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Midland
Zombies for Young Adults! Sometimes bullets aren't enough! Alone and on her own, fifteen-year-old Sam Grace must fight her way through the horrors of a city overrun with hundreds of thousands of the living dead. However, the zombies are the least of her worries. Who can she trust? Is there anyone left to help when her bullets run out? Where can she escape to?
- GenresZombies
198 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 13, 2013
You see the words “fresh take”or “unique take” and you can picture a book you felt that way about, right? There are certain plots with hooks that reel you in and keep you reading, hanging out the Do NOT Disturb sign and for me, without a doubt, Midland by Scott Alan Wade takes the zombie apocalypse where no one has gone before! Many of the remaining humans left alive have scattered and the survivors have clustered together, some remaining in shadows of the big cities, others becoming like the pioneers of old, starting over from scratch, living on isolated farms, traveling by horseback, farming the land. There is no electricity, no rambling homes, life for them has essentially reverted to the days of the old West where the days are long and the work is hard. Families raise their children with stories of how it used to be, when there was electricity, phones, everything we take for granted, because honestly, I can’t imagine life without my Kindles! Fifteen-year-old Sam has had to take the world on her shoulders after the death of her father and the almost certain death of her mother, who is gravely ill. Then there are the zombies who could attack their isolated farm at any time and it’s up to Sam and her younger siblings to fend them off or die. Sam knows her mother’s only chance to recover lies with her as she decides to travel to one of the cities she has heard about in search of medicine. Naive to the world and its treachery, Sam must face the unknown with only her grit, determination and the skills she has been taught.
Looking for a strong young heroine to be amazed by? Meet Sam, who talks and acts like a girl out of a different time, who thinks fast, acts fast and gives all she has to save not only those she loves, but even some who may not deserve it, leaving them to their own fates. Author Scott Alan Wade unleashed his imagination and creative talent in this fast-paced, post-apocalyptic adventure that carries just a hint of young romance mixed into the danger that comes from humans and zombies alike. His writing flows along with great attention to detail as he builds the look and feel of two worlds fighting to survive in their own way. Be prepared to feel the dust of the trails and the hard concrete remains of Sin City and decide where you would rather fight for survival and for your humanity!
I’d like to thank for Scot Alan Wade for the opportunity to read and review Midland.
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Eternal Press (a division of Damnation Books LLC)
ISBN: 978-1615729340
Number of Pages: 198
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/YA
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Looking for a strong young heroine to be amazed by? Meet Sam, who talks and acts like a girl out of a different time, who thinks fast, acts fast and gives all she has to save not only those she loves, but even some who may not deserve it, leaving them to their own fates. Author Scott Alan Wade unleashed his imagination and creative talent in this fast-paced, post-apocalyptic adventure that carries just a hint of young romance mixed into the danger that comes from humans and zombies alike. His writing flows along with great attention to detail as he builds the look and feel of two worlds fighting to survive in their own way. Be prepared to feel the dust of the trails and the hard concrete remains of Sin City and decide where you would rather fight for survival and for your humanity!
I’d like to thank for Scot Alan Wade for the opportunity to read and review Midland.
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Eternal Press (a division of Damnation Books LLC)
ISBN: 978-1615729340
Number of Pages: 198
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/YA
My Rating: 5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
January 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Goodreads group Never Too Old for Y.A. & N.A.
MIDLAND is a YA zombie western with a plucky heroine, Sam, at the heart of the story. Sam's only fifteen and has three younger siblings. Their father is dead, and their mother is very sick. Sam has taken on the responsibility of keeping them all alive and safe from zombies. When their mother's condition continues to worsen, Sam decides to take matters into her own hands and travel to town, which is a day and half's ride away, to find medicine.
Sam is likable - she has a lot on her plate with taking care of her sick mother, younger siblings, and running the farm. She deals with her stress and responsibilities better than most adults would let alone a teenager. Highly skilled in shooting down zombies and living off the land, she's been able to keep her family safe for a long time. Her bravery and strength matches that of her father, and before he died, he taught her everything she would need to know. My favorite parts of the novel were her memories from when her father was alive. I could tell they had a close relationship and that he was a good man.
The beginning was slow and difficult for me to get into. There was a lot of time spent on the description of the chores Sam and her siblings must do. The action eventually picked up with tense moments where I wasn't sure if some of the characters were going to survive or not. For a while, the time period MIDLAND takes place in wasn't clear to me because I couldn't decide if the story was set in the Wild West or modern times, and when I found out, I was surprised.
The interesting thing about these zombies is that the dark brings them out but rain keeps them away. They fall apart faster in the rain and seem to realize this. They also have an aversion to the sun. I thought this was interesting because it suggested they were at least aware enough of what conditions they were more likely to survive in.
MIDLAND is well written, and I think zombie fans will find it to be a satisfying read. At times I wished for more interaction with other characters, but a large part of the story is that Sam and her family are for the most part alone and isolated from other people not affected by the plague. Their isolation is what causes them to be in the situation they're in. There's action, a hint of romance, and if not for so much description (which is purely my own preference and won't necessarily affect other readers' opinions of this book), I would have given MIDLAND another star.
MIDLAND is a YA zombie western with a plucky heroine, Sam, at the heart of the story. Sam's only fifteen and has three younger siblings. Their father is dead, and their mother is very sick. Sam has taken on the responsibility of keeping them all alive and safe from zombies. When their mother's condition continues to worsen, Sam decides to take matters into her own hands and travel to town, which is a day and half's ride away, to find medicine.
Sam is likable - she has a lot on her plate with taking care of her sick mother, younger siblings, and running the farm. She deals with her stress and responsibilities better than most adults would let alone a teenager. Highly skilled in shooting down zombies and living off the land, she's been able to keep her family safe for a long time. Her bravery and strength matches that of her father, and before he died, he taught her everything she would need to know. My favorite parts of the novel were her memories from when her father was alive. I could tell they had a close relationship and that he was a good man.
The beginning was slow and difficult for me to get into. There was a lot of time spent on the description of the chores Sam and her siblings must do. The action eventually picked up with tense moments where I wasn't sure if some of the characters were going to survive or not. For a while, the time period MIDLAND takes place in wasn't clear to me because I couldn't decide if the story was set in the Wild West or modern times, and when I found out, I was surprised.
The interesting thing about these zombies is that the dark brings them out but rain keeps them away. They fall apart faster in the rain and seem to realize this. They also have an aversion to the sun. I thought this was interesting because it suggested they were at least aware enough of what conditions they were more likely to survive in.
MIDLAND is well written, and I think zombie fans will find it to be a satisfying read. At times I wished for more interaction with other characters, but a large part of the story is that Sam and her family are for the most part alone and isolated from other people not affected by the plague. Their isolation is what causes them to be in the situation they're in. There's action, a hint of romance, and if not for so much description (which is purely my own preference and won't necessarily affect other readers' opinions of this book), I would have given MIDLAND another star.
January 31, 2014
I received this book from the author for an honest review
4 stars
I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up Midland. I've only read one zombie apocalypse book before which was 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' which is one of my favourite books, so I wasn't expecting too much from this book as I find it would be hard to compete.
However, I though Midland was, excellent.. I LOVED the main character from the very beginning! She was ballsy and tough and really could handle any situation. If I was too be picky, I would say she was a bit butch for my liking. The reason I would pick on that is because I find so many books with weak heroines, that I find it odd that the one time I read a ballsy heroine, she has to act like a boy? There are ballsy and tough girls out there people that can be feminine! But that's just me nit picking.. Other than that I really did love reading in her point of view.
Another problem I had was the point of views.. I found the book was that clear on who was speaking as one second I was in Sams head, the next it suddenly switches to someone out without any notice. I found it a bit disorienting.
I found all of the characters really well written and not just the leading character which I was really pleased with because sometimes I find other books tend to be neglectful of the supporting characters.
Too sum up this book, I would say I was reading a zombie western. I thought it was really interesting to read about an isolated family who are farming their way through the apocalypse. I did not expect that the midland Mesa was actually located next to one of the busiest cities in America! That was unexpected as I wouldn't expect that place to be able to farm as it's quite a dead, dessert like place. Interesting spin and quite comical they call it town.
I would say She’s not you’re normal 15 year old, as she’s been hardened by the role she’s been forced to take; having to physically care for her sick mother and taken over her role in order to look after her siblings and the farm as her dad is also out of the picture. As a last resort, she decides that she must go into town to find medicine for her mother otherwise she will die and leave the children all alone, and this is where the adventure begins. Sam embarks on a journey through the Mesa, into town where it is zombie infested. And when I mean infested, I mean it's one human for every 1000 zombies! Suffice to say, she is a total badass.
If there were a zombie apocalypse, I would follow her anywhere whether she wanted me or not. She ticks off all the boxes for me; complicated, tough, well-written, ballsy, sentimental, smart, and I can't stress this enough, SHE DOESNT GET STAR STRUCK BY THE FIRST BOY SHE MEETS!!!
This book has it all – horror, tension, romance and what I found most important of all, adventure! That's what really gripped me to this story! I was constantly thrown off balance by the trouble they were constantly in and is as hooked.
I did find it a tad difficult to get hooked on at the beginning of this book, but I also did about 'the 5th wave' aswell and that is easily one of my favourite books so don't let that knock you!
Enjoy!
4 stars
I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up Midland. I've only read one zombie apocalypse book before which was 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' which is one of my favourite books, so I wasn't expecting too much from this book as I find it would be hard to compete.
However, I though Midland was, excellent.. I LOVED the main character from the very beginning! She was ballsy and tough and really could handle any situation. If I was too be picky, I would say she was a bit butch for my liking. The reason I would pick on that is because I find so many books with weak heroines, that I find it odd that the one time I read a ballsy heroine, she has to act like a boy? There are ballsy and tough girls out there people that can be feminine! But that's just me nit picking.. Other than that I really did love reading in her point of view.
Another problem I had was the point of views.. I found the book was that clear on who was speaking as one second I was in Sams head, the next it suddenly switches to someone out without any notice. I found it a bit disorienting.
I found all of the characters really well written and not just the leading character which I was really pleased with because sometimes I find other books tend to be neglectful of the supporting characters.
Too sum up this book, I would say I was reading a zombie western. I thought it was really interesting to read about an isolated family who are farming their way through the apocalypse. I did not expect that the midland Mesa was actually located next to one of the busiest cities in America! That was unexpected as I wouldn't expect that place to be able to farm as it's quite a dead, dessert like place. Interesting spin and quite comical they call it town.
I would say She’s not you’re normal 15 year old, as she’s been hardened by the role she’s been forced to take; having to physically care for her sick mother and taken over her role in order to look after her siblings and the farm as her dad is also out of the picture. As a last resort, she decides that she must go into town to find medicine for her mother otherwise she will die and leave the children all alone, and this is where the adventure begins. Sam embarks on a journey through the Mesa, into town where it is zombie infested. And when I mean infested, I mean it's one human for every 1000 zombies! Suffice to say, she is a total badass.
If there were a zombie apocalypse, I would follow her anywhere whether she wanted me or not. She ticks off all the boxes for me; complicated, tough, well-written, ballsy, sentimental, smart, and I can't stress this enough, SHE DOESNT GET STAR STRUCK BY THE FIRST BOY SHE MEETS!!!
This book has it all – horror, tension, romance and what I found most important of all, adventure! That's what really gripped me to this story! I was constantly thrown off balance by the trouble they were constantly in and is as hooked.
I did find it a tad difficult to get hooked on at the beginning of this book, but I also did about 'the 5th wave' aswell and that is easily one of my favourite books so don't let that knock you!
Enjoy!
January 26, 2014
Who doesn't love a good Zombie story? Set in world where a zombie outbreak destroyed our way of life, a small family who found a decent living in the outskirts of Las Vegas (To them called the Mesa) after the attack now finds themselves desperate for medicine as their mother falls ill. With their father dead, the eldest daughter - Sam- takes the task of going to the city to seek medicine. With her only map fueled from her past memories of traveling with her father she takes to the roads with her horse and blind dachshund companion (who has a very good nose for sniffing out zombies).
With any story of a zombie outbreak, there will obviously be zombies and better yet, killing zombies. The author did a wonderful job adding action to the story with plenty of flight or fight situations. Sams character is very strong, willful, and unafraid in situations where most people would find themselves unable to act. She very much reminds me of Rick from the walking dead after a few seasons in (accent and everything). Sam isn't a girly-girl, by far. Shes rugged, and not afraid to be covered in dirt (actually suggesting at a point in the book that being dirty was a good thing, as it covers up your smell from the “critters” [aka zombies]). I very much loved Sams character as shes the kind of girl you would hope to become after something like a zombie outbreak.
Through the book she uses her skills to overcome zombie hordes and their attacks with skill, and shes very good at it. The one thing i really noticed in the story was how different it was looking through the eyes and understanding the quick explanation for the actions of a strong hero character. Most of the stories I've read involve the main character starting from an inexperienced level and growing into what Sam already is, an experienced fighter. It was very interesting to see how calm she remained in situations, and how well she was able to get herself out of them, while other characters remained baffled at her abilities.
The story itself is seen through Sams eyes but will occasionally switch to the inner thoughts of other characters (which at times can be confusing, but as the story goes i felt was appropriate), as well as their points of view.
The story really has everything a good YA novel should, including romance and i really enjoyed the growing relationships within the book. Being an avid book reader i hate giving away information in any form so i wont press on about important information or give anything away (that's for those interested in finding more). I say this book should definitely be picked up and given a try by anyone who loves zombies!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for allowing me to do so, I very much enjoyed it!
With any story of a zombie outbreak, there will obviously be zombies and better yet, killing zombies. The author did a wonderful job adding action to the story with plenty of flight or fight situations. Sams character is very strong, willful, and unafraid in situations where most people would find themselves unable to act. She very much reminds me of Rick from the walking dead after a few seasons in (accent and everything). Sam isn't a girly-girl, by far. Shes rugged, and not afraid to be covered in dirt (actually suggesting at a point in the book that being dirty was a good thing, as it covers up your smell from the “critters” [aka zombies]). I very much loved Sams character as shes the kind of girl you would hope to become after something like a zombie outbreak.
Through the book she uses her skills to overcome zombie hordes and their attacks with skill, and shes very good at it. The one thing i really noticed in the story was how different it was looking through the eyes and understanding the quick explanation for the actions of a strong hero character. Most of the stories I've read involve the main character starting from an inexperienced level and growing into what Sam already is, an experienced fighter. It was very interesting to see how calm she remained in situations, and how well she was able to get herself out of them, while other characters remained baffled at her abilities.
The story itself is seen through Sams eyes but will occasionally switch to the inner thoughts of other characters (which at times can be confusing, but as the story goes i felt was appropriate), as well as their points of view.
The story really has everything a good YA novel should, including romance and i really enjoyed the growing relationships within the book. Being an avid book reader i hate giving away information in any form so i wont press on about important information or give anything away (that's for those interested in finding more). I say this book should definitely be picked up and given a try by anyone who loves zombies!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for allowing me to do so, I very much enjoyed it!
July 23, 2013
I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up Midland. There are so many zombie apocalypse stories out there right now that they tend to meld together. However, Midland was, I thought, excellent…and original in its characters and plot. It felt like a zombie western to me.
In this novel we meet Sam. She has been living in the desert, in a mesa top farm, with her family, caring for her mother and younger siblings. She’s not you’re normal 15 year old, as she’s been hardened by the role she’s been forced to take. She decides that she must go into town to find medicine for her mother, and this is where the adventure begins. Suffice to say, Sam is a total badass. If there were a zombie apocalypse, I would totally follow her anywhere. I would put Sam in the same badass category as Katniss Everdeen. She’s the female YA version of Daryl Dixon. She rules. I love her. Complicated, tough and well-written female heroines are hard to come across, in my experience. She is awesome.
This book has it all – horror, a little bit of romance, adventure. What really carries this story, however, is Scott’s writing style. It’s fluid and easy to follow, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. There were parts that I literally found myself holding my breath or grasping my blanket tightly. I could not put this book down from the first chapter, and by the end – when I was finally able to breathe again – I had a smile on my face. I give this book 4.5 stars; it is easily one of my favorites this year.
In this novel we meet Sam. She has been living in the desert, in a mesa top farm, with her family, caring for her mother and younger siblings. She’s not you’re normal 15 year old, as she’s been hardened by the role she’s been forced to take. She decides that she must go into town to find medicine for her mother, and this is where the adventure begins. Suffice to say, Sam is a total badass. If there were a zombie apocalypse, I would totally follow her anywhere. I would put Sam in the same badass category as Katniss Everdeen. She’s the female YA version of Daryl Dixon. She rules. I love her. Complicated, tough and well-written female heroines are hard to come across, in my experience. She is awesome.
This book has it all – horror, a little bit of romance, adventure. What really carries this story, however, is Scott’s writing style. It’s fluid and easy to follow, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. There were parts that I literally found myself holding my breath or grasping my blanket tightly. I could not put this book down from the first chapter, and by the end – when I was finally able to breathe again – I had a smile on my face. I give this book 4.5 stars; it is easily one of my favorites this year.
January 28, 2014
I received this book from the author for an honest review (Thanks so much for this awesome book)
First of all the story and plot for me was new and fresh it surprises me how much I like the western side of it, added to Zombies and you have a great book!
What I liked:
The story and the main characters are were well-developed and likable, Sam keeps up the part with everything going on providing and taking care of the family, is very strong and determined to survive. Reminded me of Hunger games but that was ok for me It didn’t bother me relating the characters. This book had several ups and downs but that was what it kept you entertained. I think they are well play. I loved the little romance not the main thing for me so that was another think that made me like this book much more.
What I didn’t like:
The points of views that had me re-reading several times to see who was but I think you get sucked in the story that you don’t keep track of the changes.
I totally recommend this book, is entertaining and a roller coaster of emotions between rage and tears.
I give this 4 stars!
January 23, 2014
I have given this book 5stars out of 5 because it gripped me from beginning to end so I would and will recommend it to others. As you got in to the book I loved the way Scott gave some of the back story of the family through flash backs that Sam has.
The descriptions of the characters and scenes in the book were grate and really made you feel like you were part of the story. I loved the character developments for both Sam and Brandon, especially their developing love story.
The way Scott described the way the Zombies looked and moved was amazing because it meant that I was able to imagine being one.
With the way that the book finished I have to say that I feel that it could have been part of a duology because it would have been lovely to see how the love story between Sam & Brandon developed, how Brandon and his Sister Ally settled in to life on the Messa as well as how Sam's mothers character developed more from being a seriously Ill woman in bed to being back to being the centre of the Family again
The descriptions of the characters and scenes in the book were grate and really made you feel like you were part of the story. I loved the character developments for both Sam and Brandon, especially their developing love story.
The way Scott described the way the Zombies looked and moved was amazing because it meant that I was able to imagine being one.
With the way that the book finished I have to say that I feel that it could have been part of a duology because it would have been lovely to see how the love story between Sam & Brandon developed, how Brandon and his Sister Ally settled in to life on the Messa as well as how Sam's mothers character developed more from being a seriously Ill woman in bed to being back to being the centre of the Family again
January 28, 2014
Would like to thank the author for gifting me this book for a honest review :)
I really like zombie books, I'am very big Walking Dead fan, cant wait for this Sunday!!! So, this was my cup of tea. Sam and her twin brother, sister and mom have been living out in the mesa in a cabin for many years, trying to survive the zombies. Sams mother has been very sick and is getting sicker, so Sam decides to ride into town "Las Vegas" and get medicine for her mom. Sam is very brave and knows how to take care of herself, knows how to shoot, is a survivor. I really like Sam, how she took care of her brothers and sister. She is also smart when she is on her own, she is very resourceful. Then she runs into Brandon while she is in Las Vegas and he also has someone he takes care of his sister. I liked how Sam started to open up and started to trust Brandon. The book was never boring, lots of action. The only thing was it was kinda weird that the Zombies mostly came out at night or when it was cloudy, why?? Did the direct sunlight hurt them?? But great book!! Good ending too!! :)
February 11, 2014
Thanks to the author for providing me with this book for an honest review.
I'm not really sure how to review this. If you ask me if I liked it is have to say the story line was just ok.... wild west meets zombies in a way... but I really couldn't get into. I kept losing the story to the pages upon pages of description of her surroundings. Don't get me wrong that's not necessarily a bad thing but for me it was just enough for me to lose interest in the rest of the story.
But that's really more of an opinion and my own preference. The story itself for certain age groups I can see it doing really well. It's a new take on the over used zombie theme and isn't overly graphic. The heroine is strong, quick thinking, and completely loyal. She's a teenager who had to become an adult way to soon and has lived a solitary life with just her family.
This may not have been my cup of tea but it really isn't a bad story. If you want zombie action, in a wild west type landscape, and a young heroine then definitely give this book a shot.
I'm not really sure how to review this. If you ask me if I liked it is have to say the story line was just ok.... wild west meets zombies in a way... but I really couldn't get into. I kept losing the story to the pages upon pages of description of her surroundings. Don't get me wrong that's not necessarily a bad thing but for me it was just enough for me to lose interest in the rest of the story.
But that's really more of an opinion and my own preference. The story itself for certain age groups I can see it doing really well. It's a new take on the over used zombie theme and isn't overly graphic. The heroine is strong, quick thinking, and completely loyal. She's a teenager who had to become an adult way to soon and has lived a solitary life with just her family.
This may not have been my cup of tea but it really isn't a bad story. If you want zombie action, in a wild west type landscape, and a young heroine then definitely give this book a shot.
February 11, 2014
I enjoy zombie fiction and this book though it wasnt the best I have ever read i did enjoy it. The story has a very strong female main character that ventures out into an unknown zombie infested town to save her mother. the book moved pretty fast and didnt drag. If the book had a sequel i would read it and i suppose that is the greatest testament to the worth of a book (did you like it enough to read more).
The family dynamic was also refreshing since most zombie films are a mish-mash of family made by trauma and loss, not actual blood family. So the main character leaves their homestead to find medicine for her dying mother. She leaves her two brothers and sister in charge of the home and taking care of their mother. Of course she meets people along the way and has to make some interesting choices.
good book and a fun read
The family dynamic was also refreshing since most zombie films are a mish-mash of family made by trauma and loss, not actual blood family. So the main character leaves their homestead to find medicine for her dying mother. She leaves her two brothers and sister in charge of the home and taking care of their mother. Of course she meets people along the way and has to make some interesting choices.
good book and a fun read
January 29, 2014
I received this book with a request to read and review. Being a Walking Dead fan as well as a frequent YA dystopian reader, I was eager to read something that might mesh the two together. This book was no disappointment. It was well-written, emotional, descriptive and action packed. The characters were well-developed and likable. Not wanting to give anything away, I will just say check it out if you want several hours of edge of our seat entertainment.
On a side note, as a teacher, I was a bit disappointed by the amount of swearing from the young characters. That I could have done without. That is the only reason I took away one star.
On a side note, as a teacher, I was a bit disappointed by the amount of swearing from the young characters. That I could have done without. That is the only reason I took away one star.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews