Shadow Apocalypse

by B.C. Hollywood

In the desolate aftermath of the Shadow Apocalypse, survival means confronting your darkest desires.

Brendan and Eoin's quest for more leads them to the mysterious Lillian. Will she be their salvation or their doom?

Meet Brendan and Eoin, two survivors navigating the eerie wastelands of post-apocalyptic Ireland. Their existence, once fuelled by wild excess, has grown dull amidst the tainted landscape. Eoin dreams of escape, while Brendan yearns for something beyond the macabre.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when they encounter the mysterious Lillian. Immune to their charms, she becomes an enigmatic addition to their group, her true motives hidden in shadows.

As the trio journeys through the haunted countryside, they confront inner demons, memories of past wrongs, and the encroaching darkness that lurks in the land of the dead.

WARNING: "Shadow Apocalypse" is an extreme horror story. Graphic content awaits within. Reader discretion is advised

Genres: Horror

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2023

About the author

B.C. Hollywood is an Irish author specializing in supernatural fiction rooted in authentic Celtic folklore and history. Drawing from Ireland's rich mythological tradition and dark historical legacy, he crafts horror and dark fantasy that spans from 18th-century Hellfire Clubs to contemporary werewolf villages and post-apocalyptic wastelands.

His deep research into Irish folklore, historical records, and cultural authenticity brings genuine Celtic atmosphere to modern supernatural fiction. Whether exploring the shadowy corners of Georgian Ireland or the supernatural threats lurking in today's Irish countryside, Hollywood's work captures the ancient darkness that has always dwelled in Ireland's landscapes and legends.

When not writing, he continues researching Ireland's forgotten histories and unexplored folklore, always seeking the next story that bridges ancient Celtic wisdom with contemporary horror.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really into the universe that Hollywood created, I kinda wanted more about it and I would happily read a follow up story.

Unfortunately, there were a couple of SA/necrophilia scenes that felt entirely gratuitous and repetitive, while it wasn't entirely unexpected given the genre I found it took away from the actual story.

[Leigh Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The sort of people who survived the end of the world were mostly the wrong type; he should know."

End of the world? Check ✔️
Ravaged Irish countryside? Check ✔️
Zombies? Check ✔️
MC's with questionable motives. Abso-fuckin-lutely!! ✔️✔️✔️✔️

A fantastically dark and gruesome tale of twisted friendships at the end of the world. My first Splatterpunk experience has been a hugely positive one. The story is fast-paced, with well thought out characters, and the writing itself is wonderfully solid and visceral.

If you like your zombie horror with an extra dose of carnage, check out Shadow Apocalypse by B.C Hollywood. Check your triggers on this one, if you have any!

[Dion Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars out of 5

This book is outstanding and gives a fresh feel to the zombie genre, it was not what I was expecting, which is great, I was expecting zombies vs the usual mixed group, you know the type, there is always a reluctant hero, some bimbo’s and a cowardly weasel that gets others killed, etc, but this was different, there was no stereotypical characters, and this was more psychological than most zombie stories.

There is a 2nd book in the series, but from what I have read, they are linked but can also be read as standalone books, which is great, and I already have the 2nd book on my tablet ready to read, this book dose hint to a bigger underling story, but it doesn’t end on a cliff hanger (I hate it when books do that!)

All in all, this was well written and easy to read, with gore and psychological horror was blended together well, giving the book depth.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🧟‍♂️🧟‍♂️🧟‍♂️🧟‍♂️🧟‍♂️
This story follows 3 main characters, Brandon, Eoin, and Lillian, after the apocalypse hits the world. Their journey is nothing but chaos and gore. It's a fabulous zombie story. Excellent writing. I pray there is more coming soon with this series. A very fast-paced thrilling book.

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dar-kle 1. To appear darkly or indistinctly. 2. A. To grow dark. B. To become gloomy.


I LOVE this zombie story. And it's definitely not your same old zombie story, so please be mindful of triggers. I found myself multiple times questioning wtf I was reading...it does get pretty damn dark and gross. I will definitely continue exploring this world that B.C. has created.

P.S. Red coat is getting her own book.... if you know, you know!

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The man’s howl turned to screams of agony as his insides flopped onto the ground.”

This is one heck of an extreme, splattery horror story. It’s a zombie apocalypse and it’s not for anyone who is easily offended.

We have two sick guys, (sick in the mind, not body) that are using the end of the world to perform disgusting misdeeds. Another survivor joins up with them and the reader soon knows there is more going on in this tale than meets the eye.

Supernatural creatures, potentially Old Gods, viscera and rudeness abound within the pages and I can’t wait for Book 2!

If you love this one, then keep your eyes peeled for the next in the series, and maybe read Matt Shaw’s “Rotting Dead Fucks” in the interim.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.C. Hollywood's 'Shadow Apocalypse' is the first entry in a new zombie horror series taking place in Ireland. It starts with a couple of male survivors hunting down a recently turned female, whose decent figure and minimum decay are deemed satisfactory for their nefarious appetites. This is a typical scene in the book, but it gives you very little sense of how good the story is going to be! Hollywood's novel has everything one could ask for in stories of this sort: fast-paced story-telling, compelling and believable action, and a complex plot with some nasty revelations at just the right moment in the narrative! The central characters, though the worst kind of human beings in many ways, have been imbued with depth and a strong sense of reality - I couldn't help wondering how Hollywood managed to make me care for them and their fate; while being disgusted with their actions at the same time! In fact, the question about the nature of humanity and how it's affected by extreme situations such as the zombie apocalypse, kept running through my mind in almost every page. Hollywood does make it clear that this is not your typical zombie novel: the gore and the depravity go far beyond anything I have ever read in a zombie book, and yet the story was easy to follow and absolutely addictive! This is a MUST read for anyone who wants to taste the bitter waters of empathy towards characters that, though brought together by quite different life choices and circumstances, are both vile and sinister in action and mentality. Plus, the introduction of a strong female character very soon in the development of the book kept me hooked to the end, and beyond: give me the second volume NOW! Recommended!

[Asia Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5!

I'm convinced that I'm just always going to love whatever B.C. Hollywood writes! So good!

[Spooky Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fresh telling of a zombie apocalypse, it had me hooked from start to finish.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post apocalyptic Ireland populated with the living dead, Brendan and Eoin survive as best they can, taking what and who they want. When they meet the enigmatic Elaine they team up to cross the countryside but what are her true motives and what are their intentions for her.

This is a terrifying dystopian landscape where there are no rules. This is extreme horror so please bear that in mind, the casual brutality is sudden and vicious but it’s the end of the world after all, societal rules no longer apply! During the story each of the main characters also relives the day the world ended. Eoin is a drugged up loser with a policewoman girlfriend,
Brendan’s tastes are of the more perverted and macabre kind and Elaine well, her idea of fun is interesting!

This is a fast paced completely unique zombie apocalypse story, the twist so unusual and although some of the imagery is explicit it creates a picture of who the characters are vividly and quickly. The three main characters are all flawed, degenerate and without mercy, there are no good guys here and although the story is disturbing and graphic I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that combines zombies, unsettling characters, and ample action, then this could be the perfect fit. It's a quick and engaging read that will keep your attention from start to finish.
In the midst of an apocalypse, three main characters, Brendan, Eoin, and Lillian, must navigate a world overrun by zombies, with some possessed by a shadow entity. As if that wasn't enough, they also have to contend with a giant ominous dark cloud that brings death wherever it goes.
I definitely enjoyed this book from start to finish. I don’t read lot of zombie books, but I after reading this one I should read them more. Definitely did not see the twist coming at the end.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a quick, gore filled, but super fun read then look no further! There were a few points throughout the book where I did not see the plot twists coming and I absolutely love it when this happens. We first follow a somewhat unlikeable duo of men finding their way through post apocalyptic Ireland in the worst ways, when they come across an unsuspecting woman who is hiding something big. Highly recommend this book to fellow extreme horror lovers with strong stomachs!

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up for review this evening 2 quick reads of extremely different horror flavors.

I read Monto first and Shadow Apocalypse second. They are book 2 and 1 of The Darkle Chronicles by B.C Hollywood. To me, they read like standalones due to the polar opposite of horror flavor, and I saw no connection between the two.

Monto will transport you to dark streets, dark magic, and creatures of the night. Fully engages you in the short time it has you. It was a most excellent adventure.
Bringing me to Shadow Apocalypse...

Shadow is going to give you a Birds eye view of what is happening this way - when the world is looking over that way, trying to survive the Undead. It's uh, .. pretty f'ing sick. Very well written, though, and a great love to hate them situation where somehow you kinda still end up rooting for the sick buggers.

[Jaime (the macabre bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Shadow Apocalypse” follows three survivors as they try to survive in a zombie ravaged Ireland. Their journey brings plenty of chaos and gore to make “Shadow Apocalypse” a fun and tense read. The biggest thing I appreciate about this novel is that “Shadow Apocalypse” does not follow the common survivor tropes. All three survivors are despicable in their own ways making the character dynamics much more interesting than the average zombie story. If you are not squeamish or triggered by SA/ necrophila, then give “Shadow Apocalypse” a read.

[Sara Mcfadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello to all my extreme horror beauties!

I just finished this book and I almost didn’t. This is hardcore. Mind the triggers. I was again grossed out but fully engaged to the point I had to put it down walk away do the “omg!” Freak out dance and the. Come back and keep reading multiple times. This book did not let up!

[Joan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You B. C. Hollywood

I went into this novel blind. I often don't read the backcover. Lovers of Hot Spice with a Splash of Gore in an extreme zombie atmosphere will love this story. Take the adventure. It made me laugh and feel creeped out throughout the whole story.

Splatterpunk
Zombies
Apocalypse

[Erin Sterett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zombie apocalypse full of violence and gore? Heck yea! Overall it was a great storyline, good character development, and just all around gruesome. It was well written and kept my attention throughout. I don’t read many zombie stories, but this one definitely opens the door for more!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Take on a Post-apocalyptic Horror

I'm not one for zombie stories as I find them tired and overdone but Shadow Apocalypse had me interested from the first page. I had a blast reading this and look forward to more!

[James Cody Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shadow Apocalypse” seems like a standard, by-the-numbers zombie book, but that is pure deception. I found the characters to be well-written, their motivations clear and dialogue consistent throughout the book. All I can say is that there’s much more than shambling corpses. This is a post-apocalyptic and gory ride with original ideas and a snappy, well-written execution. I eagerly await the sequel next year!

[Dan Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for sure. Loved every minute of it.

[Z. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick gory ride through the end of the world. Extreme horror lovers will devour this story.

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! The story revolves around three central figures: Brandon, Eoin, and Lillian. As the world succumbs to an apocalyptic event, their expedition becomes a harrowing experience filled with pandemonium and bloodshed. This captivating tale delves into the realm of zombies, showcasing exceptional storytelling and world-building. The anticipation for future installments in this series is fervent, as this fast-paced, brutal and exhilarating book leaves readers yearning for more.

[TheWizardLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you tired of the same old lather, rinse, repeat zombie horror? Are you a fan of reading about bad men getting what is coming to them? Are you cool with reading about extreme situations and gore? Then seriously, read this book!

Okay, listen. I am over zombie fiction, it's been done to death. This book isn't zombie fiction. This is a book about a serial killer, his weak-willed stoner partner, and the mysterious woman who shows up to hand out some justice. It just happens to happen during the most unusual and mysterious zombie apocalypse I have read about.

The whole apocalypse situation itself is extremely unique, there are shadow entities that seem to possess some of the zombies, a giant cloud that seems to bring nothing but horrific death, and even hints of a giant monster terrorizing Dublin. Seriously, there is a lot going on here and we are only giving the briefest of hints to the bigger picture which is tantalizing and frustrating.

The writing is excellent, it is fast-paced and easy to read. The unique thing here is that the author uses extreme situations to create charater development. Sure, it's disturbing to read, but it isn't there just for shock, it's there to help you understand each character and to show you how each one reacts to situations. There are no heroes here, every character is very much an antagonist yet you develop complex emotions towards each of them as the story goes on.

There are a lot of content warnings here, it is considered extreme horror though I would say it's more graphic than extreme. If you are looking for the worst of the worst gore, you won't find it here, but what is here leaves nothing to the imagination.

I absolutely loved this book, I am so beyond thrilled I decided to put aside my zombie prejudice to read this.

[Lynn Helton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the chaos of the zombie apocalypse, three survivors' paths cross. But as one of them knows, "The sort of people who survived the end of the world were mostly the wrong type."

The blurb and the setting for this book sounded intriguing, but the actual story fell short. While the writing was good technically, and the pace was also good, it seemed more a string of events around and caused by people without moral compasses navigating the zombie apocalypse, rather than a story engaged in the characters' struggles. Unfortunately, the Irish setting did not seem significant; it felt like it could have been happening anywhere.

I found the characters unsympathetic, which made them difficult to connect to or care about. The book contained a lot of flashbacks, comprising roughly a third of it, and was definitely more on the extreme side than the horror side — with plenty of gruesome, graphic content but little that was genuinely frightening. Prospective readers: do take heed of the book's warnings.

Overall, the book made me think of a video game of only destruction and mayhem. If destruction and mayhem is what you're after, in graphic detail, this book might appeal.

(2.5 stars rounded up)

[Laura Koerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's A LOT of ugliness in this book. Its title says, "extreme horror" and that's the truth. A protracted rape scene, lots of death, lots of fighting, lots of gruesome detail--it's a post-apocalypse setting with characters who are not nice people. A reader does have to have a very high tolerance for gore and death.
What shines a bit of light in the darkness is the humanness of the characters. Not nice people, I don't mean that. I mean that they are sympathetic in the sense of being real enough to evoke some sympathy. They are flawed individuals coping with a terrible situation.
The writing is skilled and solid. The plot is more interesting than the usual motley crew versus monsters thriller.

[Loralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair to the author, this was not a book for me. There was extreme and in my opinion, unnecessary language including almost constant use of the "F" word, violence, horror, sexual assault, etc. It was hard to read, and I would not have finished but for my obligation to read it. The author writes well, and that is to his credit. The story takes place in post-apocalyptic Ireland. Brandon, Eoin, and Lillian are the three main characters, and each one is despicable in his/her own way. Lillian a little less than the other two. This is not a book for young folks, or anyone who does not enjoy extreme violence/horror.

[David Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evil and Degenerate Jay and Silent Bob Meet Natural Born Killers in the Zombie Apocalypse.

While this is fairly well written novella, the author errs by not having one sympathetic character among the three protagonists. There was no one to root for. All three do not need a Zombie Apocalypse to bring out their dark sides. They were already scum before then with hardly any morsel of redeeming attributes. Also, the narrative steers into the grotesque with several sickening sex episodes. I am sorry but this is not a book I can recommend.

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for KU recs in a splat group and found this hidden gem. Zombies aren't really my forte, but when paired with vile characters and enough violence to hold my attention, I'm totally onboard for some end of the world stuff. To try and catch up on some of my other non KU reading, I've cancelled my Kindle Unlimited starting Dec 1. I considered keeping my Ku to read the rest of this series, I enjoyed it so much

[Kenzley Ricklefs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting from the start to very end, it was a quick read that left me wanting to read more, while it was explicit at times it was intresting in how it tied into the plot and the characters. If you’re a fan of the end of world or zombies and the talk of a mystery creature this book hits all the right spots.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

B.C. Hollywood uses a zombie apocalypse as the perfect canvas of a vast array of vicious conduct. This is a dark, gorefest that surpassed and subverted my expectations. This is so much more than just another zombie story. Hollywood has expertly crafted a tale of horror and dark fantasy that takes readers on a thrill ride through desolate lands. This is not a read for the faint of heart, but I recommend it to all! I only put this one down so I could pick the next one up!