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The Boat - Zombie Survivors
At the end of the world, the undead aren't the greatest threat to those who have survived.
A deadly plague brought on by an experimental AIDS drug called Lazarus sweeps the country. Lazarus, named so because it brings patients back from the brink of death, has the unfortunate side effect of bringing the dead back to life. A handful of survivors have made their way to water where the walking dead–called 'sinkers'–are less of a threat. These battered and traumatized survivors have colonized a super yacht (Flyboy), a tugboat (Big Daddy), and a weekender yacht (Barbra's Bay Breeze). As they wait for more survivors and organize a voyage south to a warm climate, they unintentionally bring aboard a monster who might be the end to them all.
A deadly plague brought on by an experimental AIDS drug called Lazarus sweeps the country. Lazarus, named so because it brings patients back from the brink of death, has the unfortunate side effect of bringing the dead back to life. A handful of survivors have made their way to water where the walking dead–called 'sinkers'–are less of a threat. These battered and traumatized survivors have colonized a super yacht (Flyboy), a tugboat (Big Daddy), and a weekender yacht (Barbra's Bay Breeze). As they wait for more survivors and organize a voyage south to a warm climate, they unintentionally bring aboard a monster who might be the end to them all.
308 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2013
20 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Christine Dougherty
26 books51 followersChris Dougherty writes from a secluded haven in southern New Jersey at the edge of the Pine Barrens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 5, 2017
They have the boats. They have a plan. Watch out for the monkey wrench.
I love a good zombie story. After having read Christine’s vampire series, The Blood Run Trilogy, I knew she’d give me her own uniquely twisted view of the apocalypse.
It’s two weeks after everything went to hell. The miracle cure for AIDS turned out to be a world ender. The dead have risen. People turn to bodies of water and ships as the last safe place.
Here’s where Christine makes it fun. The people go in the water. The zombies go in the water. The zombies sink. Thus, their tag, sinkers. Imagine all of those zombies walking along the ocean floor. Imagine going fishing…..
The author’s choice to take the survivors and group them all into one place isn’t new. But she sure gives you some realistic scenarios. Any time you crowd desperate people together, you’re sure to have conflict. It makes some of the scenes so genuine. Scary stuff.
As with most good things, they must come to an end. Enter someone who thinks they know better than anyone else. Stir in the mysterious stranger, found stranded in a small boat. What do you get? A really bad scenario. Now, no one is safe and the zombies are just one of many things that will get you killed.
This was so many levels of horrific and fun. All of you zombie fans are in for a treat.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I love a good zombie story. After having read Christine’s vampire series, The Blood Run Trilogy, I knew she’d give me her own uniquely twisted view of the apocalypse.
It’s two weeks after everything went to hell. The miracle cure for AIDS turned out to be a world ender. The dead have risen. People turn to bodies of water and ships as the last safe place.
Here’s where Christine makes it fun. The people go in the water. The zombies go in the water. The zombies sink. Thus, their tag, sinkers. Imagine all of those zombies walking along the ocean floor. Imagine going fishing…..
The author’s choice to take the survivors and group them all into one place isn’t new. But she sure gives you some realistic scenarios. Any time you crowd desperate people together, you’re sure to have conflict. It makes some of the scenes so genuine. Scary stuff.
As with most good things, they must come to an end. Enter someone who thinks they know better than anyone else. Stir in the mysterious stranger, found stranded in a small boat. What do you get? A really bad scenario. Now, no one is safe and the zombies are just one of many things that will get you killed.
This was so many levels of horrific and fun. All of you zombie fans are in for a treat.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
June 5, 2012
The Boat by Christine Dougherty is definitely not your average zombie story, although it has zombies. It isn't your average Post-Apocalyptic story, yet there is a plague that causes death and zombies, creating a Post-Apocalyptic environment. Which also makes a great setting for a Survivalist story, though not your......wait for it....average Survivalist story.
See, Christine just doesn't do average, ever, and decided to write a fast-moving, horrific, nail-biting, zombie plague story of survival set two months after the aforementioned apocalyptic event. With a twist.
A really bad twist.
I am not surprised. I met Christine last year when she asked if I would review her novel The Devil Stood Up. As most of you know, I love me some good Horror and was thrilled to accept a copy for review. I eat Horror and Suspense for breakfast, one awesome reviewer on GoodReads, Stephen, http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., asked me in a round about way, what kind of book would actually scare me. I really didn't have an answer, until Christine Dougherty. Turns out I couldn't finish The Devil Stood Up. It disturbed the hell out of me and I had to put it down. For the first time ever I had to write an author and humbly apologize for being a wimp and not finishing their book. The writing was excellent but you couldn't make me pick it up again.
Instead of throwing rocks and laughing at me, Christine apologized and even asked for another review on her Urban Fantasy novel
Born Lucky (The JD Chronicles). I loved it.
I love the versatility Christine brings to the table. The Boat isn't overwhelmingly scary but it is very good and original and I urge lovers of Horror, Suspense and Urban Fantasy to check out this exciting author!
Book Summary:At the end of the world, the undead aren't the greatest threat to those who have survived.
A deadly plague brought on by an experimental AIDS drug called Lazarus sweeps the country. Lazarus, named so because it brings patients back from the brink of death, has the unfortunate side effect of bringing the dead back to life. A handful of survivors have made their way to water where the walking dead–called 'sinkers'–are less of a threat. These battered and traumatized survivors have colonized a super yacht (Flyboy), a tugboat (Big Daddy), and a weekender yacht (Barbra's Bay Breeze). As they wait for more survivors and organize a voyage south to a warm climate, they unintentionally bring aboard a monster who might be the end to them all.
See, Christine just doesn't do average, ever, and decided to write a fast-moving, horrific, nail-biting, zombie plague story of survival set two months after the aforementioned apocalyptic event. With a twist.
A really bad twist.
I am not surprised. I met Christine last year when she asked if I would review her novel The Devil Stood Up. As most of you know, I love me some good Horror and was thrilled to accept a copy for review. I eat Horror and Suspense for breakfast, one awesome reviewer on GoodReads, Stephen, http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..., asked me in a round about way, what kind of book would actually scare me. I really didn't have an answer, until Christine Dougherty. Turns out I couldn't finish The Devil Stood Up. It disturbed the hell out of me and I had to put it down. For the first time ever I had to write an author and humbly apologize for being a wimp and not finishing their book. The writing was excellent but you couldn't make me pick it up again.
Instead of throwing rocks and laughing at me, Christine apologized and even asked for another review on her Urban Fantasy novel
Born Lucky (The JD Chronicles). I loved it.
I love the versatility Christine brings to the table. The Boat isn't overwhelmingly scary but it is very good and original and I urge lovers of Horror, Suspense and Urban Fantasy to check out this exciting author!
Book Summary:At the end of the world, the undead aren't the greatest threat to those who have survived.
A deadly plague brought on by an experimental AIDS drug called Lazarus sweeps the country. Lazarus, named so because it brings patients back from the brink of death, has the unfortunate side effect of bringing the dead back to life. A handful of survivors have made their way to water where the walking dead–called 'sinkers'–are less of a threat. These battered and traumatized survivors have colonized a super yacht (Flyboy), a tugboat (Big Daddy), and a weekender yacht (Barbra's Bay Breeze). As they wait for more survivors and organize a voyage south to a warm climate, they unintentionally bring aboard a monster who might be the end to them all.
August 2, 2021
Well, I only found the book under the name of Chris Dougherty on Amazon.
Anyway, I love zombie stories and the fight for survival. But I don’t like plots where the story only continues because the protagonists ignore the obvious.
Additionally, I wasn’t able to connect with one single character. That you are traumatised and damaged is expected but I didn’t like one character, besides Steve.
And as the book switches between various characters, it simply couldn’t hold my attention with every character POV switch.
It was an endless putting down, picking it back up later until I decided at 30% to take a break. It was more forced than enjoyment at this point.
Anyway, I love zombie stories and the fight for survival. But I don’t like plots where the story only continues because the protagonists ignore the obvious.
Additionally, I wasn’t able to connect with one single character. That you are traumatised and damaged is expected but I didn’t like one character, besides Steve.
And as the book switches between various characters, it simply couldn’t hold my attention with every character POV switch.
It was an endless putting down, picking it back up later until I decided at 30% to take a break. It was more forced than enjoyment at this point.
September 29, 2013
Lazarus, the name of a new drug to cure AIDS, has a horrendous side effect. It actually causes a flu that kills people and then they 'come back to life' as a Zombie.
A group of survivors come together and take refuge on 3 small yachts off the coast of New Jersey. The survivors have created a successful community until they take in a lone drifter. The man they take in is not what he appears to be.
This is a zombie book but is more about survivors than zombies. It is a well written story that will keep your attention right up to the end. The end has a wicked twist, leaving you wondering if there will be a sequel.
A group of survivors come together and take refuge on 3 small yachts off the coast of New Jersey. The survivors have created a successful community until they take in a lone drifter. The man they take in is not what he appears to be.
This is a zombie book but is more about survivors than zombies. It is a well written story that will keep your attention right up to the end. The end has a wicked twist, leaving you wondering if there will be a sequel.
September 20, 2024
Not my normal...
I usually do not do end of the world zombie type books but this was recommended so I started reading. And the next thing I knew I had read through the whole book! Absolutely love the writing style. The storyline was amazing. And the plot twist.... oh it's good!
I usually do not do end of the world zombie type books but this was recommended so I started reading. And the next thing I knew I had read through the whole book! Absolutely love the writing style. The storyline was amazing. And the plot twist.... oh it's good!
July 29, 2021
Dougherty refuses to be bound by genres. First was the wonderful Zombie Inc, which gave us a refreshing new look at the apocalypse. This time The Boat takes us sailing into the world of apocalyptic sociopaths, and now I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 4, 2012
A cure for HIV/AIDS is developed at the University of Pennsylvania. The cure has the unfortunate side effect of turning people into zombies.
A group of survivors set up a mini community on three yachts, anchored in a bay off the coast of the Jersey Shore. They've chosen boats because it's been discovered that zombies, or "Sinkers", can't swim.
Ms Dougherty writes villains who are creepy. The villain in "The Boat" is especially so. Ms. Dougherty gives you just enough information, then lets you fill in your own blanks. It's a brilliant technique that might not work under a lesser author. Don't get me wrong. There are no holes here. Ms. Dougherty's character development is complete.
I don't usually read zombie tales. In my opinion, the undead are better suited for the screen. But Christine Dougherty's "The Boat" has the right miz of humor and creepy horror thriller.
"The Boat" was a fun read.
*NOTE: I was first introduced to Christine Dougherty's writing with an Amazon.com free kindle edition of her short story "Stephen King". I mention this because of the recent controversy surrounding free editions. There are authors who don't think they are worthwhile.
I'm here to tell you that Christine Dougherty is one of five authors I am purchasing books from because I read a freebie first.
A group of survivors set up a mini community on three yachts, anchored in a bay off the coast of the Jersey Shore. They've chosen boats because it's been discovered that zombies, or "Sinkers", can't swim.
Ms Dougherty writes villains who are creepy. The villain in "The Boat" is especially so. Ms. Dougherty gives you just enough information, then lets you fill in your own blanks. It's a brilliant technique that might not work under a lesser author. Don't get me wrong. There are no holes here. Ms. Dougherty's character development is complete.
I don't usually read zombie tales. In my opinion, the undead are better suited for the screen. But Christine Dougherty's "The Boat" has the right miz of humor and creepy horror thriller.
"The Boat" was a fun read.
*NOTE: I was first introduced to Christine Dougherty's writing with an Amazon.com free kindle edition of her short story "Stephen King". I mention this because of the recent controversy surrounding free editions. There are authors who don't think they are worthwhile.
I'm here to tell you that Christine Dougherty is one of five authors I am purchasing books from because I read a freebie first.
October 15, 2012
If you're willing to overlook quite a few grammatical errors, this is a decent story. Granted, if you enjoy the zombie genre for the blood, gore and zombies then this may not be for you since this story was more about the survivors and what happens when you start becoming complacent and stop trusting your gut instincts about people... LIVING people.
I'm undecided as to whether or not this is an original idea... after all, the survivors in the 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake made their way to the shoreline and sailed off into the sunset on a boat. However, rather than trying to live/survive anchored off shore, they made their way to an island which was also infested with dead. So, I guess we can say the idea of survivors making their way to the shore and boarding boats isn't an original idea but trying to survive within sight of the shore while still on the boat is. But, I will give the author credit for her idea about the socio/psychopath in the story.
On a personal note: I really enjoyed reading a zombie tale that took place so close to home... off the coast of Cape May, NJ. So, for that I have to give it an extra star to bring the final rating to 4.
I'm undecided as to whether or not this is an original idea... after all, the survivors in the 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake made their way to the shoreline and sailed off into the sunset on a boat. However, rather than trying to live/survive anchored off shore, they made their way to an island which was also infested with dead. So, I guess we can say the idea of survivors making their way to the shore and boarding boats isn't an original idea but trying to survive within sight of the shore while still on the boat is. But, I will give the author credit for her idea about the socio/psychopath in the story.
On a personal note: I really enjoyed reading a zombie tale that took place so close to home... off the coast of Cape May, NJ. So, for that I have to give it an extra star to bring the final rating to 4.
December 29, 2012
"Sinkers," the result of a deadly plague caused by an experimental AIDS drug named Lazarus. The victims die, but come back as the walking dead, flesh-eating monsters who, sink when in water. The only chance for survival has been to take to boats, living on board in waters too deep for the sinkers to surface easily. Three such boats banded together as a group, with varied personalities, strengths, commitments to their fellow man.
As dissent breaks out over who is in charge of their fleet, one power hungry 'captain' turns dictator, and upon finding a mysterious survivor floating in a small boat, takes him in, falling prey to his devious plans.
Has the plague mutated? Why are there so few children still alive? Is there a world left other than on the seas?
Once this story wound up, it was full of high tension, distinct character personalities and pure horrific entertainment while still being a fast read with a HUGE question mark at the end!
As dissent breaks out over who is in charge of their fleet, one power hungry 'captain' turns dictator, and upon finding a mysterious survivor floating in a small boat, takes him in, falling prey to his devious plans.
Has the plague mutated? Why are there so few children still alive? Is there a world left other than on the seas?
Once this story wound up, it was full of high tension, distinct character personalities and pure horrific entertainment while still being a fast read with a HUGE question mark at the end!
April 2, 2014
Another take on a zombie storyline book. The safest( not 100 percent guaranteed) place to live is on the water. Apparently once a zombie has fallen into the water it has become a "sinker", the zombie just basically stays at the bottom of the lake, and depending at what level,the zombie might still be able to reach and pull person under if they are able.
Not a whole lot of zombies tearing into a person's body with blood and guts flying everywhere... this is more on the day to day life of just surviving and doing what needs to get done if you are one of the unfortunates to get scratched, bitten.
Free book through Bookbub.com and worth time you will take to sit down and read.
Not a whole lot of zombies tearing into a person's body with blood and guts flying everywhere... this is more on the day to day life of just surviving and doing what needs to get done if you are one of the unfortunates to get scratched, bitten.
Free book through Bookbub.com and worth time you will take to sit down and read.
December 26, 2013
Kindle Freebie. There seems to be a lot of zombie-related freebies to be found. This story introduced two new twists to all the zombielore I have read recently: Boats are the new floating cities, and never invite a psychopath into your world without vetting. If the walking dead, or in this case "sinkers" aren't bad enough to deal with -- a serial killer that loves watching zombies eat the living dead...well, what a crappy boat to be on! Oh yea, for all the ladies (say it smooth, but with a higher pitch) there is a love story mixed into the fold. In all, this was a fast, entertaining read.
October 17, 2012
The book kept my attention focused on it. The crazy guy was genuinely unsettling, and I found the environment of the boats to be an interesting idea. However, I feel like I could've gotten to know the characters better, and I would've liked to see their "normal" life on the boats a bit more before being thrown into the story. It felt a little more one-dimensional than I would've liked. But overall, it was worth a read, especially for zombie fans and fans of creepy psychos.
November 20, 2012
This was a really good zombie book!!! The author wasn't scare to kill off character that you loved; but also made sure that the characters that were strong actually made it. I really like this author and plan on reading more of her work. I also loved that the "bad guy", was actually crazy and had a solid plan to kill off others. Zombies weren't the only enemies in this book. :-) A lot of drama!!!
December 15, 2014
I think I would have liked this more if I had not just read his other zombie book, Zombie Inc. I loved his first book and felt the take on zombies was very unique. In this book, we kind of see life before Zombie Inc. but it just wasn't as good. I also didn't feel like the antagonist of the book was all that realistic (and therefore not scary). I did enjoy the book, however, and I would recommend people read The Boat before Zombie Inc.
September 24, 2015
WTF Did I Read? Not A Zombie Novel, That's For Sure This reads more like a predictable mystery with zombies thrown in than a proper zombie novel. Dull, with too many characters that were unlikable (Maggie, in particular, in whose first introduction is lamenting why she and her presumably deceased partner had more right to survive than another couple), and a villain that seemed to be added simply for the sake of useless tension.
March 7, 2015
3.5 stars for this one. Interesting twist but it runs a bit long. I wish the writing had been tighter. There were places where I grew bored. The twist though, now that was read worthy. Something I hadn't thought about in The End Of The World As We Know It options. Don't know why because once you think of it, it makes perfect sense.
December 12, 2014
I appreciate that the author tried to find a new and creative setting for the same old zombie story. He partly succeeded and gave the story some new twists. Still, the plot followed stereotypical lines and the characters did nothing exceptional as well. Short read with some nice parts for a lonely evening.
January 24, 2015
What started out as solid zombie novel introducing some new ideas such as taking refuge on boats and a 'flu-like' start of the undead quickly became undone with really badly done bad guys. Although the character back stories started as insightful, when it came to exposing all of characters, I found there wasn't a lot of suspense left. I just wanted this to be over and eventually it was.
January 9, 2013
Not the greatest zombie story ever told and certainly lacked some crucial plot. What exactly caused the Lazarus plague in the first place, why did the medication go wrong? What happened to big daddy. The book was free so not a bad read all together.
January 24, 2013
What a nailbiter! Seriously sick and twisted post-apocalyptic with too much truth due to the current flu going around. I think a different title would make more sense and some editing issues take away one star.
December 31, 2013
Where to begin. Other reviews give more details, so I'll just say I found this entertaining and like Zombie, Inc., ended too soon for me. I wanted to learn more about the characters pre and post illness lives.
March 14, 2013
A GOOD ZOMBIE NOVEL WILL THERE BE A SEQUAL?
October 8, 2013
A great book of the zombie genre, keeps you guessing till the end.
November 10, 2013
I would really like this book if the author killed John Smith.
January 12, 2016
One of the top suggestions as to how to live through the zpox? Boats! What could go wrong?
February 14, 2014
While this is a zombie story, it strayed into actual story-telling :) with some interesting and unexpected twists. Enjoyable!
March 25, 2014
Quick but interesting read. Do not expect there to be a lot of zombie action or focus, this is about exactly what it says, survivors. And it is quite interesting and unique.
December 28, 2015
Ok, less about zombies than I would have like, and a bit all over the place. Overall not a terrible read, but could have been better.
April 10, 2013
Entertaining. Quick read. Somewhat predictable but still fun
February 1, 2014
Predictable but a good read anyway
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews