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Zombie X: Mutation
When survival is all that’s left, can Cora return to humanity, or is she more dangerous than the zombies?
Cora is a reclusive survivor hiding in the underbelly of Manhattan. Fiercely independent and a cynical fighter, she’s outraged when Kayne discovers her and brings her back to his tribe of human survivors. Silently determined to escape, she struggles to accept that some humans—like Kayne—aren’t as dangerous as she believes. With his loyal persistence and lighthearted banter, he earns more than just her trust. But when the ruthlessly brilliant tribe leader reveals a truth Cora didn’t see coming, it’s a race against time to survive the evolving zombies, save Cora from herself, and redeem what cannot be undone.
Cora is a reclusive survivor hiding in the underbelly of Manhattan. Fiercely independent and a cynical fighter, she’s outraged when Kayne discovers her and brings her back to his tribe of human survivors. Silently determined to escape, she struggles to accept that some humans—like Kayne—aren’t as dangerous as she believes. With his loyal persistence and lighthearted banter, he earns more than just her trust. But when the ruthlessly brilliant tribe leader reveals a truth Cora didn’t see coming, it’s a race against time to survive the evolving zombies, save Cora from herself, and redeem what cannot be undone.
270 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 10, 2024
This was such a twist on a zombie apocalypse! A great story plot that immediately dragged me in. It honestly made you think of how of what could happen during a zombie outbreak. It's very well written and creative! I look forward to book two coming out next year!
October 17, 2025
Did I expect to feel such chest-aching emotions in a book based during a zombie apocalypse? Not really. I also didn't expect to melt so much just reading the MMC say, "Hey tough girl."
However, I was reading the amazing K.A. Masterson, so of course, that is exactly what happened. Zombie X: Mutation is a balanced blend of action, intrigue, mystery, and emotions.
Cora has been isolated for years, and honestly fears the fully alive more than the undead. Kayne is a cheerful anomaly in an otherwise bleak timeline. However, both are hiding pain and surviving the only way they know how. Despite Cora's resistance, the bond with Kayne grows strong enough that eventually even she has to stop fighting it.
However, Cora also has an inexplicable bond with Jayson, the stoic leader of The Preb. Though not the same as her bond with Kayne, it's still not able to be ignored. Jayson also reveals a mystery about Cora that only he can help her unravel.
However, I was reading the amazing K.A. Masterson, so of course, that is exactly what happened. Zombie X: Mutation is a balanced blend of action, intrigue, mystery, and emotions.
Cora has been isolated for years, and honestly fears the fully alive more than the undead. Kayne is a cheerful anomaly in an otherwise bleak timeline. However, both are hiding pain and surviving the only way they know how. Despite Cora's resistance, the bond with Kayne grows strong enough that eventually even she has to stop fighting it.
However, Cora also has an inexplicable bond with Jayson, the stoic leader of The Preb. Though not the same as her bond with Kayne, it's still not able to be ignored. Jayson also reveals a mystery about Cora that only he can help her unravel.
November 1, 2024
Well to start I’ve never read a zombie book before! Let alone zombie with romance! Let me tell you I was so surprised because it is so so good! Slow burn. Zombies have taken over and they keep mutating… the FMC is a bad b. She’s mute and refuses auto speak and loathes humans more than the zombies. She’s thrown into a world where she’s surrounded by them. The MMC is hilarious charming and protective. I’m obsessed with him. This book isn’t for the feint of heart so if you’re looking for sweet and innocent this isn’t the book for you. The world@building was outstanding. I would 100% def. Recommend picking this book up! -Kerin
November 3, 2024
Zombies and Romance
This book is a creative take on the zombie apocalypse, a blend of Resident Evil and l Am Legend with generations of zombies, evolving humans, and the budding romance between a lighthearted survivor and his socially-crippled girlfriend. It's an action-packed novel from the first chapter to the last.
This book is a creative take on the zombie apocalypse, a blend of Resident Evil and l Am Legend with generations of zombies, evolving humans, and the budding romance between a lighthearted survivor and his socially-crippled girlfriend. It's an action-packed novel from the first chapter to the last.
October 31, 2024
Favorite zombie romance!!
I absolutely fell in love with this zombie romance!!! K.A. Masterson did a phenomenal job combining excitement, fear, adrenaline, and love together in one action-packed story! I CANNOT wait for book 2!
I absolutely fell in love with this zombie romance!!! K.A. Masterson did a phenomenal job combining excitement, fear, adrenaline, and love together in one action-packed story! I CANNOT wait for book 2!
October 27, 2025
OMG, I am not a zombie fan in the least (TBH they give me horrible nightmares) the ones that done are Resident Evil and Warm Bodies and, honestly, Zombie Mutation was the best of both of those worlds. I was immediately immersed into this apocalyptic world, where Zombies evolve and mutate, and humans are f!ghting to keep their humanity and keep them safe from the zombies.
The most surprising thing, honestly, is just how much I loved it, like I love the previously listed movies.
Cora, FMC, living alone for the last decade or so. Cora’s strength of mind, her physical prowess, and her fierceness is absolutely jaw dropping (very Zena warrior/ Alice from resident Evil). Her mutism makes sense for her situation when sounds bring on the zombies, silence is the best bet.
Kayne is such a softy at heart and one of the exceptionally rare people who have kept their humanity throughout the years of the zombie virus and its many variants. He cares for her so completely that moments of the book will break your heart right along side his.
Jayson is the scientist who 0ffed humanity, him and another scientist sequestered than activated the dormant zombie genes in the DNA sequence. He speaks a ton of medical jargon no one can understand and part of me thinks he is doing it on purpose so no one gets close and it keeps people at an unease around him.
Its seems like women are a rare commodity and most of the men running things (as it is in life) have lost their humanity and treat the women as objects to be used and @bused as the men see fit.
Tropes:
- Outbreak
- Zombies many variations of the zombie genes
- survival
- fierce FMC
- F*rced proximity
- 3nemies to lover
- Slow burn
- Longing
- Soul connection
- C@ptivity
- Medical treatment, testing, facilities, and jargon
- Ramp*page of r3venge
The most surprising thing, honestly, is just how much I loved it, like I love the previously listed movies.
Cora, FMC, living alone for the last decade or so. Cora’s strength of mind, her physical prowess, and her fierceness is absolutely jaw dropping (very Zena warrior/ Alice from resident Evil). Her mutism makes sense for her situation when sounds bring on the zombies, silence is the best bet.
Kayne is such a softy at heart and one of the exceptionally rare people who have kept their humanity throughout the years of the zombie virus and its many variants. He cares for her so completely that moments of the book will break your heart right along side his.
Jayson is the scientist who 0ffed humanity, him and another scientist sequestered than activated the dormant zombie genes in the DNA sequence. He speaks a ton of medical jargon no one can understand and part of me thinks he is doing it on purpose so no one gets close and it keeps people at an unease around him.
Its seems like women are a rare commodity and most of the men running things (as it is in life) have lost their humanity and treat the women as objects to be used and @bused as the men see fit.
Tropes:
- Outbreak
- Zombies many variations of the zombie genes
- survival
- fierce FMC
- F*rced proximity
- 3nemies to lover
- Slow burn
- Longing
- Soul connection
- C@ptivity
- Medical treatment, testing, facilities, and jargon
- Ramp*page of r3venge
October 4, 2025
This book absolutely blew me away! It’s not just another zombie survival tale, it’s raw, intense, and full of heart. From the very first page, I was hooked by Cora’s gritty, solitary existence in the ruins of Manhattan. She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for: flawed, fierce, and heartbreakingly human.
What really set this apart for me was the balance between survival horror and emotional depth. The action is relentless zombie encounters, desperate escapes, shocking reveals but the quieter moments hit just as hard. Cora’s push-and-pull dynamic with Kayne is one of the best parts of the story. His persistence and warmth slowly chip away at her walls, and watching their trust (and more) grow felt so authentic and earned.
And then wow the twist with the tribe leader? Absolutely brilliant. I didn’t see it coming, and it raised the stakes in a way that made the final act impossible to put down. The evolving zombies are terrifying enough, but the true danger sometimes comes from the people you think you can trust.
This book gave me everything I want in a post-apocalyptic read: high tension, complex characters, and a story that makes you question what it really means to be human when survival is all that’s left. Five stars without hesitation. I’ll be thinking about Cora and Kayne for a long time.
What really set this apart for me was the balance between survival horror and emotional depth. The action is relentless zombie encounters, desperate escapes, shocking reveals but the quieter moments hit just as hard. Cora’s push-and-pull dynamic with Kayne is one of the best parts of the story. His persistence and warmth slowly chip away at her walls, and watching their trust (and more) grow felt so authentic and earned.
And then wow the twist with the tribe leader? Absolutely brilliant. I didn’t see it coming, and it raised the stakes in a way that made the final act impossible to put down. The evolving zombies are terrifying enough, but the true danger sometimes comes from the people you think you can trust.
This book gave me everything I want in a post-apocalyptic read: high tension, complex characters, and a story that makes you question what it really means to be human when survival is all that’s left. Five stars without hesitation. I’ll be thinking about Cora and Kayne for a long time.
May 7, 2025
Zombie X Mutation is a phenomenal read that grips you from the very first page and never let's go. The characters are masterfully crafted, and their emotional depth makes them feel entirely real. Cora, with her fierce independence and inner vulnerability, resonates deeply, while Kayne’s lighthearted yet determined personality perfectly balances her guarded nature. The K.A Masterson's skillful portrayal of their evolving dynamic makes every interaction feel authentic and meaningful.
What truly stands out is how vivid and immersive the world feels. There were moments when I could practically hear the echoing silence of Manhattan’s desolate streets or feel the tension as zombies lurked in the shadows. The emotional stakes were so high that I felt each moment of fear, hope, and betrayal right alongside the characters. The author’s ability to draw readers into this apocalyptic world is astounding, and it often felt like I was right there fighting to survive with Cora and Kayne.
This book pulled me into its pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching moments, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. Zombie X Mutation isn’t just a story; it’s an experience I’m excited to continue.
What truly stands out is how vivid and immersive the world feels. There were moments when I could practically hear the echoing silence of Manhattan’s desolate streets or feel the tension as zombies lurked in the shadows. The emotional stakes were so high that I felt each moment of fear, hope, and betrayal right alongside the characters. The author’s ability to draw readers into this apocalyptic world is astounding, and it often felt like I was right there fighting to survive with Cora and Kayne.
This book pulled me into its pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching moments, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. Zombie X Mutation isn’t just a story; it’s an experience I’m excited to continue.
May 28, 2025
Well this was an amazing take on a zombie apocalypse. I love the FMC Cora she is such a badass.i love how she despises humans just as much if not more than zombies. I love how she is a recluse that has hidden away and is so strong, and independent. She is just a woman after my own heart. The comes the MMC Gavin who finds Cora and she is not happy one dang bit. She despises he found her then he takes her to a compound of other human survivors. Which she was not having it she as trying to strategize to escape. Gavin being a sweetheart he was protective and loving towards Cora. The way K.A.Masterson wrote this book and the way you feel so invested as you read it. It’s like the story comes alive. I don’t know how to really explain but i can say READ IT PLEASE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. K.A.MASTERSON IS A GENUIS AND I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HER AMAZING SELF COMES OUT WITH NEXT!
October 17, 2025
"When survival is all that’s left, can Cora return to humanity, or is she more dangerous than the zombies?"
This book is action packed and has loyalty, banter, twists and turns, evolving humans, romance, slow burn, protectiveness, and much more.
K.A wrote a masterpiece that had absolutely blown me away, from start to finish I was hooked on every word.
I loved everything from the intense, raw, grittiness to the mind blowing tribe leader twist. That I did not see coming btw.
The world building was amazing, the plot that was definitely plotting epic, and the characters and storyline that are wonderful and written very well.
Cora and Jayne will be in my head for a good while.
I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
This book is action packed and has loyalty, banter, twists and turns, evolving humans, romance, slow burn, protectiveness, and much more.
K.A wrote a masterpiece that had absolutely blown me away, from start to finish I was hooked on every word.
I loved everything from the intense, raw, grittiness to the mind blowing tribe leader twist. That I did not see coming btw.
The world building was amazing, the plot that was definitely plotting epic, and the characters and storyline that are wonderful and written very well.
Cora and Jayne will be in my head for a good while.
I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
January 21, 2025
Um, I need book 2, like… NOW.
Omfg…. This felt like a masterpiece!! Except that there’s more to the story and book 2 isn’t out yet!!! (But I’ll wait) - This book pulled me in right from the get go and was really hard to put down once I began reading. It’s gory and there’s multiple types of zombies , bad humans and good humans. Ones you want to reach through the pages and strangle and ones you cheer for! Cora was my fave because she was bada$$!!!! And Kayne… I just wanna give him a hug. - If you want a zombie apocalypse book with fighting and lots of drama, slow burn romance and a tough as nails FMC, then this is your book! - Spice level: 2/5.
Omfg…. This felt like a masterpiece!! Except that there’s more to the story and book 2 isn’t out yet!!! (But I’ll wait) - This book pulled me in right from the get go and was really hard to put down once I began reading. It’s gory and there’s multiple types of zombies , bad humans and good humans. Ones you want to reach through the pages and strangle and ones you cheer for! Cora was my fave because she was bada$$!!!! And Kayne… I just wanna give him a hug. - If you want a zombie apocalypse book with fighting and lots of drama, slow burn romance and a tough as nails FMC, then this is your book! - Spice level: 2/5.
November 4, 2025
Thank You to the author for this read in exchange for my honest review of Zombie X Mutation.
This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the second one. Is Cora more dangerous than zombies? It is a page turning read that had me captivated from the beginning. The author was new to me and I can't wait to read more books from this author. This one was written well and every character in this one was great and I liked Cora the best. It's an action packed read with romance that you don't want to miss. I loved this book a lot and would recommend it to any reader, especially to those who like post-apocalyptic books with romance.
This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the second one. Is Cora more dangerous than zombies? It is a page turning read that had me captivated from the beginning. The author was new to me and I can't wait to read more books from this author. This one was written well and every character in this one was great and I liked Cora the best. It's an action packed read with romance that you don't want to miss. I loved this book a lot and would recommend it to any reader, especially to those who like post-apocalyptic books with romance.
October 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5
I received a free copy of this book, and it gave me everything I could want in an apocalyptic story. It was giving me strong Walking Dead vibes. You follow Cora, the FMC as she navigates life after a zombie infection. You see how she’s adapted, lost her innocence, and was forced to grow up far too quickly in a harsh and unforgiving world. Despite everything, she handles it like a boss. The writing and unique storyline, especially the way the zombies evolve, were so well done that I didn’t want to put the book down. I can’t wait to continue the story.
I received a free copy of this book, and it gave me everything I could want in an apocalyptic story. It was giving me strong Walking Dead vibes. You follow Cora, the FMC as she navigates life after a zombie infection. You see how she’s adapted, lost her innocence, and was forced to grow up far too quickly in a harsh and unforgiving world. Despite everything, she handles it like a boss. The writing and unique storyline, especially the way the zombies evolve, were so well done that I didn’t want to put the book down. I can’t wait to continue the story.
September 5, 2025
A woman with the zombie gene who has abilities. I don't like Kayne he isn't a strong character who defends her. I wish there was a better plot instead of how men treat women weak and make sure they can't have rights so they can be exploited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the book. It was a new way to look at the Zombies what they are, how they become and why. I couldn't put the book down and I enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 31, 2025
K.A. knows how to write post- apocalyptic worlds. Her character and world building in this is on point. Kayne is drool worthy too so that doesn't hurt. If you like tough females who can hold their own this is for you as well and did I mention all the heartbreak and Zombies.
September 16, 2025
Amazing story from an incredible author! I loved it from beginning to end!
March 4, 2026
When survival is all that’s left, can Cora return to humanity, or is she more dangerous than the zombies?
Cora is a reclusive survivor hiding in the underbelly of Manhattan. Fiercely independent and a cynical fighter, she’s outraged when Kayne discovers her and brings her back to his tribe of human survivors. Silently determined to escape, she struggles to accept that some humans—like Kayne—aren’t as dangerous as she believes.
With his loyal persistence and lighthearted banter, he earns more than just her trust. But when the ruthlessly brilliant tribe leader reveals a truth Cora didn’t see coming, it’s a race against time to survive the evolving zombies, save Cora from herself, and redeem what cannot be undone.
Tropes: Zombies, Evolution, Tribes,
Zombie X: Mutation is the 1st book in the Zombie X Series a Post-Apocalyptic Enemies To Lovers Romance by K.A. Masterson.
Zombie X: Mutation, this isn't the typical book that I would read. But, I love K.A. Masterson's writing and I am a huge fan of hers in general so I didn't care that I normally wouldn't read this kind of book, I just jumped on it. And wow, this book just took my breath away and I was just amazed.
This book isn't your typical zombie survival book, this book is raw, intense, and most of all it is full of grit and heart. From the first page Cora stole my heart with her grit, her determination to survive on her own in the ruins of Manhattan. And Cora is the kind of FMC that you want to root for even though she is flawed, fierce and at the same time she is heartbreakingly human.
For me, what sets this book apart from the other zombie books is that K.A. Masterson was able to perfectly balance the survival, horror and the emotional depth. There is relentless action between the relentless zombie encounters, all the desperate escapes, the shocking reveals and yet there are still those quieter peaceful moments that can still hit as hard as all the action.
I loved the dynamic Cora has with Kayne that's full of this push and pull and it's really one of the greatest parts of the story. Kayne has this persistence, warmth, and patience that manages to slowly chip away at Cora's walls and it was just so stunningly beautiful getting to watch this trust bloom between them, it felt so authentic, earned and real. And I loved the way you got to watch them go from this tentative friendship, to friendship, to falling in love.
Now, I want to know what is up with the Preb tribe leader Jayson. First of all his character is brilliant. His character is well rounded, perfectly developed, his growth is stunning, and his arc, just wow. Nothing with him I ever say coming. And the more you learn about him, his connection to Cora, (what is his real connection to Cora?) his connection to the outbreak of the apocalypse, how as the zombies evolve so does he and Cora, it's all just amazing. And you realize so quickly that sometimes the truest danger comes from the people you think that you can trust.
Zombie X gave me the perfect post-apocalyptic read: the high tension, complex characters, and this story had me asking me what it meant for me to be human when all you would have left is survival.
This is such a great read and I have to say that this is one of those books that I couldn't wait to jump into the 2nd book when I finished this book. I needed to know what happened next.
Cora, Kayne, the zombies, and even Jayson will be living rent free in my head for a long while.
Cora is a reclusive survivor hiding in the underbelly of Manhattan. Fiercely independent and a cynical fighter, she’s outraged when Kayne discovers her and brings her back to his tribe of human survivors. Silently determined to escape, she struggles to accept that some humans—like Kayne—aren’t as dangerous as she believes.
With his loyal persistence and lighthearted banter, he earns more than just her trust. But when the ruthlessly brilliant tribe leader reveals a truth Cora didn’t see coming, it’s a race against time to survive the evolving zombies, save Cora from herself, and redeem what cannot be undone.
Tropes: Zombies, Evolution, Tribes,
Zombie X: Mutation is the 1st book in the Zombie X Series a Post-Apocalyptic Enemies To Lovers Romance by K.A. Masterson.
Zombie X: Mutation, this isn't the typical book that I would read. But, I love K.A. Masterson's writing and I am a huge fan of hers in general so I didn't care that I normally wouldn't read this kind of book, I just jumped on it. And wow, this book just took my breath away and I was just amazed.
This book isn't your typical zombie survival book, this book is raw, intense, and most of all it is full of grit and heart. From the first page Cora stole my heart with her grit, her determination to survive on her own in the ruins of Manhattan. And Cora is the kind of FMC that you want to root for even though she is flawed, fierce and at the same time she is heartbreakingly human.
For me, what sets this book apart from the other zombie books is that K.A. Masterson was able to perfectly balance the survival, horror and the emotional depth. There is relentless action between the relentless zombie encounters, all the desperate escapes, the shocking reveals and yet there are still those quieter peaceful moments that can still hit as hard as all the action.
I loved the dynamic Cora has with Kayne that's full of this push and pull and it's really one of the greatest parts of the story. Kayne has this persistence, warmth, and patience that manages to slowly chip away at Cora's walls and it was just so stunningly beautiful getting to watch this trust bloom between them, it felt so authentic, earned and real. And I loved the way you got to watch them go from this tentative friendship, to friendship, to falling in love.
Now, I want to know what is up with the Preb tribe leader Jayson. First of all his character is brilliant. His character is well rounded, perfectly developed, his growth is stunning, and his arc, just wow. Nothing with him I ever say coming. And the more you learn about him, his connection to Cora, (what is his real connection to Cora?) his connection to the outbreak of the apocalypse, how as the zombies evolve so does he and Cora, it's all just amazing. And you realize so quickly that sometimes the truest danger comes from the people you think that you can trust.
Zombie X gave me the perfect post-apocalyptic read: the high tension, complex characters, and this story had me asking me what it meant for me to be human when all you would have left is survival.
This is such a great read and I have to say that this is one of those books that I couldn't wait to jump into the 2nd book when I finished this book. I needed to know what happened next.
Cora, Kayne, the zombies, and even Jayson will be living rent free in my head for a long while.
May 26, 2025
WOW this was an amazing twist on zombies and the apocalypse. I love how it was bam from the first chapter and drew me in like a kid at Christmas. I was so in to this book. I loved how just when you think you kinda were prepared for what’s as next and then no bam you were hit with something totally different. I recommend this book to anyone that loves apocalyptic books cause K.A.Masterson id her thing with this one.
October 29, 2024
Cora aka Andy is the strong silent type.
This is such a great twist on a zombie apocalypse. It had action and some plot twist. I really enjoyed the story in a whole. It was a gripping ride from start to finish well the finish didn’t make me happy cliff-hanger ending why??
This is such a great twist on a zombie apocalypse. It had action and some plot twist. I really enjoyed the story in a whole. It was a gripping ride from start to finish well the finish didn’t make me happy cliff-hanger ending why??
January 6, 2024
A very creative take on the zombie trope with a cliff-hanger ending. I can't wait for the next installment in the series, Zombie X: Mutated!
October 18, 2024
What an amazing story! It had adventure! I loved it from beginning to end! Amazingly written by a very talented writer!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews