Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Whimper” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Whimper

Erin McFadden (Goodreads Author)

4.23 · Rating details · 39 ratings · 25 reviews

Despite sweltering heat, Saturday night is in full swing at the local campus bars and cafes. Thumping techno bass competes against raucous voices and laughter until screams suddenly shatter the party atmosphere. A half-naked man charges through the crowd, savaging his peers. Zoe Clark witnesses the bloody attack and the unnatural behavior of the assailant and knows somethi ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 487 pages

Published June 12th 2015 by Createspace

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Whimper, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Whimper

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.23 ·

Rating details

· 39 ratings · 25 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Whimper

Feb 17, 2016 Claire Ingram rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved loved loved this book

Initial thoughts: I will never look at drunk people the same way again, think this story will stay with me, oh my gosh this COULD happen.

You will love this story if: you like a good story, you like to read, ok seriously it's great if you love apocalyptic or tense books.
This book takes 2 of my favourite genres and perfectly merges them which is not easy when the genres are apocalyptic and romance, well it's not easy to do it well and keep it realistic. This book manag I loved loved loved this book

Initial thoughts: I will never look at drunk people the same way again, think this story will stay with me, oh my gosh this COULD happen.

You will love this story if: you like a good story, you like to read, ok seriously it's great if you love apocalyptic or tense books.
This book takes 2 of my favourite genres and perfectly merges them which is not easy when the genres are apocalyptic and romance, well it's not easy to do it well and keep it realistic. This book manages without even breaking a sweat.

My favourite thing about this book: it's realism and ability to completely wrap the reader up in the story and sweep them away. I noticed I started checking around while out at night for zombies, well more than I normally do.

What I liked about this book: the characters were all perfectly imperfect humans, not in an omg why are you an idiot kind of way but rather in a flawed and relatable way. The different characters worked well together perfectly capturing the many facets of humanity. The use of a dual POV helped me see the thoughts and emotions of the two main characters which helped temper down the occasional murderous or distrustful thoughts.
The author has a clear mastery of language using many tools to advance and enhance the story, the use of pathetic fallacy (use of weather to portray mood/emotion) to increase the tension really added to the story and had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
The title made me think of the famous quote "the world will end not on a bang but on a whimper". This once again adds to the multi layered feel of this novel that the more you read think and study this book the more you find.
I liked that the book wasn't predictable or at least not overly so,
The book had my heart racing, left me gasping and had me so tense at points that I think it should come with a health warning.

What could be better: well not a lot really. I don't think the cover does the book justice and the name of the book doesn't give any clues either (though I love the title)
It's unclear whether there will be a sequel or thats it, if that is it then it would be nice to have an epilogue to give me closure on the book, basically what I'm saying is the only thing wrong with this book is I want more of this book haha

Final thoughts: I can't recommend this book enough a great tense read that will have all zombie fans excited (sorry infected!!! They are not zombies they are infected!!! There is a difference my bad)
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 13, 2015 L.A. Remenicky rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-2015

I received an arc of this book for an honest review. I fell in love with Erin's storytelling in Muse and Whimper is even better. Zoe and Elliott meet on an anything but ordinary Saturday night in a small college town. As they share a look across the bar things start to unravel and the world starts to fall apart around them. Zoe and her twin brother are trying to make sense of the world that seems to be coming apart at the seams when Elliot reappears and joins forces with the twins but he knows m ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 07, 2020 Deborah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A modern zombie story done well

There is no apocalypse, this story brings you in as the virus begins & is really well written. I couldn't stop reading it. Interesting characters & a more believable progression than most Zombie stories. Even has a proper ending not a cliffhanger :) ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 26, 2017 Christine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Whimper by Erin McFadden is a wonderfully quick, thrilling ride through a viral outbreak of possibly apocalyptic proportions.

I couldn't put this down, and didn't want to. Read nearly straight through over a short 2-day period. You have to read this book!!! ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 22, 2020 Deberha Perkins rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great Read!!!!

Whimper is a hell of a story! The characters seem to be as real as I and the plot of the story well let’s just say you must read it truly an amazing story .

flag Like · see review

Sep 06, 2015 Amy Shelton rated it it was amazing

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.

5/5 (Exceptional)

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

I had to finish this book in one setting. Waiting until the next day was not an option. So with extremely tired eyes, I tell you, that this book ROCKED!!!! I absolutely loved the author’s take on zombies. The flesh rotting zombies are over done in my opinion and it was a fresh surprise that these were not that way. The story line that was written f Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books.

5/5 (Exceptional)

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

I had to finish this book in one setting. Waiting until the next day was not an option. So with extremely tired eyes, I tell you, that this book ROCKED!!!! I absolutely loved the author’s take on zombies. The flesh rotting zombies are over done in my opinion and it was a fresh surprise that these were not that way. The story line that was written for this story was so detailed and well written it felt like it could be something that we could go through in society today (yes, kind of a scary thought). It was such an easy read as in it was incredibly easy to immerse yourself into the story and read it as if it were life you were going through day to day.

I loved the characters in the story. They were intelligent, witty, and funny. They were a great group of characters and the author did a great job writing them and setting the stage for them to have a great relationship amongst them all.

This is a suspenseful story from the start to the finish. You don’t quite know what’s going to happen with the disease and for a brief period you don’t know what is even making anyone crazy. The theory presented at first seems a little offhand but the more you read the story the more believable it all becomes. There are a few heart breaking times but they happen so fast and the scene moves on you don’t really dwell on it so the mood doesn’t break down nor does it affect the story.

Okay, let’s talk detail. As I said above, these zombies were not the rotten flesh zombies. The author presented the scene in an easy to visualize manner but also set it in a way you knew that something was wrong with the people that had the virus. I think with a story like this there is a fine line the author must walk with detail and description to really get the picture across to the reader and I think that the author did an INCREDIBLE job!

This was a great read and I’m kind of sad it had to end, although I desperately needed sleep. It’s a book I would definitely recommend even if you aren’t sure if you will read a zombie story. There is so much more to this story. ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 18, 2015 Frederic rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

To be totally honest, I had no clue what was in store for me when I began to read Whimper of Erin McFadden. I was on the fence to read it or not since I am not a fan of Zombie stories at all. Having read the first instalment of the Muse series and already knowing that Erin McFadden has talents, I decided to go ahead and read that book. I have been provided this book free in exchange on an honest review. Let’s begin, shall we?

One of the strongest qualities of Erin McFadden writing is the pace of To be totally honest, I had no clue what was in store for me when I began to read Whimper of Erin McFadden. I was on the fence to read it or not since I am not a fan of Zombie stories at all. Having read the first instalment of the Muse series and already knowing that Erin McFadden has talents, I decided to go ahead and read that book. I have been provided this book free in exchange on an honest review. Let’s begin, shall we?

One of the strongest qualities of Erin McFadden writing is the pace of the story, always a lot of action and the rhythm is fast, we are on an action roll… and it is a good one. She masters the delicate balance between too much action and not enough with a touch of her own. The plot in this story had me captivated and I was always wanting to know more about the story. I had a hard time putting down this book. She managed to brought me into this universe and I am absolutely grateful for that. I really enjoyed Zack and Zoe family story, it was pretty imaginative and added richness to the overall story. Suspense elements were present all the way and the story as a whole was excellent!!!

I was hesitant for a while between giving four or five stars, mainly because of the characters. While I think that Zack, Elliott and Briana are well executed, I had a toughest time buying into Zoe. This was bugging me since she is the main character of the book. In my opinion, Zoe was lacking of introspection, she fell flat to me. I would have loved to see her more psychologically complex/built and a little warmer, but that is just my opinion. This being said, it was my only point that was less positive, however that does not override the overall execution of this book. As you can see, I have decided to give 5 stars to this book. I had such a great time and was so eager to continue this book reading that it was a no brainer in the end!

I strongly recommend this book, if you are looking for action, romance and an a great story, it will be worth your investment!

I know it is meant to be a standalone novel, but I would love to know what will be happening next to Elliott findings and Zoe evolution…

...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 10, 2017 Stephenee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: nerd-girl-reviews

* I received an ebook from the author, but that in no way influences my review or opinion of the book. *

This is my first book by author Erin McFadden and it will not be my last!! She grabs the readers attention from the very start and never lets it go! I lost a bit of sleep over this book, and by a bit I mean a lot...I couldn't stop reading it - every time I said that I was going to stop reading I continued to tell myself one more chapter....just one more....Yep, it's that compelling, that origi ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 28, 2015 Sofia The Great rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015, zombies

3 1/2 Platypires for Whimper by Erin McFadden

I received a digital copy from the author for an honest review.

First I want to start off with the cover. I just think its so beautifully done. Looks just like a movie poster and it is was what immediately intrigued me. I was also drawn to the tagline "The is the way the world ends." Seriously, sign me up for some apocalypse reading.
Whimper is a mix of romance and the zombie genre which happens to be two of my favorites. As for the romance, I was ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 18, 2017 Kat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Can't stop, won't stop, not going to stop...LOVING this book! From the very first page I was hooked, and couldn't read the words fast enough to get to the next part. Zoe and Zack live in a college town. Their family has been there for generations. I was completely enamoured with the details of the house, if they make a movie it'll be my favorite part ;) Zoe runs her late Uncle's bar while Zack good off and plays the field with the ladies. After some odd occurrences and a strange man and woman co ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 03, 2015 Immortal Chicks rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I am a reader of all types of books but I had honestly never read a book about “Zombies” I was leery to say the least once I realized what the book was about. Me being me I am willing to give anything a chance! I was maybe 10% into this book and was like I just don’t know……However I will give a book to 30% to catch me needless to say I was hooked before 30%!!! I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars but that is only due to the slow start….. The story line is well thought out and the entire book ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 11, 2015 Angie rated it it was amazing

I am so thankful for getting this book gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
If you love zombies and an adrenaline rush then this book is for you.
This really keeps your mind working. Knowing good and well that this could be a crazy possibility. Well without the zombies.
Zoe and her brother live in a crazy stilted house. Thinking it was made to protect them from the elements and not ever what it was truly ment for.
Zoe meets an attractive guy at the bar she owns and soon becomes very cl ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 08, 2015 Ink Angels Book Blog rated it liked it · review of another edition

Ink Angels Book Blog received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

McFadden truly has a gift for science fiction and makes it well-known with her thorough character dialogue. This Ink Angel appreciates a great zombie suspense and I especially enjoyed the construction of Zoe's home and the attention to detail McFadden utilizes. It captivates the audience and gives the reader a wicked visual.

While this book was a quick read, it was very well-written with an interesting plot. Unfortunately, the ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 10, 2015 Melvina rated it it was amazing

I loved this action packed romance book!! It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The storyline was very believable. It made me stop and think about how easily it would be for something like this to happen in real life. I really liked all the characters, especially Elliott and Zoey....I was a little disappointed though about Zack and Brianna, but with the way the story ended maybe Zack will make a comeback in the next book?? **hint **hint
The way the book ended makes me think this ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 15, 2015 Anna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review-from-authors

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.***

I'm still slightly confused with this book. I absolutely LOVED Muse and was expecting something along the lines of that for this second book by Erin McFadden...but there was no similarities at all.

Instead, I had a zombie story. I tend to stay away from zombie-genres, since I find them very upsetting...and like all that I've read yet, this was pretty upsetting.

The characters were good, so that was a positive, it just wasn ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2015 Kimothy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love romance that starts under intense survival skills needed situations, this book has that. Two people living life and then bam it all changes in an instant. Both in the world they live in but also for the two of them, attraction ensues and it is all fast pace because in this new world for Zoe and Elliott they do not know how much time they have left. Any moment could be their last and that is what makes the connection between the characters so much more passionate for me. Maybe in their eve ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 16, 2015 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received this story from the author in exchange for an honest review. I chose this book from a review group because the title and blurb reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper." I opened the book and that quote was in the front pages of it, which made me even more certain that I'd chosen wisely. This book was very well written. The characters are easy to love, the story kept me intrigued from the very beginning, and there is plen ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 13, 2015 Pamela Beckford rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was one of those books that you want to read in one sitting. You know the kind, you are racing to the end to find out how it all works out.

While the plot was a bit predictable, I really enjoyed this book. I was rooting for Elliott and Zoe all the way. I would like to have heard more about Zoe's house and gotten a bit more backstory though. There were some interesting and unexpected developments as they raced against the clock. I never once lost interest in this book and look forward to more ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 29, 2015 Lori Clark rated it liked it · review of another edition

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

My major problem with this book is I feel that the blurb/synopsis misrepresents the story. Nowhere in the description does it mention zombies. It talks about a pandemic -- which is exactly why I signed up to review. I don't read zombie books. I just don't. The book is interesting, and well written... aside from the insta-love relationship. That aspect of the story line moved entirely too fast for my liking. I don't think most people invite members o ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 26, 2015 Sue rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is the first book I've read by this author and what a read it was.
It has a great storyline which it jumps straight into, the characters are likeable and at times had me on the edge of my seat.
The only little niggle for me was that Elliot and Zoe went from being total strangers to sharing a closeness and complete trust practically overnight, although the timeline for the plot needs to be quite fast paced, it would have been nice to see their relationship develop a little first.
All in all th ...more

flag Like · see review

Apr 27, 2016 Bob Platypire rated it really liked it · review of another edition

*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I thought this was well written and captivating. The characters were engaging, and I really liked seeing the relationships. There were a few things that felt just a little too convenient for my taste, but overall I really loved this zombie story wrapped up in a conspiracy theory, and recommend it for pretty much everyone.

For me it falls between 3 and 4 stars. As its closer to 4, that's what I'll go with.

Bob says: 4 Pltypires/St ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 20, 2016 Angela rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was my first zombie book so I am not sure if it is representative of the genre but if it is I may read some more. I really like this authors style and I enjoyed this even more than her Muse book. The characters of Zoe and Elliot were really well developed and on the whole I found the plot plausible and the action realistic. All though there is a romance element this is kept well and truly in the B plot arena and is not the main focus of the story. I would reccomend this book to YA, NA and a ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 18, 2015 Briony rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-exchange-for-review

I received this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Erin's storytelling in Muse and Whimper is even better.

"This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper" what a quote to start the book with !!

The characters are Fantastic and loveable. Zoe's personality had me laughing and crying and i just wanted to pull Elliott out of the book. there is plenty of excitement and it kept me on the edge of my seat and i wanted to rush forward and find out what happen ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 08, 2016 Karen A Canales rated it liked it · review of another edition

Awesome until the crap ending.

This book was outside my normal genres to be fair, but I really enjoyed it. Right up until the end. No idea what happens to the characters. Not happy.

flag Like · see review

Jul 28, 2016 Cindy rated it liked it

Different take on the zombie craze. The writing was good and for the most part I liked the story and characters, it was the ending that made this a 3 star for me.

flag Like · see review

Heather rated it it was amazing
Aug 15, 2015

Shannan Williams rated it it was ok
Oct 24, 2015

Nook Books and More Blog rated it it was amazing
Aug 29, 2017

Saint-Paul rated it it was amazing
Apr 17, 2017

Deb G. rated it really liked it
Apr 10, 2017

« previous 1 2 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Genres

Horror > Zombies

5 users

See top shelves…

About Erin McFadden

Erin McFadden

81 followers

Contemporary fantasy author Erin McFadden lives in Indiana with her two daughters. They love reading and watching movies together, as well as camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Erin dreams of packing up and visiting all the magical, historical spots in Europe she has read about.
An unabashed geek, Erin loves science fiction, all things paranormal, and anything involving a conspiracy theory. ...more