Manor Zoo

by James Michael

146 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2026

About the author

James Williams lives in Moore, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master's degree in English Education in 2024. In May 2024, James published his first novel, It Was Always You. He currently teaches high school English in Oklahoma City. James is the father to Brady, Nevaeh, and Hayden, and stepfather to Sage. He and his partner, Rachael, have a cat, Shadow, and 3 dogs, Harley, Alfred, and Drake. In his free time, James enjoys learning about free time and imagining what that would be like.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a surprisingly fun and touching read. I never expected to relate so strongly to animal characters, but this story made it effortless. And yes…there are zombies! Zombie chaos that keeps the story exciting, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining. At its core, this is a story about survival and resilience, about what it means to endure when everything falls apart, even if you’re an animal. The book explores character, sacrifice, and the difficult choices made in the worst of times. It mirrors real-life struggles in powerful ways, asking whether you’ll choose self-preservation or step up to help others for the greater good. The story hits the ground running from the very first page and never lets up. I was fully invested from start to finish!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to reread the opening because the twist hit that hard. It completely shifts your footing and pulls you into the story before you’re ready. From there, watching all these different species come together to survive was unexpectedly emotional. Their struggles, fears, and quiet moments of hope really resonate.
James doesn’t just tell a survival story; he shows what it means to care for others when everything feels uncertain. There’s a deep appreciation for life woven through these pages, along with the reminder that trust isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Keeping an open mind can be the difference between surviving alone… or surviving together.
This one stays with you long after the last page.

[Dawn “Platinum Vera” Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creative and engaging read that kept me interested from beginning to end. Manor Zoo is an excellent read full of suspense, humor, and emotion, making it difficult to put the book down!!

James Michael wrote a good read that is imaginative, well-written, and filled with memorable characters that bring the world to life.

The pacing is strong, and each chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Whether you’re a fan of adventure, mystery, or unique storytelling, Manor Zoo is a book worth reading.

I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you James!

[A. Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manor Zoo by James Michael is a haunting, thought-provoking allegory that lingers long after the final page.

Set after the collapse of human civilization, the story follows animals forced to build their own society—only to find themselves repeating familiar patterns of power, fear, and control. What begins as survival slowly mirrors the very systems that once confined them.

At its core is a powerful question: when survival is at stake, is compassion a liability or a responsibility? This theme runs through every decision and conflict, adding depth and emotional weight to the story.

The arrival of a human child raises the stakes even further, forcing both the characters and the reader to confront the balance between instinct, memory, and morality.

More than just a post-apocalyptic tale, Manor Zoo feels like a meaningful continuation of the conversation started by Animal Farm—not just warning of corruption, but asking whether change is truly possible.

A compelling read for those who enjoy philosophical, morally complex stories that stay with you.