult leader hellbent on turning everyone into a zombie.
Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
DEAD NEW WORLD and my previous novel, THE BOOK OF BART, are both published through Curiosity Quills.
DEAD NEW WORLD and my previous novel, THE BOOK OF BART, are both published through Curiosity Quills.
Do you have a "lucky charm" or "lucky routine" you
follow when waiting for your book to be accepted by a publisher?
Does nervously fidgeting day in and day out until I get an answer count as a lucky routine?
Does nervously fidgeting day in and day out until I get an answer count as a lucky routine?
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original
idea to finishing writing it?
It usually takes me 3-4 months to write the first draft, then another 6-7 for edits. After that, with CQ it'll go through another five months of editing. But personally, from first draft to completion is about a year. I could write them faster... if I wasn't so lazy.
It usually takes me 3-4 months to write the first draft, then another 6-7 for edits. After that, with CQ it'll go through another five months of editing. But personally, from first draft to completion is about a year. I could write them faster... if I wasn't so lazy.
Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?
The book that I'm doing revisions on right now, THE CONCH SHELL OF DOOM, was probably the hardest to write. I was in a low place when I started writing it, and halfway through the first draft I abandoned it, thinking it was terrible (typical insecure writer stuff). I revisited what I'd written a couple of months later, and actually really liked it.
Both DNW and BART, I wouldn't say they were easy to write, because no book is easy to write, but my head was in a much better place when I wrote them. The biggest challenge for any book is to complete that first draft. Every writer feels their manuscript is trash at some point, and the temptation to give up and move on is very enticing. Overcoming that temptation and having the discipline to finish that first draft is the most difficult part of writing.
The book that I'm doing revisions on right now, THE CONCH SHELL OF DOOM, was probably the hardest to write. I was in a low place when I started writing it, and halfway through the first draft I abandoned it, thinking it was terrible (typical insecure writer stuff). I revisited what I'd written a couple of months later, and actually really liked it.
Both DNW and BART, I wouldn't say they were easy to write, because no book is easy to write, but my head was in a much better place when I wrote them. The biggest challenge for any book is to complete that first draft. Every writer feels their manuscript is trash at some point, and the temptation to give up and move on is very enticing. Overcoming that temptation and having the discipline to finish that first draft is the most difficult part of writing.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the
same genre? Books of a different genre?
CSoD is the next in line. It's a paranormal GOONIES. I'm also about halfway through the first draft of THE BOOK OF BART 2. After those, I'll continue work on the DEAD NEW WORLD sequels (there will be three total books in that universe). In between I'll write stuff outside of my wheelhouse. I don't want to stick with one particular genre. I feel that writing things outside of my comfort zone help stretch my muscles as a writer and keep me from becoming complacent.
CSoD is the next in line. It's a paranormal GOONIES. I'm also about halfway through the first draft of THE BOOK OF BART 2. After those, I'll continue work on the DEAD NEW WORLD sequels (there will be three total books in that universe). In between I'll write stuff outside of my wheelhouse. I don't want to stick with one particular genre. I feel that writing things outside of my comfort zone help stretch my muscles as a writer and keep me from becoming complacent.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I have plans to write books until the day I die. DNW is the first in a trilogy, with DARK NEW WORLD and THE NEW WORLD still to come.
I have plans to write books until the day I die. DNW is the first in a trilogy, with DARK NEW WORLD and THE NEW WORLD still to come.
What genre would you place your books into?
I'm most comfortable writing silly, paranormal stories, like THE BOOK OF BART. DNW was an exercise in stretching my muscles, writing something that's dark, tense, and thrilling. It was exhilirating writing it.
I'm most comfortable writing silly, paranormal stories, like THE BOOK OF BART. DNW was an exercise in stretching my muscles, writing something that's dark, tense, and thrilling. It was exhilirating writing it.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I write the kind of books I'd like to read. I love authors like Christopher Moore, I love YA, and I love a good zombie tale, like WORLD WAR Z, WARM BODIES, or ROT & RUIN. But I plan to write in all kinds of different genres before everything is all said and done.
I write the kind of books I'd like to read. I love authors like Christopher Moore, I love YA, and I love a good zombie tale, like WORLD WAR Z, WARM BODIES, or ROT & RUIN. But I plan to write in all kinds of different genres before everything is all said and done.
Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is
it your favourite?
I don't have a favorite. Each of my books is like a child of mine, and I love them all equally. I'm most proud of the fact that I was able to fight through all of the personal issues I had during CSoD and complete the manuscript. But I love them all equally. If I have an out and out dud, that one will probably become my favorite, just to 1. make people mad and 2. because I love a good underdog.
I don't have a favorite. Each of my books is like a child of mine, and I love them all equally. I'm most proud of the fact that I was able to fight through all of the personal issues I had during CSoD and complete the manuscript. But I love them all equally. If I have an out and out dud, that one will probably become my favorite, just to 1. make people mad and 2. because I love a good underdog.
Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your
favourite?
Bartholomew from THE BOOK OF BART. He was originally a villain in a manuscript I abandoned (many parts of it were retooled into THE BOOK OF BART), and I had so much fun writing him, I decided to give him his own book. He's just a scoundrel, and says things I wish I could say. I could write books with him for the rest of my life and die a happy man.
Bartholomew from THE BOOK OF BART. He was originally a villain in a manuscript I abandoned (many parts of it were retooled into THE BOOK OF BART), and I had so much fun writing him, I decided to give him his own book. He's just a scoundrel, and says things I wish I could say. I could write books with him for the rest of my life and die a happy man.
If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books
which would you be? and why?
Bartholomew. Not that I want to be a demon, but I love his wit, the fact that he tries to have fun with everything, and is a likeable rogue. The most complicated character would be Ambrose from DNW. He's a human/zombie hybrid, and the psychology of someone like that is very rich.
Bartholomew. Not that I want to be a demon, but I love his wit, the fact that he tries to have fun with everything, and is a likeable rogue. The most complicated character would be Ambrose from DNW. He's a human/zombie hybrid, and the psychology of someone like that is very rich.
How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I've been writing in some variation my entire life. My mom says I taught myself to read as a child, and I always loved to read. Whenever Mom would go shopping and bring me, if I ever saw a book I wanted she was always quick to buy it for me. That love of storytelling naturally evolved into a desire to create my own stories.
I've been writing in some variation my entire life. My mom says I taught myself to read as a child, and I always loved to read. Whenever Mom would go shopping and bring me, if I ever saw a book I wanted she was always quick to buy it for me. That love of storytelling naturally evolved into a desire to create my own stories.
Where do you get your book plot ideas from?What/Who is your inspiration?
I get my plot ideas from everywhere. It just depends. My main inspiration is Christopher Moore, but every time I read a great book it inspires me to create one myself.
I get my plot ideas from everywhere. It just depends. My main inspiration is Christopher Moore, but every time I read a great book it inspires me to create one myself.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music,
sit in a certain chair?
I can write pretty much anywhere. I like writing somewhere besides my home, because a new environment fires up your brain. I sometimes listen to music, but it's always a movie score or classical. Hearing lyrics throws me off. I really enjoy Ennio Morricone's Spaghetti Western music. Sometimes, if I'm writing at home, I'll pop in a movie that has the kind of tone I'm trying to evoke in my story.
I can write pretty much anywhere. I like writing somewhere besides my home, because a new environment fires up your brain. I sometimes listen to music, but it's always a movie score or classical. Hearing lyrics throws me off. I really enjoy Ennio Morricone's Spaghetti Western music. Sometimes, if I'm writing at home, I'll pop in a movie that has the kind of tone I'm trying to evoke in my story.
Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you
officially release them?ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you
know?
I have a couple of beta readers and an editor who reads over my books before I submit them. It's always good to get more than one set of eyes on your work before submitting it, because once it's submitted, that's that.
I have a couple of beta readers and an editor who reads over my books before I submit them. It's always good to get more than one set of eyes on your work before submitting it, because once it's submitted, that's that.
Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?
I do. My family gets a copy of my book for free, but everyone else has to write a review to get a freebie.
I do. My family gets a copy of my book for free, but everyone else has to write a review to get a freebie.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
I wish I was at the point where I got so many it didn't matter, but I'm not at that point yet. I do check out my reviews. Obviously, I love the good ones, but the bad ones don't bother me. Mostly, I just laugh at them and move on with my day.
I wish I was at the point where I got so many it didn't matter, but I'm not at that point yet. I do check out my reviews. Obviously, I love the good ones, but the bad ones don't bother me. Mostly, I just laugh at them and move on with my day.
Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive
about your book/books?
I would not. I will say it's awfully bad form when someone trashes a book because of some kind of vendetta, or any reason that isn't "I just didn't like your book."
I would not. I will say it's awfully bad form when someone trashes a book because of some kind of vendetta, or any reason that isn't "I just didn't like your book."
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I usually have a working title for something I'm writing, but it rarely becomes the final title.
I usually have a working title for something I'm writing, but it rarely becomes the final title.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
With names, it varies. Sometimes, I'll try to find a name that has some kind of meaning for the character. Some names, I'll just think it sounds cool. As far as places, I set BART in Raleigh, where I live. It made building the world of that book easier, and gave me a realistic anchor for all of the crazyness in that book. DNW I used Google Maps to figure out places.
With names, it varies. Sometimes, I'll try to find a name that has some kind of meaning for the character. Some names, I'll just think it sounds cool. As far as places, I set BART in Raleigh, where I live. It made building the world of that book easier, and gave me a realistic anchor for all of the crazyness in that book. DNW I used Google Maps to figure out places.
Are character names and place names decided after there creation? or do
you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
No, I decide on them during the planning stage. Sometimes they'll change, if theres a character from a similar book with the same name.
No, I decide on them during the planning stage. Sometimes they'll change, if theres a character from a similar book with the same name.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before
writing the whole book or as you go along?
The main traits I figure out before writing. I may add some smaller ones during writing, if they help inform the story.
The main traits I figure out before writing. I may add some smaller ones during writing, if they help inform the story.
Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing
it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story?
I do both. I figure out the overall plot, some scenes I'd like to see, the issues/obstacles the characters are trying to overcome, and then I go from there. I get too excited and have to start writing, otherwise I'd probably outline every little detail. The main thing for me is to have the ending in mind. If you don't know where you're going, the writing will just amble along with no direction.
I do both. I figure out the overall plot, some scenes I'd like to see, the issues/obstacles the characters are trying to overcome, and then I go from there. I get too excited and have to start writing, otherwise I'd probably outline every little detail. The main thing for me is to have the ending in mind. If you don't know where you're going, the writing will just amble along with no direction.
How do you market/promote your books?
Haha ANY WAY I CAN.
Haha ANY WAY I CAN.
What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?
Luck. Lots and lots of luck. Also a lot of hard work.
Luck. Lots and lots of luck. Also a lot of hard work.
Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you
do to get past the "block"?
I have. Sometimes I'll do something as simple as change the weather in the scene, or if the story isn't working I may just abandon it. I don't completely abandon a story, though. I always save scenes or ideas I really like for a different story.
I have. Sometimes I'll do something as simple as change the weather in the scene, or if the story isn't working I may just abandon it. I don't completely abandon a story, though. I always save scenes or ideas I really like for a different story.
What do you do to unwind and relax?Do you have a hobby?
Hang out with my sweet dog Maggie, watch NC State football and basketball, read, the usual. My main hobby is writing. I also moonlight as a film critic for Screen Invasion.
Hang out with my sweet dog Maggie, watch NC State football and basketball, read, the usual. My main hobby is writing. I also moonlight as a film critic for Screen Invasion.
Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things
that have happened to you?
All of my main characters have a part of myself in them. I use them to work through issues in my own life. If an event in my life is interesting enough, I'll use it. Though, for something like DNW, I can't say I have a lot of life experience living in a zombie-infested world.
All of my main characters have a part of myself in them. I use them to work through issues in my own life. If an event in my life is interesting enough, I'll use it. Though, for something like DNW, I can't say I have a lot of life experience living in a zombie-infested world.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals
as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I focus on the story. I leave the themes and morals to the readers to decide. Alfred Hitchcock said something similar, where he said he only focuses on the film, and lets the audience decide the themes for themselves. I think it's a philosophy every writer should adhere to. It also keeps a writer from creating a "message" story, where a theme overshadows and destroys the story built around it.
I focus on the story. I leave the themes and morals to the readers to decide. Alfred Hitchcock said something similar, where he said he only focuses on the film, and lets the audience decide the themes for themselves. I think it's a philosophy every writer should adhere to. It also keeps a writer from creating a "message" story, where a theme overshadows and destroys the story built around it.
Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
Christopher Moore (again) and Nick Hornby are big influences on my writing style. I also try to take something from every book I read. If there's something I come across that I really like, I may try and incorporate it into my own work.
Christopher Moore (again) and Nick Hornby are big influences on my writing style. I also try to take something from every book I read. If there's something I come across that I really like, I may try and incorporate it into my own work.
Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback?
Personally, I prefer holding a book in my hands. But I do own a Kindle, and that's also very nice. The books are cheaper, too.
Personally, I prefer holding a book in my hands. But I do own a Kindle, and that's also very nice. The books are cheaper, too.
What is your favourite book and Why? Have you read it more than
once?
My favorites are Hunter S. Thompson's FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, Isaac Marion's WARM BODIES, J.K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER books, Nick Hornby's HIGH FIDELITY, and a host of others. I don't know that I have just ONE favorite book.
My favorites are Hunter S. Thompson's FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, Isaac Marion's WARM BODIES, J.K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER books, Nick Hornby's HIGH FIDELITY, and a host of others. I don't know that I have just ONE favorite book.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst
book to movie transfer?
Some books can make for good films. There's always going to be some changes in the adaptation, simply because you're going from one medium to another. I recently saw GONE GIRL, and it was a fantastic adaptation. Sure, Gillian Flynn wrote the novel AND the script, but she did a great job streamlining certain things in the book and cutting out unneccessary parts. The worst adaptation I can think of, at least off the top of my head, is Don Winslow's SAVAGES. Such a great, raw, fantastic novel that was turned into a big ole pile of poo on the screen. Such a major disappointment.
Some books can make for good films. There's always going to be some changes in the adaptation, simply because you're going from one medium to another. I recently saw GONE GIRL, and it was a fantastic adaptation. Sure, Gillian Flynn wrote the novel AND the script, but she did a great job streamlining certain things in the book and cutting out unneccessary parts. The worst adaptation I can think of, at least off the top of my head, is Don Winslow's SAVAGES. Such a great, raw, fantastic novel that was turned into a big ole pile of poo on the screen. Such a major disappointment.
What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook,
hardback or paperback)
I'm currently reading A CLASH OF KINGS, book 2 in the GAME OF THRONES series. I'm enjoying it, but those books are so friggin long. It's in paperback.
I'm currently reading A CLASH OF KINGS, book 2 in the GAME OF THRONES series. I'm enjoying it, but those books are so friggin long. It's in paperback.
Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?
No. Too many people like to hold a book in their hands, me among them.
No. Too many people like to hold a book in their hands, me among them.
Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to
read? and/or do Imaginative writing?
Since I don't have kids, this is a tough question to answer. I can say that kids have MUCH more to choose from book-wise than I did at their age. There weren't really any good YA books when I was a kid, so I was left to read Stephen King and other authors who wrote for adults. HARRY POTTER changed all of that, thank goodness.
Since I don't have kids, this is a tough question to answer. I can say that kids have MUCH more to choose from book-wise than I did at their age. There weren't really any good YA books when I was a kid, so I was left to read Stephen King and other authors who wrote for adults. HARRY POTTER changed all of that, thank goodness.
Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a
writer something newer in your life?
Always was a big reader. Always. Senior year of high school, my parents forced me to do at least one hour of homework/studying a night, whether I needed to or not. Most nights not. Instead, I'd lie on my bed with a notebook, writing stories. Whenever my parents would check on me, it looked like I was doing homework. I'm such a sneak.
Always was a big reader. Always. Senior year of high school, my parents forced me to do at least one hour of homework/studying a night, whether I needed to or not. Most nights not. Instead, I'd lie on my bed with a notebook, writing stories. Whenever my parents would check on me, it looked like I was doing homework. I'm such a sneak.
Did you have a favourite author as a child?
When I was much younger, I loved me some HARDY BOYS. Once I discovered Stephen King, though, he instantly became my favorite.
When I was much younger, I loved me some HARDY BOYS. Once I discovered Stephen King, though, he instantly became my favorite.
Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? If yes, what is it?
Not especially. Most of the books I had from my childhood were given to my little sister when I went to college, and she needed them for school.
Not especially. Most of the books I had from my childhood were given to my little sister when I went to college, and she needed them for school.
Do you have a favourite genre of book?
Paranormal humor, probably. I read all genres. A good story is a good story. I don't really care what genre it's in.
Paranormal humor, probably. I read all genres. A good story is a good story. I don't really care what genre it's in.
Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read
but just couldn't finish?
I'll never read EAT, PRAY, LOVE. That's for sure. I tried to read Cormac McCarthy's BLOOD MERIDIAN, but the writing was so dense 100 pages in I had no clue what was going on and gave up.
I'll never read EAT, PRAY, LOVE. That's for sure. I tried to read Cormac McCarthy's BLOOD MERIDIAN, but the writing was so dense 100 pages in I had no clue what was going on and gave up.
Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for?
and Why should we watch out for them?
Krystal Wade. Her book CHARMING came out Oct. 6. It's really good. You should watch out for her because she's a good writer, and a friend of mine. Now, if you'll excuse me, someone owes me a dollar for plugging their book.
Krystal Wade. Her book CHARMING came out Oct. 6. It's really good. You should watch out for her because she's a good writer, and a friend of mine. Now, if you'll excuse me, someone owes me a dollar for plugging their book.
Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could
and what would it be?
There are always things you can change, but at a certain point you have to leave it alone and move on.
There are always things you can change, but at a certain point you have to leave it alone and move on.
What do you think about book trailers?
I've never done one. If I could think of a great way to do one, I would.
I've never done one. If I could think of a great way to do one, I would.
What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Keep writing. Learn how to take criticism/rejection. Don't give up. Keep writing.
Keep writing. Learn how to take criticism/rejection. Don't give up. Keep writing.
Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
Nope. If I did, it would be something silly like Buck Naked or IP Freely.
Nope. If I did, it would be something silly like Buck Naked or IP Freely.
If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite
and enjoy chatting with?
Christopher Moore, because he's my favorite author and hilarious, and William Shakespeare, just so I could ask him about how he came up with all of those magnificent plays. The third is a tough one. Probably JK Rowling, so I can pick her brain about how she plotted out the HP novels and beg her to write more Potter books.
Christopher Moore, because he's my favorite author and hilarious, and William Shakespeare, just so I could ask him about how he came up with all of those magnificent plays. The third is a tough one. Probably JK Rowling, so I can pick her brain about how she plotted out the HP novels and beg her to write more Potter books.
Where can readers follow
you?
Blog: ryanhillwrites.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/ryanhillwrites
Goodreads author
page: goodreads.com/ryanhillwrites
Twitter: @J_Ryan
Tumblr: jryanhill.tumblr.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jryanhill
MY REVIEW
Title: Dead New World
Author: Ryan Hill
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Cover Art by: Conzpiracy Digital Arts
Release Date: 13th October 2014
BLURB supplied by Curiosity Quills Press
Zombies aren’t mindless anymore.
Before the world fell into chaos, zombies existed only in the imagination. Now, there’re more dead walking the earth than living. Zombies move about freely, while humans are forced behind concrete barricades to stay alive.
A man known only as the Reverend has become a threat to the rebuilding United States. The leader of a powerful cult, the Reverend somehow controls the zombies, bending them to his will. He believes zombies are God’s latest creation, making humanity obsolete, and he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance to become one. With the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, his army composed of both humans and zombies, he may well get his wish.
Best friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot and a zombie bit Ambrose… though he didn’t completely turn. He survived the virus, only to become a human-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the race is on to save her from a fate worse than death.
Holt and Ambrose must sacrifice everything to take down the Reverend and survive in this dead new world. But will they lose their souls in the process?
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm a little apprehensive about this one, I mean I love post apocalyptic and dystopian books but zombies are still relatively new to me. I do have high expectations as I am wondering/hoping this book is as good as the Vaempires by Thomas Winship Series.
MY REVIEW
I received an e-copy of this book directly from the publishers Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows one of the main characters in the book, Ambrose, who is kind of half human and half zombie. You can see the reddish eye and the grey skin. Then there's the desolate war torn savaged back ground. Would the cover alone make me pick this book up in a book store? Yes I'd definitely pick it up to read the blurb and learn more. The title of the book "Dead New World" is perfect, as it seem's the "Dead" are the one's ruling the world, or what left of it.
So the "Tribulation" has happened, the world is no longer what it used to be. Young men are enlisted into the army at the age of sixteen for a nine year duty. If they survive they are "free" to leave when they become 25 yrs old. Sadly the way the world is now, it's a bleak prospect, to go into the army and know it's highly likely you will be killed or worse. What's worse than being killed? Being bitten by a zombie and turned into one of the hordes of shuffling moaning, living dead. Most people only have a few hours left when they are bitten until they are turned. Very few survive and then there's those that are "lucky" like Ambrose who survive but belong in neither the human world nor the zombie world.
The man behind the zombies world take over is the Reverend, a man who can communicate and control the zombies. The Reverends ultimate target is Washington DC. He thinks if DC falls to him and the zombies the rest of the world will follow what he says. It is Holt and Ambrose who are trying to get in the way and stop him. Then there's the rumour of "The Colony" where those who are like Ambrose can live their lives, and even have families etc.
So there's lots of fighting, blowing up, prosthetic limbs, secret cures and a little romance thrown into the mix. On the whole I did enjoy reading the book, however I felt there was something missing. I felt like I didn't care enough about the characters. Sure I had sympathy for Ambrose and how he is treat like a living, moving bomb by everyone around him. The only one that treats him like a human is Stanley Holt. I thought Holt and Ambrose had an awkward friendship. Holt seems to still have a fear of Ambrose even though they work closely together. There's lots of mysteries, secrets and betrayals, awful things that are maybe being carried out by the government.
There's also the intricacies of the relationship between Holt and Nancy, a nurse who cared for him when he lost his leg. Holt breaks things off with her, thinking he is doing the right thing for her but then cannot get her out of his mind. So much so when the base where Nancy is living/working on is attacked, Holt's immediate instinct is to rush to the base. When it is determined Nancy was taken alive, Holt decides he must rescue her. Then when everything seems to be sorting out, things go awry again. Truthfully the character of Nancy kind of irritated me towards the end of the book.
So did I enjoy the book? Mmm yes it was ok and worth reading.
Would I recommend the book? I think the book is quite YA male orientated with the army content. Which I guess it's about time the teen boys had some great books to encourage them to read more.
Would I read another book in this series? Truthfully I'm not sure. I'd have to read the blurb.
Would I read other books by Ryan Hill? I would definitely take a close look at anything written by this author.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I'm a little apprehensive about this one, I mean I love post apocalyptic and dystopian books but zombies are still relatively new to me. I do have high expectations as I am wondering/hoping this book is as good as the Vaempires by Thomas Winship Series.
MY REVIEW
I received an e-copy of this book directly from the publishers Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows one of the main characters in the book, Ambrose, who is kind of half human and half zombie. You can see the reddish eye and the grey skin. Then there's the desolate war torn savaged back ground. Would the cover alone make me pick this book up in a book store? Yes I'd definitely pick it up to read the blurb and learn more. The title of the book "Dead New World" is perfect, as it seem's the "Dead" are the one's ruling the world, or what left of it.
So the "Tribulation" has happened, the world is no longer what it used to be. Young men are enlisted into the army at the age of sixteen for a nine year duty. If they survive they are "free" to leave when they become 25 yrs old. Sadly the way the world is now, it's a bleak prospect, to go into the army and know it's highly likely you will be killed or worse. What's worse than being killed? Being bitten by a zombie and turned into one of the hordes of shuffling moaning, living dead. Most people only have a few hours left when they are bitten until they are turned. Very few survive and then there's those that are "lucky" like Ambrose who survive but belong in neither the human world nor the zombie world.
The man behind the zombies world take over is the Reverend, a man who can communicate and control the zombies. The Reverends ultimate target is Washington DC. He thinks if DC falls to him and the zombies the rest of the world will follow what he says. It is Holt and Ambrose who are trying to get in the way and stop him. Then there's the rumour of "The Colony" where those who are like Ambrose can live their lives, and even have families etc.
So there's lots of fighting, blowing up, prosthetic limbs, secret cures and a little romance thrown into the mix. On the whole I did enjoy reading the book, however I felt there was something missing. I felt like I didn't care enough about the characters. Sure I had sympathy for Ambrose and how he is treat like a living, moving bomb by everyone around him. The only one that treats him like a human is Stanley Holt. I thought Holt and Ambrose had an awkward friendship. Holt seems to still have a fear of Ambrose even though they work closely together. There's lots of mysteries, secrets and betrayals, awful things that are maybe being carried out by the government.
There's also the intricacies of the relationship between Holt and Nancy, a nurse who cared for him when he lost his leg. Holt breaks things off with her, thinking he is doing the right thing for her but then cannot get her out of his mind. So much so when the base where Nancy is living/working on is attacked, Holt's immediate instinct is to rush to the base. When it is determined Nancy was taken alive, Holt decides he must rescue her. Then when everything seems to be sorting out, things go awry again. Truthfully the character of Nancy kind of irritated me towards the end of the book.
So did I enjoy the book? Mmm yes it was ok and worth reading.
Would I recommend the book? I think the book is quite YA male orientated with the army content. Which I guess it's about time the teen boys had some great books to encourage them to read more.
Would I read another book in this series? Truthfully I'm not sure. I'd have to read the blurb.
Would I read other books by Ryan Hill? I would definitely take a close look at anything written by this author.
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