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The Low Lying Lands #1
Music City Macabre
ASIN 1519715773 moved to this edition.
His name is Prescott. He is a survivor. Two years ago an event known as The Descent swept the nation and transformed the majority of the population into raging, destructive beings, known as FREAKS. During that time Prescott has been searching for his sister Emily, who went missing in the early days of the catastrophic event. Prescott enters The 88, a bar which all his gathered intelligence has led him to believe, he will finally find his missing sister. What he discovers will shock him to his very core. Choosing to run instead of facing his emotions Prescott lands in Nashville, TN, where a vicious war lord named Kade, rules the destroyed city with his congregation of Freaks. It is here where Prescott will learn that family can grow from the ashes of devastation, love is still possible, and hope is eternal.
His name is Prescott. He is a survivor. Two years ago an event known as The Descent swept the nation and transformed the majority of the population into raging, destructive beings, known as FREAKS. During that time Prescott has been searching for his sister Emily, who went missing in the early days of the catastrophic event. Prescott enters The 88, a bar which all his gathered intelligence has led him to believe, he will finally find his missing sister. What he discovers will shock him to his very core. Choosing to run instead of facing his emotions Prescott lands in Nashville, TN, where a vicious war lord named Kade, rules the destroyed city with his congregation of Freaks. It is here where Prescott will learn that family can grow from the ashes of devastation, love is still possible, and hope is eternal.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2016
This is a no-spoilers review of Music City Macabre, by Bob Williams. It is the first book in The Low Lying Lands series, and a copy was given to me in exchange for an honest review. I got the better end of this deal!
This is storytelling at its best. Prescott (Don't call me Mr. Prescott) is a war hardened vet whose step-sister—the only relative he now claims—has been missing since The Descent, a devastating worldwide event that has altered some people and left others so very humanly vulnerable. There are no zombies here, just Freaks, some of whom can be trained. Others are barely restrainable madmen. In an arduous trek to avenge a horrific wrong, he buddies up with Shields, a woman who has experienced unimaginable losses; forms a hate/hate relationship with Cole, a former army Ranger; and acquires the dog of a man who had shot himself to avoid the sort of death that comes from being bitten by Freaks.
The author's language and storytelling skills are superior. He seamlessly blends present and past tense in a way that makes the reader feel simultaneously inside the action and that the story is being told to the reader by a trustworthy friend. A colorful turn of phrase here, a pop culture reference there, and some sly humor all add to the richness.
The deft inclusion of location details enhances the story and increases that trust. Devastated Chicago is a vivid contrast to the Windy City we know now. The 'safe zone' in Normal, Illinois, is a real automobile plant. If the reader has been to downtown Nashville, Tennessee, the signs and hangouts will be familiar, even in their mostly destroyed state. Leading readers through the campus of Middle Tennessee State University, Prescott is a trusted guide, even when it's really his dog who takes the lead.
Twisting and turning, and going straight at 80 miles per hour at times, the story unfolds. Almost all emotions are included; secrets are kept, to calamitous ends; and the gritty action is tactile, smelly and loud.
I recommend this book for action readers; lovers of dystopiana, dogs, and machines that move; and those who thrill to a bloody good tale.
This is storytelling at its best. Prescott (Don't call me Mr. Prescott) is a war hardened vet whose step-sister—the only relative he now claims—has been missing since The Descent, a devastating worldwide event that has altered some people and left others so very humanly vulnerable. There are no zombies here, just Freaks, some of whom can be trained. Others are barely restrainable madmen. In an arduous trek to avenge a horrific wrong, he buddies up with Shields, a woman who has experienced unimaginable losses; forms a hate/hate relationship with Cole, a former army Ranger; and acquires the dog of a man who had shot himself to avoid the sort of death that comes from being bitten by Freaks.
The author's language and storytelling skills are superior. He seamlessly blends present and past tense in a way that makes the reader feel simultaneously inside the action and that the story is being told to the reader by a trustworthy friend. A colorful turn of phrase here, a pop culture reference there, and some sly humor all add to the richness.
The deft inclusion of location details enhances the story and increases that trust. Devastated Chicago is a vivid contrast to the Windy City we know now. The 'safe zone' in Normal, Illinois, is a real automobile plant. If the reader has been to downtown Nashville, Tennessee, the signs and hangouts will be familiar, even in their mostly destroyed state. Leading readers through the campus of Middle Tennessee State University, Prescott is a trusted guide, even when it's really his dog who takes the lead.
Twisting and turning, and going straight at 80 miles per hour at times, the story unfolds. Almost all emotions are included; secrets are kept, to calamitous ends; and the gritty action is tactile, smelly and loud.
I recommend this book for action readers; lovers of dystopiana, dogs, and machines that move; and those who thrill to a bloody good tale.
January 8, 2016
The Freaks are out there! They look like you and me until they break and by then it's too late.
This isn't just an apocalyptic tale, it's about true evil and one man's fight for what is right.
Prescott is an engaging character, slightly messed up, but a good man. Kade is sickening and a man that I really wanted to get his comeuppance.
Non stop action and vivid, very graphic, descriptions make this a thrilling read. My heart was in my throat at times, as I followed Prescott through his harebrained schemes. Well thought out, and executed, this is a brilliant start to this series.
*This was free in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own*
This isn't just an apocalyptic tale, it's about true evil and one man's fight for what is right.
Prescott is an engaging character, slightly messed up, but a good man. Kade is sickening and a man that I really wanted to get his comeuppance.
Non stop action and vivid, very graphic, descriptions make this a thrilling read. My heart was in my throat at times, as I followed Prescott through his harebrained schemes. Well thought out, and executed, this is a brilliant start to this series.
*This was free in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own*
December 12, 2015
With one of the most disturbing villains in literary history and a smart-mouthed hero who's really ticked off, this book is bound for some intense good-versus-evil action in a post-apocalyptic setting. The twists and surprises that appear in this action-packed story make Music City Macabre as entertaining as it is intense. Bob Williams is a clear up-and-coming author with a lot to offer.
March 18, 2016
I liked it. I look forward to Vol. 2.
Read
February 21, 2023rtc
August 6, 2021
It’s two years into the end of the world as we know it and Prescott is having a bad day.
The Freaks—agents of disease and destruction who are marshaled and directed by a lunatic named Kade—are multiplying, and going on a new offensive against his private holdfast in Chicago. His friends have turned up dead and he needs to convince a selection of freedom fighters that he’s not a bad guy. He’s just rescued a starving dog named Lexi and is trying to make a go of it in old Nashville, Music City itself—but is finding that all roads lead back to Kade.
Oh, and he’s just found out that his father—Mr. Prescott—is actually an agent of Chaos, the demon that has wrecked the world and laughs as it spins further out of its orbit.
Bob Williams has written a post apocalyptic novel that any fan of the genre will love. Being a part of the now-ended Apocalypse Weird series by Wonderment Media isn’t slowing it down at all. All the trappings and hallmarks of the AW books are in place, and help direct the action and characters toward their inevitable confrontation.
Being a first novel, it has a few drawbacks. Williams is still learning his way around long form fiction, which gave the structure of the work a few rough edges. The characters don’t always speak in unique voices, which sometimes made if difficult for me to figure out who was saying what in crowd scenes. The action is everpresent but the pacing faltered in places, which sometimes made the book read like a fifty page long bar fight.
But for all that, it’s a solid story with interesting characters, a fascinating setting (I could have done with a bit more music, seeing how it’s Music City Macabre, but…), heroes worth rooting for and a big bad that deserves to go down hard. I’m looking forward to seeing Williams hone his story telling skills and push his characters through the ugly wasteland of future volumes.
All in all, Bob Williams has written a solidly good read!
The Freaks—agents of disease and destruction who are marshaled and directed by a lunatic named Kade—are multiplying, and going on a new offensive against his private holdfast in Chicago. His friends have turned up dead and he needs to convince a selection of freedom fighters that he’s not a bad guy. He’s just rescued a starving dog named Lexi and is trying to make a go of it in old Nashville, Music City itself—but is finding that all roads lead back to Kade.
Oh, and he’s just found out that his father—Mr. Prescott—is actually an agent of Chaos, the demon that has wrecked the world and laughs as it spins further out of its orbit.
Bob Williams has written a post apocalyptic novel that any fan of the genre will love. Being a part of the now-ended Apocalypse Weird series by Wonderment Media isn’t slowing it down at all. All the trappings and hallmarks of the AW books are in place, and help direct the action and characters toward their inevitable confrontation.
Being a first novel, it has a few drawbacks. Williams is still learning his way around long form fiction, which gave the structure of the work a few rough edges. The characters don’t always speak in unique voices, which sometimes made if difficult for me to figure out who was saying what in crowd scenes. The action is everpresent but the pacing faltered in places, which sometimes made the book read like a fifty page long bar fight.
But for all that, it’s a solid story with interesting characters, a fascinating setting (I could have done with a bit more music, seeing how it’s Music City Macabre, but…), heroes worth rooting for and a big bad that deserves to go down hard. I’m looking forward to seeing Williams hone his story telling skills and push his characters through the ugly wasteland of future volumes.
All in all, Bob Williams has written a solidly good read!
January 6, 2016
Another solid 4-star offering from rising star author Bob Williams
I really enjoyed Music City Macabre. I first came to know Bob Williams with his excellent contribution to a mostly otherwise mediocre collection of short stories. The tiny bit of polish some finer points could have used is easily overlooked when stacked against the great characters, fantastic plot lines, and awesome random pop culture references, I enjoyed rooting for the good guys, but I was surprised by how much I loved hating the bad guy. Interspersed throughout the book are chapters from the villain's point of view. The first one of these blew me away. I haven't enjoyed a thorough villain's perspective in a long time. Big ups for originality here. This book left me chomping at the bit for volume two. I'm hooked on Low-Lying Lands... and I'm already jonesing for my next fix.
Being a budding writer myself with half-assed and less than half-written novel taking up space on my hard drive, I know what it is enjoy success with shorter works like poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. To make the leap from that to a full-blown novel is a challenge I have yet to tackle. The fact that Bob did makes me respect him, and the fact that the effort resulted in the kickass tome I am now reviewing makes me all the more impressed by him. Kudos, Bob.
I really enjoyed Music City Macabre. I first came to know Bob Williams with his excellent contribution to a mostly otherwise mediocre collection of short stories. The tiny bit of polish some finer points could have used is easily overlooked when stacked against the great characters, fantastic plot lines, and awesome random pop culture references, I enjoyed rooting for the good guys, but I was surprised by how much I loved hating the bad guy. Interspersed throughout the book are chapters from the villain's point of view. The first one of these blew me away. I haven't enjoyed a thorough villain's perspective in a long time. Big ups for originality here. This book left me chomping at the bit for volume two. I'm hooked on Low-Lying Lands... and I'm already jonesing for my next fix.
Being a budding writer myself with half-assed and less than half-written novel taking up space on my hard drive, I know what it is enjoy success with shorter works like poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. To make the leap from that to a full-blown novel is a challenge I have yet to tackle. The fact that Bob did makes me respect him, and the fact that the effort resulted in the kickass tome I am now reviewing makes me all the more impressed by him. Kudos, Bob.
January 22, 2016
Two years ago, humanity fell victim to The Descent - a plague that changed people into something was not quite human anymore.
Those who were lucky (or perhaps unlucky) enough to not be turned or killed outright, made their way to Safe Zones where they banded together in order to survive against demonic hordes of Freaks led by a man so vile, it's difficult to think that he is human at all. The main character is charged with eliminating this man, but soon discovers that it may be impossible. What was once thought of as simply a plague ends up being much, much more than that.
This story is pure action... beginning to end. I would well imagine that fans of the SyFy television show, Dominion, would dig it. I really enjoyed the main character and his inner struggles. The dialogue was believable (albeit a bit harsh sometimes, but hey, it's the apocalypse... we ain't got time for flowery nonsense). There is a fare amount of violence, but again this is the end times, not some froofy yoga class.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more of the series.
Those who were lucky (or perhaps unlucky) enough to not be turned or killed outright, made their way to Safe Zones where they banded together in order to survive against demonic hordes of Freaks led by a man so vile, it's difficult to think that he is human at all. The main character is charged with eliminating this man, but soon discovers that it may be impossible. What was once thought of as simply a plague ends up being much, much more than that.
This story is pure action... beginning to end. I would well imagine that fans of the SyFy television show, Dominion, would dig it. I really enjoyed the main character and his inner struggles. The dialogue was believable (albeit a bit harsh sometimes, but hey, it's the apocalypse... we ain't got time for flowery nonsense). There is a fare amount of violence, but again this is the end times, not some froofy yoga class.
All in all, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more of the series.
December 10, 2015
I love this story!!! I was honored to be one of the early readers of this awesome book...
Things are really bad the apocalypse has already begun... Prescott has been looking for his sister since the start.... But things are about to go sideways, when following a lead he enters a bar, the 88. And then Prescott really has to get serious about saving whats left of himself and the good that still exists... Due to happenstance he teams up with a 4 legged companion.
And talk about an evil antagonist Kade is as repugnant a character as I think I've ever read... Kade is the nightmare you want to hide from...
Oh my, the last line was beautiful, it brought tears for all the right reasons... This is a first novel for Bob Williams... and the start of what's shaping up to a really great series...
Things are really bad the apocalypse has already begun... Prescott has been looking for his sister since the start.... But things are about to go sideways, when following a lead he enters a bar, the 88. And then Prescott really has to get serious about saving whats left of himself and the good that still exists... Due to happenstance he teams up with a 4 legged companion.
And talk about an evil antagonist Kade is as repugnant a character as I think I've ever read... Kade is the nightmare you want to hide from...
Oh my, the last line was beautiful, it brought tears for all the right reasons... This is a first novel for Bob Williams... and the start of what's shaping up to a really great series...
May 14, 2016
Dark, raw, and brimming with grit, Williams gives us a post-apocalyptic revenge tale that wastes no time kicking into high gear and never relents. The writing is tight and direct—this is hard hitting stuff that cuts to the chase. With one of the most disturbing, demented villains of all time (not for the faint of heart) pitted against a protagonist with old school tendencies and a surprisingly big heart, readers are given plenty to root for in this highly-original brawl between good and evil. An incredible debut novel!
March 21, 2016
I am truly surprised by the twists and turns in this book. I thought I knew where it was going, but am very happy it all got turned on its ear.
The book reads like you are right there, in it.
I anxiously await book 2!
This is a gritty, post-apocalyptic book. If you don't like violence, or swear words, this may not be for you.
*If you enjoyed the Apocalypse Weird novels, this book would have been one.
The book reads like you are right there, in it.
I anxiously await book 2!
This is a gritty, post-apocalyptic book. If you don't like violence, or swear words, this may not be for you.
*If you enjoyed the Apocalypse Weird novels, this book would have been one.
February 10, 2016
Wow!!! Another beautifully written story in the Weird Universe.The book starts out with bang and kept me entertained till the last page.The author is talented at world building and delivering well developed characters.This book will be a treat for any fan of the Wyrd series of books,yet can be read as a standalone story.I highly recommend this book to any fan of the Post apocalyptic genre.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2016
Another fantastic tale from the Apocalypse Weird universe-that-almost-was, Music City Macabre is a great read. It has action, adventure, humor, and above all great characters. Bob Williams, you can quit your day-job. You have a gift with words, and I can't wait to read the rest of this awesome story.
September 20, 2016
I was hooked after the first sentence.
March 23, 2021
Music City Macabre was an enjoyable easy read. It was surprisingly short with a few scenes that could've been expanded upon for more detail and to encourage the reader's investment in the plotline and characters. Being that there are more installations, I would assume that the plot expansion will become more elaborate. I plan to check out the second book.
At certain times, the style of writing and character dialogue seemed underdeveloped and callow; however, the story was engaging for a quick read.
At certain times, the style of writing and character dialogue seemed underdeveloped and callow; however, the story was engaging for a quick read.
April 10, 2016
At ConGT this year, I was able to meet the kind-hearted author Bob Williams and get a copy of his book, Music City Macabre. That evening, I came home, opened the cover and began to explore the book. For a writer and an avid reader there is nothing more thrilling than opening a book for the first time to explore the story within. I turned to page one and was immediately introduced to the history of what happened to the world. The take on this world that Williams described, was a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic scene. In today’s film and fiction genre’s there have been so many takes on this scenario, that without careful treading, the story could be lost in the masses of the other post-apocalyptic books. However, this is not true for Williams, he provides a unique perspective that captivates his audience. From the first paragraph I was hooked, and the book wouldn’t let go.
The next chapter we are introduced to man we would later know as Prescott. He was a charming, hell-bent and driven smart ass, who set out to find the one person he truly loved the most, his sister Emily. Prescott is charismatic and his internal monologues are a breath of fresh air in a dark world like his.
William’s not only paints a realistic post – apocalyptic world, he even paints the villains so vividly that you could side with them. One of the villain’s in particular I loved (and hated) was Kade. There was something about him that made me want to follow him as one of his “loyal Freaks.” But, on the other hand he was so vile, that I couldn’t wait to see if he would fall.
The story progressed into the city it was named for, Music City or Nashville. Being a local Tennessean, it was nice to see how well the city played a crucial role in the building of this story. Williams shows us a world that is full of despair, and betrayal. He also shows us with a glimmer of hope and a passionate will to survive, one could just maybe, prevail.
Williams gives us a dark story with a smart-ass hero who acts as comic relief with some of his hilarious one-liners. For example, one of my personal favorites, “You are an a**hole. Who moonlights as someone who pretends to give a s***.”
Williams has given us a book that had a captivating storyline but each chapter was full of a new surprise that made you want to know more! The unexpected twists and turns made each page turn with excitement to know what the future would hold for the characters!
This was a book that was so easy to read, because it held my attention and made me desire to know what happened. Prescott is an easy character to fall in love with and cheer for. This is a book I would gladly read again and again! I can’t wait for volume two!
The next chapter we are introduced to man we would later know as Prescott. He was a charming, hell-bent and driven smart ass, who set out to find the one person he truly loved the most, his sister Emily. Prescott is charismatic and his internal monologues are a breath of fresh air in a dark world like his.
William’s not only paints a realistic post – apocalyptic world, he even paints the villains so vividly that you could side with them. One of the villain’s in particular I loved (and hated) was Kade. There was something about him that made me want to follow him as one of his “loyal Freaks.” But, on the other hand he was so vile, that I couldn’t wait to see if he would fall.
The story progressed into the city it was named for, Music City or Nashville. Being a local Tennessean, it was nice to see how well the city played a crucial role in the building of this story. Williams shows us a world that is full of despair, and betrayal. He also shows us with a glimmer of hope and a passionate will to survive, one could just maybe, prevail.
Williams gives us a dark story with a smart-ass hero who acts as comic relief with some of his hilarious one-liners. For example, one of my personal favorites, “You are an a**hole. Who moonlights as someone who pretends to give a s***.”
Williams has given us a book that had a captivating storyline but each chapter was full of a new surprise that made you want to know more! The unexpected twists and turns made each page turn with excitement to know what the future would hold for the characters!
This was a book that was so easy to read, because it held my attention and made me desire to know what happened. Prescott is an easy character to fall in love with and cheer for. This is a book I would gladly read again and again! I can’t wait for volume two!
April 11, 2016
I had the opportunity to meet Bob Williams at a local Doctor Who convention, ConGT, back in March. He is an amazing guy who was willing to help any aspiring authors, by answering questions about the business and writing, and offering advice. Sadly, I wasn't able to get a copy of his book at the convention and I had to wait, but the wait was well worth it. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down! When I finished the book, I quickly messaged him to tell him, "It is awesomeness on paper," and it truly is.
You are thrown into the world after "the Decent" with Prescott. His world is full of "Freaks" who are infected with BH-2014. This post-apocalyptic world isn't without its dangers, as society has officially broken down, and the remaining people are fighting to survive. It is up to Prescott and a few other survivors to give humanity a chance to win this fight.
Prescott is a fresh view on the hero in this story, with a personality that doesn't take crap from anyone or anything. Though he does have a bit of a soft side to him at times that makes you fall in love with him. Kade, the villain of the story, is a crazy, bloodthirsty, psychopath, with an almost televangelist quality to him. These two paired up make a great interesting story line that will have you hooked for hours. How can you go wrong with a guy and his dog out to save the world from a guy with a Fu-Manchu and a love of death and destruction?
Bob's take on this fight for humanity’s survival sets this book out from the rest. It is a new prospective on a popular genre that deserves to be noticed. It is definitely a book that I will read again. I have already recommended this book to several of my friends and family as a must read.
You are thrown into the world after "the Decent" with Prescott. His world is full of "Freaks" who are infected with BH-2014. This post-apocalyptic world isn't without its dangers, as society has officially broken down, and the remaining people are fighting to survive. It is up to Prescott and a few other survivors to give humanity a chance to win this fight.
Prescott is a fresh view on the hero in this story, with a personality that doesn't take crap from anyone or anything. Though he does have a bit of a soft side to him at times that makes you fall in love with him. Kade, the villain of the story, is a crazy, bloodthirsty, psychopath, with an almost televangelist quality to him. These two paired up make a great interesting story line that will have you hooked for hours. How can you go wrong with a guy and his dog out to save the world from a guy with a Fu-Manchu and a love of death and destruction?
Bob's take on this fight for humanity’s survival sets this book out from the rest. It is a new prospective on a popular genre that deserves to be noticed. It is definitely a book that I will read again. I have already recommended this book to several of my friends and family as a must read.
April 19, 2016
Talk about having a bad couple of days! Music City Macabre is a unique apocalyptic story that follows our main protagonist as he experiences some crazy, deadly and downright disturbing situations. Bob Williams brings us a different take on the apocalypse and his story, Music City Macabre and the Low Lying Lands Saga is certainly going to be one heck of a ride! Williams decides to blame the apocalypse on something other than a virus or terrorist attack. He chose to use demons. And when you have one side, you just have to include the other. Williams delivers on a well thought out story with angels, demons, death, friendship and so much more.
Music City Macabre is the storybook form of Supernatural and fans of the television show would do well to pick up this novel in-between seasons! The writing is well done and with a bit of editing and a little cleaning up, Williams will have a sure fire hit! I am looking forward to seeing how our characters continue to grow and survive this new world.
http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/...
Music City Macabre is the storybook form of Supernatural and fans of the television show would do well to pick up this novel in-between seasons! The writing is well done and with a bit of editing and a little cleaning up, Williams will have a sure fire hit! I am looking forward to seeing how our characters continue to grow and survive this new world.
http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/...
April 18, 2016
This was a great read! Very interesting and right from the start you have an action filled story going. Prescott's character is great, I really like his personality and how the things he says makes me laugh at times... especially in serious situations he still seems to want to joke or be sarcastic! In this story you will follow Prescott's mission to A find his sister and B destroy an evil Freak/man named Kade who is a disciple of a demon Chaos who has brought on the Descent in the world leaving it destroyed and infested with human killing freaks!! A MUST READ!!
September 26, 2016
Incredible
If you have a weak constitution, be prepared. If you have friends or relatives that have led risk-taking lives such as that presented by Prescott and his band of brothers, you will love this post-apocalyptic story of adventure and intrigue. Chaos is always there. Destroying chaos is the focus. Chaos must not win! I can hardly wait to read the second in this series!
If you have a weak constitution, be prepared. If you have friends or relatives that have led risk-taking lives such as that presented by Prescott and his band of brothers, you will love this post-apocalyptic story of adventure and intrigue. Chaos is always there. Destroying chaos is the focus. Chaos must not win! I can hardly wait to read the second in this series!
April 10, 2016
This book was great. It's like Supernatural, but in its own unique way. The plot wasn't as predictable as most books are. I really liked the characters. Especially Prescott, which is a good thing. I can't wait for the next book!
April 7, 2016
Unique, dark and unexpected. Engaged me like Philip K. Dick, Stephen King and early Clive Barker. Eager for next installment!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews