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The Legend of ZERO #0.5
The Moldy Dead
The Moldy Dead is one of the powerful and poignant "Creation Myth" stories for Sara King's overwhelmingly popular Legend of ZERO series. It is the history of Congress' First Contact with the sentient species known as the Geuji, and the unspeakable tragedy that befell their entire species in the early history of Congress. It's a SHORT story, approx 8,000 words, and is touted by many to be one of King's best short works. A must-read for fans of the ZERO series!
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2013
176 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Sara King
21 books789 followersAfter a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 9, 2013
I mostly try to avoid these supplementary mini-stories. I think of them as deleted scenes, and generally there was a reason that the scene was deleted. In this case, I had an overwhelming hunger for more of the Zero universe. I read Forging Zero, then made myself wait and sit through a really crappy book by another author before reading Zero Recall. When I finished Zero Recall, I needed more, but the other books hadn't been published yet. I wandered around the house restlessly, scratching my arms, and jumping a lot, and finally caved in and bought this.
It was great. A nice short story that really evoked some feelings, but most effective with the books out there for leverage. Better than a deleted scene, but not the Zero fix that I really needed.
It was great. A nice short story that really evoked some feelings, but most effective with the books out there for leverage. Better than a deleted scene, but not the Zero fix that I really needed.
February 3, 2015
Good read
This was a good book to read,yes it was short but I'm not complaining. This was a series that I thought that I would give a try, it just sounded different and my kind of series, and I'm hooked . I have never read anything she has written, but she is on my favorites list. Now on to the book it was good and explained a lot about how things started out. Definitely a book to read if you are into the Zero series. I'm starting book 2 now and will review it when I'm done. So far the books have been well written and have plenty of action as well as a great storyline that was well thought out. My one wish is that she would write a big book telling the history of congress or a series about it and the other aliens. I'm not even sure when the series was written but I don't normally look at things like that when I find something I like. Sorry so long. Keep up the good work Sara .
This was a good book to read,yes it was short but I'm not complaining. This was a series that I thought that I would give a try, it just sounded different and my kind of series, and I'm hooked . I have never read anything she has written, but she is on my favorites list. Now on to the book it was good and explained a lot about how things started out. Definitely a book to read if you are into the Zero series. I'm starting book 2 now and will review it when I'm done. So far the books have been well written and have plenty of action as well as a great storyline that was well thought out. My one wish is that she would write a big book telling the history of congress or a series about it and the other aliens. I'm not even sure when the series was written but I don't normally look at things like that when I find something I like. Sorry so long. Keep up the good work Sara .
July 29, 2013
This is really short (of course it is!) but a very good one at that. Generally, I avoid companion short stories because they're of little significance other than providing background stories of events and characters, which I don't really give a damn about. But stuck in the office at 4AM with nothing to read, I went for this one. Well, I don't really regret it. I was not not particularly curious, when mentioned in Zero Recall, about why the Geuiji hates Huouyt. This, at least, answers that.
September 21, 2016
Great short story about the Geuji in the "Zero" universe.
July 7, 2017
Nice short story that gives some interesting background about Forgotten, nothing to write home about but it kinda gives some perspective.
March 27, 2019
Alive!
This short lil story makes me want to go back and reread the other Zero books to remember the form these sentient creatures take on.
Thanks for the fabulous story telling!
This short lil story makes me want to go back and reread the other Zero books to remember the form these sentient creatures take on.
Thanks for the fabulous story telling!
January 11, 2019
Awesome but sad
This is a dark and sad story that described a serious atrocity that is referenced throughout the series. It lends depth to the emotional life of the Forgotten and explains the Forgotten's demands of the Peacemakers.
To read this is to add to the judgements that a reader has made of a number of the races of the Congress and the Congress as a whole. It's a small but valuable addition to this great series.
The series is addictive for me and hopefully will herald the return of character driven writing to american science fiction.
This is a dark and sad story that described a serious atrocity that is referenced throughout the series. It lends depth to the emotional life of the Forgotten and explains the Forgotten's demands of the Peacemakers.
To read this is to add to the judgements that a reader has made of a number of the races of the Congress and the Congress as a whole. It's a small but valuable addition to this great series.
The series is addictive for me and hopefully will herald the return of character driven writing to american science fiction.
May 17, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"They're doing it for me."
It seemed an ill after mission from the start after embarking on the approximately nine year journey, only to arrive at the planet covered in mold.
It would get worse.
This is a short (about an hour) story set in Sara King's Zero universe and precedes book 1, Forging Zero. It is skilfully written to deliver horror and sadness, and narrated by Jeff Hayes, whose performance is as thrillingly impeccable as always.
Available from the really excellent Soundbooth Theatre and highly recommended, especially to all Zero fans.
"They're doing it for me."
It seemed an ill after mission from the start after embarking on the approximately nine year journey, only to arrive at the planet covered in mold.
It would get worse.
This is a short (about an hour) story set in Sara King's Zero universe and precedes book 1, Forging Zero. It is skilfully written to deliver horror and sadness, and narrated by Jeff Hayes, whose performance is as thrillingly impeccable as always.
Available from the really excellent Soundbooth Theatre and highly recommended, especially to all Zero fans.
January 30, 2019
Cute little appalling story...
This is a short story in the Zero series. Concise and dreadful tale of the mold species that gives more information about the being known as Forgotten. Well done little story.
This is a short story in the Zero series. Concise and dreadful tale of the mold species that gives more information about the being known as Forgotten. Well done little story.
March 5, 2018
The smartest species in the universe saved by the most empathetic species in the universe, creating a bond that will transcend time. Loved this short, but tragic story.
November 22, 2018
Nice little read.
Nice short story. Helps the reader to understand the other novels in the Zero saga. Worth the 99¢ I paid.
Nice short story. Helps the reader to understand the other novels in the Zero saga. Worth the 99¢ I paid.
January 17, 2022
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
This one was rather sad and also filled in some interesting background to the story. Well worth the read.
This one was rather sad and also filled in some interesting background to the story. Well worth the read.
May 30, 2022
Interesting read
This peaked my interest in reading to the end, hoping this leads to more exciting storyline to continue with. Next story to go.
This peaked my interest in reading to the end, hoping this leads to more exciting storyline to continue with. Next story to go.
January 25, 2018
nice story, could be a great story, if not for some repetitions (in word choice, style, interaction). all in all, i rather feel it should be the first chapter of zero recall.
edit: just finished old man´s war by scalzi, and some elements are just taken 1:1 from that book. plus, style, writing, editing is vastly superior in scalzi´s version. in music, king´s book would merely classify as a variation of a known opus. a good one, but still, too close to the original to be original. there is even a sentient mold in scalzi´s book... minus one star for that from my original review of 3 stars.
edit: just finished old man´s war by scalzi, and some elements are just taken 1:1 from that book. plus, style, writing, editing is vastly superior in scalzi´s version. in music, king´s book would merely classify as a variation of a known opus. a good one, but still, too close to the original to be original. there is even a sentient mold in scalzi´s book... minus one star for that from my original review of 3 stars.
June 18, 2013
Short story that just fills in a bit of the blanks on the origin of the Geuji. Not particularly engaging without the backdrop of the other stories, but interesting enough if you enjoyed the other Legend of Zero books.
September 19, 2013
I really enjoyed the boo, but I did not enjoy the author's preface and epilogue about how it was going to "blow my mind". It did not. I did not go back and re-read the suggested chapters for further mind-blowing. Anyone want to share with me what I'm missing?
March 13, 2015
loved it, but too short !!
I liked the story but it felt a bit short, while it gives a good overview of the events at neskfaat it could be a bit longer, into the details of the technology used to allow the Geuji to talk, move....
I liked the story but it felt a bit short, while it gives a good overview of the events at neskfaat it could be a bit longer, into the details of the technology used to allow the Geuji to talk, move....
January 30, 2017
Interesting take on xenophobia
Quite novel species creation and the possible problems that could arise with their interactions. Fascinating world building and great character development.
Quite novel species creation and the possible problems that could arise with their interactions. Fascinating world building and great character development.
January 2, 2024
Finished August 22, 2017. Readability 9. Rating 6. Super-short Geuji first encounter story - the Huouyt genocide and discovery that a heroic Jahul saved them from extinction. Horrible and tragic, but well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 7, 2013False
May 3, 2014
interesting
August 24, 2014
This was a great story to fill you in on the past. I helps greatly to understand the second book. It tells of the horrible event of the grebi cultures first meeting of congress.
November 12, 2014
worthwhile to read before book 2 of the legend of zero series
January 14, 2015
A short story in ZERO universe about Congress ship exploring new planet. We learn about new unique species and get to know characters of some races from first ZERO book.
December 28, 2015
A nice explanation of the origins of gjeni. A short but interesting story.
December 18, 2015
The Moldy Dead
This was a unique and good sci-fi short story that said a lot and gave me more of a understanding about the legend of Zero.
This was a unique and good sci-fi short story that said a lot and gave me more of a understanding about the legend of Zero.
January 6, 2016
Nice back story of Forgotten. Back story of a bit learned in book 2.
January 24, 2016
Another fantastic book in this series, great author who keeps you entertained from start to finish.
May 11, 2016
Too Simple
The story line us very good and draws you in. But the book was so simple and short, like a children's book. It could have been developed so much more.
The story line us very good and draws you in. But the book was so simple and short, like a children's book. It could have been developed so much more.
August 18, 2016
Not about zero
I bought book, thinking it was about zero, and it was not. Good short story, but I do not like short stories.
I bought book, thinking it was about zero, and it was not. Good short story, but I do not like short stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews