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The Dead Room Trilogy #1
The Dead Room
322 years after the apocalypse, the world has changed, but her people have not. Secrets, lies, and manipulations endure among a small group of survivors taking refuge on an island in the Northern Pacific.
No one knows what claimed so many lives over three centuries ago, and no one asks, except Ashley Wortham. She can feel the secrets around her, begging to be uncovered.
But the nine elders who govern the island guard their secrets jealously. They believe the islanders know what they need to, and they hide their secrets behind a ruse of peace. But when Ashley, and her best friend Mason, go down the rabbit hole, no one is prepared for the truths they uncover. What will they do when they discover the downfall of humanity lies within their own island, deep inside the dead room?
No one knows what claimed so many lives over three centuries ago, and no one asks, except Ashley Wortham. She can feel the secrets around her, begging to be uncovered.
But the nine elders who govern the island guard their secrets jealously. They believe the islanders know what they need to, and they hide their secrets behind a ruse of peace. But when Ashley, and her best friend Mason, go down the rabbit hole, no one is prepared for the truths they uncover. What will they do when they discover the downfall of humanity lies within their own island, deep inside the dead room?
210 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2015
544 people are currently reading
2204 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Erickson
33 books304 followersI really hate writing these in third person. So hey! I'm Stephanie. I have all kinds of books including post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and paranormal romance. This is my first venture into clean rom-com, and I gotta tell ya, I loved it. I have 12 books planned for the Calendar Girls standalone series, so buckle up, buttercups! It's gonna be a fun ride, and I do hope you'll join me!
What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
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What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
www.instagram.com/authorsmerickson
www.stephanieericksonbooks.com
And, I have a newsletter! Sign up for exclusive access to giveaways, updates on new books, and sales!
https://mailchi.mp/stephanieericksonb...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 3, 2016
What the heck!!! I'm getting a taste of my own medicine and I seriously don't like it. Where is book 2.
This ain't funny, Stephanie Erickson! I want it now : (
Enjoyed this book as a leisurely read. I had to knock off a star for something terrible happening to a character I came to love in this story. Not cool, Stephanie. Not cool at all.
This ain't funny, Stephanie Erickson! I want it now : (
Enjoyed this book as a leisurely read. I had to knock off a star for something terrible happening to a character I came to love in this story. Not cool, Stephanie. Not cool at all.
April 27, 2015
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.
From Chapter 12 on, this book was a solid three star read for me. Chapter 12 was a severe turning point for this book and even when I finished it, I just couldn't reconcile with it. So, why four stars? The very last line of this book threw me for such a loop and made me suddenly want the next book now. I still shake my fist at the author for Chapter 12 though and ponder the reasons of why.
The story itself is unique, creative and interesting, but the author seemed to have a knee jerk reaction with much of the story line, creating a havoc that didn't need to be. Ashley, a strong heroine type, deserved so much more. There was a story there that could have been built on and created a good cement, but it was tossed to the side. Mason, he could have benefited so much more from Ashley and his placement in the group would have made considerable more sense than it did at the end. Honestly, where he ended up, I can't imagine a village not having issues and voicing such. The "monsters" reminded me a lot of a Michael Crichton novel. Now that's not a bad thing at all, because not many authors make use of this type of destruction. So the author did tap into a road less traveled which is becoming harder these days with this genre.
This novel is recommended for anyone 12+ who likes a good post-apocalyptic thriller and also for those who like Michael Crichton's writings. The book has secrets, conspiracies, mystery and everything in between. The Elders in the story are alike our own government with the good, the bad and the ugly. I look forward to the next book in this series, so many answers are coming!
From Chapter 12 on, this book was a solid three star read for me. Chapter 12 was a severe turning point for this book and even when I finished it, I just couldn't reconcile with it. So, why four stars? The very last line of this book threw me for such a loop and made me suddenly want the next book now. I still shake my fist at the author for Chapter 12 though and ponder the reasons of why.
The story itself is unique, creative and interesting, but the author seemed to have a knee jerk reaction with much of the story line, creating a havoc that didn't need to be. Ashley, a strong heroine type, deserved so much more. There was a story there that could have been built on and created a good cement, but it was tossed to the side. Mason, he could have benefited so much more from Ashley and his placement in the group would have made considerable more sense than it did at the end. Honestly, where he ended up, I can't imagine a village not having issues and voicing such. The "monsters" reminded me a lot of a Michael Crichton novel. Now that's not a bad thing at all, because not many authors make use of this type of destruction. So the author did tap into a road less traveled which is becoming harder these days with this genre.
This novel is recommended for anyone 12+ who likes a good post-apocalyptic thriller and also for those who like Michael Crichton's writings. The book has secrets, conspiracies, mystery and everything in between. The Elders in the story are alike our own government with the good, the bad and the ugly. I look forward to the next book in this series, so many answers are coming!
March 9, 2015
I give props to the author, this story was very wicked and I had no trouble following. She has also written The Unseen which I have read and that was completely mind boggling ;).
Around 322 years after the apocalypse the only survivors have remained on a little remote island out in the middle of the ocean. These survivors are governed by a group of Elders who lie and manipulate to get the islanders to obey. They have so many secrets that they hold on too and hold on to those secrets with a death grip so no one else can see except Ashley.
Ashley is a girl with a lot of questions and she tends to drive people mad by all of her questions. Most of them revolve around the fact that “they are the only survivors”. She doesn’t believe them and thinks there are others out there. When I started this book it had the feel of being like The Village, that the elders have instilled fear in all the villagers to keep them on their tiny little island and not try to search for others. I learned that was not the case half way through. The elders allow her to leave the island in search for her answers only to have her bff Mason follow with “orders” to eliminate Ashley. Like that was going to happen, he caught up to her and they began their journey together to find the mainland.
Only when they found their destination is was not what they expected and problems occur that are completely not expected. More questions just keep piling on as they learn the truth about the world. With Ashley not being able to return to the island and the truth of the apocalypse is unearthed. Does the answer to their questions lie in the safety of their island home?
I couldn’t tell who you could trust in this twisty turny ride of the Elder politicians. I thought this book was very good because you had no idea what was going to happen. It made me stop reading just to catch my breath and ask why did that just happen. But I give this 5 stars it was a page turner no boredom involved for me and a PG rating with no sexual nono’s or language. I think there was no language… I have been known to overlook it but if there is it isn’t much lol… So get this intriguing book and try to figure out the secrets!
Around 322 years after the apocalypse the only survivors have remained on a little remote island out in the middle of the ocean. These survivors are governed by a group of Elders who lie and manipulate to get the islanders to obey. They have so many secrets that they hold on too and hold on to those secrets with a death grip so no one else can see except Ashley.
Ashley is a girl with a lot of questions and she tends to drive people mad by all of her questions. Most of them revolve around the fact that “they are the only survivors”. She doesn’t believe them and thinks there are others out there. When I started this book it had the feel of being like The Village, that the elders have instilled fear in all the villagers to keep them on their tiny little island and not try to search for others. I learned that was not the case half way through. The elders allow her to leave the island in search for her answers only to have her bff Mason follow with “orders” to eliminate Ashley. Like that was going to happen, he caught up to her and they began their journey together to find the mainland.
Only when they found their destination is was not what they expected and problems occur that are completely not expected. More questions just keep piling on as they learn the truth about the world. With Ashley not being able to return to the island and the truth of the apocalypse is unearthed. Does the answer to their questions lie in the safety of their island home?
I couldn’t tell who you could trust in this twisty turny ride of the Elder politicians. I thought this book was very good because you had no idea what was going to happen. It made me stop reading just to catch my breath and ask why did that just happen. But I give this 5 stars it was a page turner no boredom involved for me and a PG rating with no sexual nono’s or language. I think there was no language… I have been known to overlook it but if there is it isn’t much lol… So get this intriguing book and try to figure out the secrets!
December 22, 2016
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed it, it was an easy read and certainly hooked me. The writing was simple but effective. The plot was a good twist on the apocalypse type book, I liked how it was set after the apocalypse but at the same time, the characters and the reader doesn't know what caused the apocalypse. All we know is that they are survivors on an island and they can't leave. Everywhere else is destroyed.
There was a couple of places where perhaps the writer could of developed the scene a little but overall a good book. I am starting the sequel now!
I enjoyed it, it was an easy read and certainly hooked me. The writing was simple but effective. The plot was a good twist on the apocalypse type book, I liked how it was set after the apocalypse but at the same time, the characters and the reader doesn't know what caused the apocalypse. All we know is that they are survivors on an island and they can't leave. Everywhere else is destroyed.
There was a couple of places where perhaps the writer could of developed the scene a little but overall a good book. I am starting the sequel now!
March 29, 2016
A quick read (210 pages), and an interesting premise. After 'the end of the world', a group of survivors live on a small island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The 'elders' uphold the laws and keep the peace. They also keep the books (carefully edited), the knowledge of what happened, and the secret of what's in the dead room.
The first book in a trilogy, I would read the second and third if I found them at the library, or if someone loaned them to me. The cliffhanger at the end was a bit of a surprise, but I'm not so enthralled I would rush right out and yell 'Take my money" to my local book dealer to get the next installment.
The first book in a trilogy, I would read the second and third if I found them at the library, or if someone loaned them to me. The cliffhanger at the end was a bit of a surprise, but I'm not so enthralled I would rush right out and yell 'Take my money" to my local book dealer to get the next installment.
October 10, 2016
Could not put it down
This book started strong and kept me hooked till it was finished. Interesting characters, great plot with unexpected twists, and good writing.
The fifth star was lost by a major plot point being a little too convenient and one incident that seemed to not match the science of the book.
Still a great read. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
This book started strong and kept me hooked till it was finished. Interesting characters, great plot with unexpected twists, and good writing.
The fifth star was lost by a major plot point being a little too convenient and one incident that seemed to not match the science of the book.
Still a great read. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
August 28, 2019
This was a good and quick read. My main criticism is that the characters got over death way too quickly.
March 22, 2017
I'm not sure why I kept putting this book on the back burner. I have been so interested in diving in to any of this author's books. I decided to start with The Dead Room and see where it took me. It was so fast paced that it was impossible to put down. I mean seriously I did not see the twists and turns when they appeared. It happened so fast that I felt like I had whiplash. The writing was superb and plot was intense. I loved the characters and the multiply point of views it gave this book a depth I didn't think was possible. I read it in one night. I fell asleep reading it and woke up at 3am to finish it. I just couldn't stop thinking about it and where it was going to go.
My favorite character was Mason. I loved when he heard his point of view because he was the character that I related to the most. He has the most amazing down to earth personality and compliments every character in the book. His relationship with Ashley and his need to protect her is admirable. My favorite moment of his was in the beginning when he said I did it. I knew I was going to fall in love with this character and cheer for him at every turn.
My favorite moment is a bit of spoiler so I will keep it short. It was the dead room. Now I did not see that coming at all. I mean at all. It threw me through a loop and was an awesome twist. Awww I just can't get over it.
I am diving in to the next book of the series tonight and look forward to finding out where the adventure is going to take me. I would recommend this book to anyone of my dystopian loving friends.
My favorite character was Mason. I loved when he heard his point of view because he was the character that I related to the most. He has the most amazing down to earth personality and compliments every character in the book. His relationship with Ashley and his need to protect her is admirable. My favorite moment of his was in the beginning when he said I did it. I knew I was going to fall in love with this character and cheer for him at every turn.
My favorite moment is a bit of spoiler so I will keep it short. It was the dead room. Now I did not see that coming at all. I mean at all. It threw me through a loop and was an awesome twist. Awww I just can't get over it.
I am diving in to the next book of the series tonight and look forward to finding out where the adventure is going to take me. I would recommend this book to anyone of my dystopian loving friends.
January 21, 2020
Okay.
2.5 stars.
322 years after the apocalypse. After the end of the world. Except a small island with about 1000 people. A group of elders makes the rules and keeps then safe, but ignorant.
The start if the book catches you right off and you are sucked into a young relationship that sets the stage.
Then the only person with brains dies, and the book starts to flatline. It turns into a fight of the good vs the evil elders.
Feels forced and except for the 2 main characters at the beginning of the book, when they were “together “ i didn’t care what happened to them, separated, he wad an idiot.
I figured i would push through and read the whole thing but the book doesn’t end. It has a “ you have to buy book 2” ending.
I have all three already, so, will plod on
2.5 stars.
322 years after the apocalypse. After the end of the world. Except a small island with about 1000 people. A group of elders makes the rules and keeps then safe, but ignorant.
The start if the book catches you right off and you are sucked into a young relationship that sets the stage.
Then the only person with brains dies, and the book starts to flatline. It turns into a fight of the good vs the evil elders.
Feels forced and except for the 2 main characters at the beginning of the book, when they were “together “ i didn’t care what happened to them, separated, he wad an idiot.
I figured i would push through and read the whole thing but the book doesn’t end. It has a “ you have to buy book 2” ending.
I have all three already, so, will plod on
March 15, 2017
As it turns out, I had about five more sentences to read after that last 88% update... The last ten percent is chapter one of book two, and I will not be reading it.
Somewhat intriguing story. I am curious about how it resolves (or not) and how the current situation of the characters came to be, but that curiosity will wane quickly and I will not miss it. I'm afraid it's not quite good enough to continue.
The writing just isn't great. I've said it before, but it gives one the feel of being a first, maybe second, draft. And not a draft by a gifted writer whose initial work is already tasting quite good. And in this case, the story and characters aren't brilliant enough alone to carry the book. (I'd say that's rarely the case, but I did read all the Hunger Games books....)
I do like trying to read the not-bestsellers and the inexpensive works on Amazon. I'll keep dipping into them and hoping to run across some undiscovered gems. I have to admire those folks who persist in finishing their novels. It is no easy task and something to be proud of. Of which to be proud.
Somewhat intriguing story. I am curious about how it resolves (or not) and how the current situation of the characters came to be, but that curiosity will wane quickly and I will not miss it. I'm afraid it's not quite good enough to continue.
The writing just isn't great. I've said it before, but it gives one the feel of being a first, maybe second, draft. And not a draft by a gifted writer whose initial work is already tasting quite good. And in this case, the story and characters aren't brilliant enough alone to carry the book. (I'd say that's rarely the case, but I did read all the Hunger Games books....)
I do like trying to read the not-bestsellers and the inexpensive works on Amazon. I'll keep dipping into them and hoping to run across some undiscovered gems. I have to admire those folks who persist in finishing their novels. It is no easy task and something to be proud of. Of which to be proud.
December 27, 2019
I didn't like this at all. :( The writing was hollow, the characters schematic, the world empty (and while it's a dystopia, not in a good way). The beginning was kind of interesting but then it quickly becomes a drag to read due to the lack of descriptions and some hint of realistic world-building... and because I didn't feel a single thing for either of the characters. The 'political intrigue' was too simple but also too dragged out. I hoped the explanation about the dead room will reveal something that I can cling onto but not really, sadly. I skimmed the rest of the book and sorry, but won't be returning for the sequel.
January 2, 2016
Stephanie Erickson is a great story-teller. The Dead Room is suspenseful and smart. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I really liked this book and I hope the author continues the series. I need to know what happens.
August 9, 2016
The Dead Room was really good. I can't wait to get book 2.
March 20, 2018
Meh
Not well written, lacks details, character development, and style. Flash backs could have been better organized, and less repeatative sentence structures like "she" or "he".
Not well written, lacks details, character development, and style. Flash backs could have been better organized, and less repeatative sentence structures like "she" or "he".
August 12, 2020
No one knows what caused the demise of humanity over three centuries ago, and no one asks, except Ashley Wortham. She as well as her fellow island occupants occupy a small island away from the mainland where the devastation occurred. The island is governed by nine elders who guard their secrets jealously. They omit the truth from the islanders and maintain a firm hold on the inhabitants. They believe the islanders should know what they need to know, and they hide their secrets behind a ruse of peace.
That is until, Ashley Wortham's curiosity lands her in troubled waters, having discovered one of these 'secrets'. The series of events that follow shatter the precious stability of the status quo that the elders have established on the island.
Blurb over. Now what did I think.
Ashley Wortham is presented as the strong female heroine type who is determined to uncover the secrets of the island (A bit cliche but I put up with it). Now, each occupant on the island is paired with a partner called a 'match' and through a series of tests, are determined what their strengths are and are then inserted into a job which suits these strengths. There is a school-like system but it wasn't explored. Like I said, unsatisfied with her living arrangements, Ashley pleads the elders for a sliver of truth or something but at every turn she gets suppressed. (SPOILERS BELOW - CAUTION)
This innate inquisitiveness of hers ultimately causes her downfall and after that her super best friend Mason takes the centre.
I would like to focus on the operation of the island. So islanders are assigned a match (Only one if I recall in the text) and work to serve the island and to contribute to the island, whether it be by crafting fish nets, fishing or welding. The criteria for your match is a bit vague because Ashley gets paired with Wesley who is in line to be an elder. The two have vastly different progeny's and social status on the island but I guess the elders choose for her, soo yeah. As you would expect, the elders have the most beautiful and caring matches and their primary duties it seems is to navigate the intense political sphere that is the council of elders. The chicanery and plotting I liked about the novel because Elder Burton believed he got snubbed from the head elder position but in reality he failed to sway the islanders to vote for him. Elder Alkoff rules the island with his second in command Mattli and struggle to implement the decisions they want (it's not as democratic, the decisions are not unanimously made) as the 9 elder figures form a diverse array of personalities. Clashing and conflict is common and bickering is common within the collective.
Mason returns from a perilous journey (will be omitted) and Alkoff (realising the power struggle) himself nominates him as elder as there was a vacancy. Mason repels in shock and confusion but eventually he accepts his new role. Before his perilous journey, he was a simple welder. He made his contributions, kept his nose shut and opted for the simple lifestyle the elders' imposed, unlike Ashley.
However, now he is made a pawn in Alkoff's political motivations and quite quickly rises to the ask and sides with him and Mattli. (as they provide him protection)
And yeah, the book ends on a massive cliffhanger but its a trilogy so makes sense. This book held my attention and I'll eventually read the other entries. They're not long to read anyway
That is until, Ashley Wortham's curiosity lands her in troubled waters, having discovered one of these 'secrets'. The series of events that follow shatter the precious stability of the status quo that the elders have established on the island.
Blurb over. Now what did I think.
Ashley Wortham is presented as the strong female heroine type who is determined to uncover the secrets of the island (A bit cliche but I put up with it). Now, each occupant on the island is paired with a partner called a 'match' and through a series of tests, are determined what their strengths are and are then inserted into a job which suits these strengths. There is a school-like system but it wasn't explored. Like I said, unsatisfied with her living arrangements, Ashley pleads the elders for a sliver of truth or something but at every turn she gets suppressed. (SPOILERS BELOW - CAUTION)
This innate inquisitiveness of hers ultimately causes her downfall and after that her super best friend Mason takes the centre.
I would like to focus on the operation of the island. So islanders are assigned a match (Only one if I recall in the text) and work to serve the island and to contribute to the island, whether it be by crafting fish nets, fishing or welding. The criteria for your match is a bit vague because Ashley gets paired with Wesley who is in line to be an elder. The two have vastly different progeny's and social status on the island but I guess the elders choose for her, soo yeah. As you would expect, the elders have the most beautiful and caring matches and their primary duties it seems is to navigate the intense political sphere that is the council of elders. The chicanery and plotting I liked about the novel because Elder Burton believed he got snubbed from the head elder position but in reality he failed to sway the islanders to vote for him. Elder Alkoff rules the island with his second in command Mattli and struggle to implement the decisions they want (it's not as democratic, the decisions are not unanimously made) as the 9 elder figures form a diverse array of personalities. Clashing and conflict is common and bickering is common within the collective.
Mason returns from a perilous journey (will be omitted) and Alkoff (realising the power struggle) himself nominates him as elder as there was a vacancy. Mason repels in shock and confusion but eventually he accepts his new role. Before his perilous journey, he was a simple welder. He made his contributions, kept his nose shut and opted for the simple lifestyle the elders' imposed, unlike Ashley.
However, now he is made a pawn in Alkoff's political motivations and quite quickly rises to the ask and sides with him and Mattli. (as they provide him protection)
And yeah, the book ends on a massive cliffhanger but its a trilogy so makes sense. This book held my attention and I'll eventually read the other entries. They're not long to read anyway
June 14, 2020
***2.5/3 stars***
I'm having a hard time trying to rate this book, because I generally do not know how I feel about it. I'll just go ahead and give my thoughts.
While it was easy to read, it just felt like the plot itself was trudging along aimless, so I had to keep encouraging myself to finish. I think it didn't help that this was written in a third person, multiple narrative which I am not used to, so I had to get used to who was speaking or who's perspective I was now being introduced to. I did think at one point I was going to DNF, at around chapter 16, but my saving grace was that I was reading this on my Kindle, so with less than 30 minutes left for the whole book I thought there was no point in stopping.
I would have liked a bit more world building, we are offered what life is like on the island from flashbacks, so we get their way of living but it is very little.
Ashley's character:
Mason 's character:
The cause/reason for the end of the world:
Last line:
I'm having a hard time trying to rate this book, because I generally do not know how I feel about it. I'll just go ahead and give my thoughts.
While it was easy to read, it just felt like the plot itself was trudging along aimless, so I had to keep encouraging myself to finish. I think it didn't help that this was written in a third person, multiple narrative which I am not used to, so I had to get used to who was speaking or who's perspective I was now being introduced to. I did think at one point I was going to DNF, at around chapter 16, but my saving grace was that I was reading this on my Kindle, so with less than 30 minutes left for the whole book I thought there was no point in stopping.
I would have liked a bit more world building, we are offered what life is like on the island from flashbacks, so we get their way of living but it is very little.
Ashley's character:
Mason 's character:
"And that was that. The end of the world, all wrapped up in a little black box."
The cause/reason for the end of the world:
Last line:
January 8, 2020
I like discovering new authors via free books on Amazon. The free books tend to be hit and miss though. Most times, I'll read a few pages, discover it's crap and delete the book, while there'll be those rare times, I get hooked and read all through the night, like I was with this one.
I'm drawn to post-apocalyptic-themed books, but they're often cliched and not done well. The Dead Room has an interesting premise, and throughout the book, I wondered what caused the end of the world and also what the heck the title of the book referred to.
The main characters - Ashley and Mason - weren't as interesting as they could've been, almost one-dimensional. The secondary character - Mattli, an Elder to the group of survivors living on the island, was more interesting.
There were opportunities to create more suspense in the storyline that I thought the author missed out on, but then again, perhaps I'm just used to reading books with twists and turns, that frustrate me.
This book was a solid 3-stars for me, and though there's a sequel, The Dead World, the ending wasn't one of those annoying cliffhangers, but a fairly satisfying one for me, strange, but true :)
I'm drawn to post-apocalyptic-themed books, but they're often cliched and not done well. The Dead Room has an interesting premise, and throughout the book, I wondered what caused the end of the world and also what the heck the title of the book referred to.
The main characters - Ashley and Mason - weren't as interesting as they could've been, almost one-dimensional. The secondary character - Mattli, an Elder to the group of survivors living on the island, was more interesting.
There were opportunities to create more suspense in the storyline that I thought the author missed out on, but then again, perhaps I'm just used to reading books with twists and turns, that frustrate me.
This book was a solid 3-stars for me, and though there's a sequel, The Dead World, the ending wasn't one of those annoying cliffhangers, but a fairly satisfying one for me, strange, but true :)
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this first book of the 'Dead Room Trilogy'. The genre is 'apocalypse survival' which I feel has been done a bit to death recently, however this offers an interesting twist by setting it on an island far after the 'event' has happened. Some of the survivors have never really known the outside world and don't really know what had happened. I think this helps to keep the story fresh and not too cliched and I enjoyed finding out about how the society operated. I thought the characters were well developed and I really enjoyed how brave the author was to write such a big twist in the middle of the book - it certainly took me off-guard but I thought it was actually a really good technique (no spoilers!).
This is a trilogy and the story ends on a cliff-hanger so be warned you may end up purchasing the next book straight after finishing this one. However number 2 has only just been published so number 3 might be a way off yet, so perhaps wait to start them if you're impatient!
This is a trilogy and the story ends on a cliff-hanger so be warned you may end up purchasing the next book straight after finishing this one. However number 2 has only just been published so number 3 might be a way off yet, so perhaps wait to start them if you're impatient!
February 1, 2017
Stephanie Erickson has that unique ability to give us this great story with such a simple way of writing. The Idea behind the book is very intriguing and the entire book is such an easy read. Usually these post-apocalyptic books tend to be not only really creepy and unrealistic but also quite hard sometimes to follow along but she created this amazingly structured island with all these secrets and mysteries. And that ending though, killed me - I hate cliffhangers, specially when I don't have the next book right there to continue the reading, however even I have to admit that that was a good cliffhanger.
Now the reason I gave it only 3 stars is that I found the storyline to be a bit cut short for my taste. Some things I would have liked to read more about, the funerals for example, their entire trip and stay on the mainland. For me there was something missing in some parts of the book. But nonetheless great overall book. Definitely will finish the trilogy!
Now the reason I gave it only 3 stars is that I found the storyline to be a bit cut short for my taste. Some things I would have liked to read more about, the funerals for example, their entire trip and stay on the mainland. For me there was something missing in some parts of the book. But nonetheless great overall book. Definitely will finish the trilogy!
June 5, 2019
This book was just... not good. First and foremost, the writing is awful. That alone made it a tough sell for me. Character development is completely lacking. The flashbacks in the book are presumably meant to serve as such, but they just felt hollow and unconvincing. World building is basically non-existent which is too bad since it's a pretty important component of a dystopian novel. And it's difficult for me to suspend my belief for things such as crossing an ocean in a canoe with no problems. The book's name sake--The Dead Room--doesn't make its appearance until the very end of the book, and its "big reveal" is pretty stale. Nothing about this book worked for me.
May 25, 2023
I really don't know what to think. On one hand, the story hooked me and kept me guessing throughout the climax and the resolution(if you can even call it that since I was left with way more questions than answers at the end). So much was packed into just 200 some-odd pages! But I think that may also be a downfall for this book. Everything happened so quickly, which helped push the story forward, but didn't give you any kind of closure or answers on things that really needed that. Such as Ashley. I did not see that coming at all and it was over in less that 2 paragraphs. Maybe that was the point? And Burton! That was all over so quickly! I barely had time to recognize him as a character, let alone as a villain. I don't know. I just feel unsettled by the whole thing. But overall, im giving this 3.5 stars and will probably not stop thinking about this for days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2017
This was a weird one. It ended suddenly. Although I did have the thought right before it ended, “This book should end now. That will be a stronger ending, but I bet it’ll just keep going.” I think I had that thought because the rest of the book wasn’t that strong. It seemed really slow at first and then suddenly really rushed. Things would suddenly happen or take a turn I wasn’t expecting, and I kept waiting for someone to wake up and it would be a dream. I don’t know if I was super invested to read the next book, but the. I read the first few chapters at the end of this book. I thought the second book immediately seemed more interesting. Though this is another book that is a bit disappointing when you find out what the cause was behind the apocalypse. Not sure if I’ll read book two yet.
December 4, 2019
Pretty intriguing kind of...
The number of characters was a bit confusing at first. The author had to spread their development thin and I wish there were deeper characterizations of a few of them
The plot was fresh in the world of survival-of-civilization stories and held my attention, but I found the book somehow flat with very little action, although that isn't really necessary in every novel. It isn't a bad read and it was lacking in vulgarity; maybe too young for my taste. A bit YA and sometimes that is refreshing.
The number of characters was a bit confusing at first. The author had to spread their development thin and I wish there were deeper characterizations of a few of them
The plot was fresh in the world of survival-of-civilization stories and held my attention, but I found the book somehow flat with very little action, although that isn't really necessary in every novel. It isn't a bad read and it was lacking in vulgarity; maybe too young for my taste. A bit YA and sometimes that is refreshing.
April 8, 2020
*Spoiler alert* I really enjoyed this book; the premise, the trajectory of the story, the author's voice. I understand that in book 1 of a series there is character development, backstory development, etc. But, I found the development of Ashley as a main character with Mason coming after - then killing Ashley so suddenly - was far too abrupt. I was disappointed and almost put the book down. At least have Ashley and Mason run from the fog first before she succumbs. Still, it was a good read and I will be reading book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
2.75 stars.
Quick read, loosely written (meaning not all the dialogue, character decisions either too informed or not fitting with their personality, wording chosen by narrator--"million dollar question", how the cards fall, other turns of phrase that don't fit with a small, non-electric, very basic, island life hundreds of years past an apocalypse).
I made it through but was really looking for something with more depth.
Quick read, loosely written (meaning not all the dialogue, character decisions either too informed or not fitting with their personality, wording chosen by narrator--"million dollar question", how the cards fall, other turns of phrase that don't fit with a small, non-electric, very basic, island life hundreds of years past an apocalypse).
I made it through but was really looking for something with more depth.
February 7, 2018
Pretty good
So this is a dystopian book. Something happened hundreds of years ago. Some lucky survivors were brought to a island and that’s where they stayed. No electricity and no running water but they have a society and learned to live. Ashley lives on the island and she always asks to many questions. The elders don’t let people know everything they know. Will Ashley get her answers? Grab this book and find out.
So this is a dystopian book. Something happened hundreds of years ago. Some lucky survivors were brought to a island and that’s where they stayed. No electricity and no running water but they have a society and learned to live. Ashley lives on the island and she always asks to many questions. The elders don’t let people know everything they know. Will Ashley get her answers? Grab this book and find out.
January 18, 2020
**For those with trigger, be aware that this book contains domestic abuse and murders**
I loved the whole concept of this book. What a great concept of a new kind of apocalypse. There were so many party of this book that came unexpectedly, especially the killing off of some more known characters and the betrayals that occurred. I can tell you one thing for sure, this island is not one that I would have wanted to live on.
I loved the whole concept of this book. What a great concept of a new kind of apocalypse. There were so many party of this book that came unexpectedly, especially the killing off of some more known characters and the betrayals that occurred. I can tell you one thing for sure, this island is not one that I would have wanted to live on.
February 14, 2020
A very good read that takes place in the future where survivors of an apocalypse live on an island controlled by elders.
The inhabitants seem indoctrinated into their way of life - acceptance of roles and asking no questions. There are a mystery, intriguing questions and a range of characters that fit well into the story.
A little drawn out at times but overall, an entertaining tale.
Worth a look.
The inhabitants seem indoctrinated into their way of life - acceptance of roles and asking no questions. There are a mystery, intriguing questions and a range of characters that fit well into the story.
A little drawn out at times but overall, an entertaining tale.
Worth a look.
July 18, 2021
Book 59/75: The Dead Room (The Dead Room Trilogy, #1) by Stephanie Erickson. Wow, two books finished in one day! I'm on a reading roll! This one felt like it fell flat as well... luckily the ending was quite intriguing enough to see where to find the second book but it took its sweet time to get to the point and the good part, but all part of a post apocalyptic read I suppose: the suspense to get answers!
January 1, 2018
The plot is interesting, but I had some problems with the main character. Starting with the fact that there seemed to be a different main character at the beginning of the book, but suddenly shifts focus to another. There are some actions that seem implausible or just too convenient, but if you suspend your disbelief then the twists and turns will keep you entertained. The cliffhanger is the reason for me to purchase the second as soon as I get a chance.
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