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Hellspawn #1
Hellspawn
10.35 AM, September 14th 2015. Portsmouth, England. A global particle physics experiment releases a pulse of unknown energy with catastrophic results. Scientists in their laboratories search desperately for a solution to the broken fabric of existence, but they are already too late, the sanctity of the grave has been sundered. There is no virus or bacteria to combat, just chaos and horror as a million graveyards expel their tenants from eternal slumber. The world is unaware of the impending apocalypse, realisation only dawns with the appearance of the mouldering corpses who devour everything they encounter. Governments crumble and armies are scattered to the wind. Kurt Taylor, a self-employed plumber, witnesses the start of the horrifying outbreak. Desperate to reach his family before they fall victim to the ever growing horde of shambling corruption, he flees the scene, watching the unfolding cannibalism and destruction in his rear view mirror. In a society with few guns, how can people hope to survive the endless waves of zombies that seek to consume every living thing? With ingenuity, planning and everyday materials, the group forge their way and strike back at the Hellspawn legions. Rescues are mounted, but not all survivors are benevolent. The evil that is in all men has been given free rein in this new, dead world. With both the living and dead to contend with, is there any hope for the Taylor family?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2015
48 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ricky Fleet is a great writer & I look forward to reading more of this series!
This book is different from most zompoc books in that the survivors are very ingenious and take advantage of everyday things and their intelligence to make a place to live in the "safety" of their home. I loved the way that they rigged up weapons to kill zombies from the relative safety of their sanctuary instead of just killing them in hand-to-hand combat!
The characters reacted in realistic ways, including a young woman who is catatonic due to the horrors she has witnessed. And, I love the heroic dog....what an awesome addition to the story!
The characters develop through the book, bonding together in order to survive. If you love the zombie genre, you can't go wrong with Hellspawn!
This book is different from most zompoc books in that the survivors are very ingenious and take advantage of everyday things and their intelligence to make a place to live in the "safety" of their home. I loved the way that they rigged up weapons to kill zombies from the relative safety of their sanctuary instead of just killing them in hand-to-hand combat!
The characters reacted in realistic ways, including a young woman who is catatonic due to the horrors she has witnessed. And, I love the heroic dog....what an awesome addition to the story!
The characters develop through the book, bonding together in order to survive. If you love the zombie genre, you can't go wrong with Hellspawn!
May 20, 2017
I loved the writing in this book. Considering the bleak nature of the subject matter, there was some really beautiful use of language and imagery. The characters were well constructed and very believable. The storyline unfolded at a great pace and the terror of the situation was palpable. A fantastic read!
July 2, 2017
Brilliant! Flawlessly executed! Ingenious in the ideas and practice of skills to survive! Way to think outside the box!
Family is not always blood. It is people that will fight to the death with you, to protect the whole unit.
This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read by a new comers in a few years. It has a Romero classic feel and it was well thought out and put together in the most enjoyable way. Mr. Fleet's choice of words command and wields power and imagery. It is not the same old mindless drivel you get from a lot of the mediocre books in the genre.
I applauder Mr. Ricky, Fleet on using his words and not loading the story down with curses that do not add to the story nor the character's. His book is for the thinking person that knows how language and a good dialog works.
I have to say, I LOVE this family unit of miss matched people. Some forgotten, some mistreated, others able to put the past conflicts aside for the greater good and some forged in a loving home. I think it shows a good cross section of how a Zpoc may look in the real world. The Best laid plans does not always come to foreword in the end, you make the best with what you have to work with. This book also shows the mental and moral battle and conflicting emotions one my need to over come in a new world order.(Beautifully done I might add in a realistic way) Sometimes it is the most unlikely that comes up with the best plan of action.
This was the first book I have read of Mr. Ricky Fleet and I have already bought the other 3 in this series. I can not praise him enough for a job well done. Out of 100 books I read a year and many in this genre his work stands out above the rest in the top ten and is not at the top of my TBR list.
Family is not always blood. It is people that will fight to the death with you, to protect the whole unit.
This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read by a new comers in a few years. It has a Romero classic feel and it was well thought out and put together in the most enjoyable way. Mr. Fleet's choice of words command and wields power and imagery. It is not the same old mindless drivel you get from a lot of the mediocre books in the genre.
I applauder Mr. Ricky, Fleet on using his words and not loading the story down with curses that do not add to the story nor the character's. His book is for the thinking person that knows how language and a good dialog works.
I have to say, I LOVE this family unit of miss matched people. Some forgotten, some mistreated, others able to put the past conflicts aside for the greater good and some forged in a loving home. I think it shows a good cross section of how a Zpoc may look in the real world. The Best laid plans does not always come to foreword in the end, you make the best with what you have to work with. This book also shows the mental and moral battle and conflicting emotions one my need to over come in a new world order.(Beautifully done I might add in a realistic way) Sometimes it is the most unlikely that comes up with the best plan of action.
This was the first book I have read of Mr. Ricky Fleet and I have already bought the other 3 in this series. I can not praise him enough for a job well done. Out of 100 books I read a year and many in this genre his work stands out above the rest in the top ten and is not at the top of my TBR list.
August 20, 2025
When Kurt, a plumber, witnesses the beginnings of the zombie uprising. He desperately races home to be with his family but that doesn’t quite go to plan. And when he does manage to get home with said family and some other survivors that’s when things go from bad to worse. Kurt and the gang use some inventive ways to survive the zombie apocalypse. Some of which I will definitely keep in mind if the situation arises especially as I live in an end of terrace house. Although I’m not too sure how easy it will be to take out my stairs. To understand that reference you will have to read the book. They manage to survive for weeks but they realise that the zombie dead is the least of their worries when another group of survivors drops in on them and prove they are not the friendliest of bunches and it leads to an explosive finale. This is a brilliantly gory zombie horror with some fun thought provoking moments especially with the ways the survivors find to survive and fight the zombies. There is plenty of action too that will keep you fully invested in the story. If you are a fan of Dawn Of The Dead and the Walking Dead they you will love this. In fact I can see this being made as a horror movie. I have seen that this is the first book in a series and I will definitely get the next book as I am hooked already.
January 26, 2019
This was a great story and well written about family in the time of an apocalypse. Even an extended family that pulls together to survive. The storyteller has a good knowledge of a handyman and the ability to devise ways of staying safe. The family has internal struggles which add flavor to the situations, of course courage, and determination. A great story on how to survive the Zombie Apocalypse with what you have and sharing it with a good heart. Looking forward to the next installment, and highly recommend to avid Zombie readers.
If you want a good source of the Zombie literature check out Reading Zombie group on Facebook for this author and many others.
If you want a good source of the Zombie literature check out Reading Zombie group on Facebook for this author and many others.
July 10, 2018
This was awesome! Right up my alley, I love the scarier and grosser the better LOL. Compelling story, loved the narration also. Loved the women/children angle, well done. I really liked this book, liked the characters, plot, and am so excited to listen to more! Bring it on! Would definitely recommend this one to any and all that like the genre. Great job!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 29, 2020
Great story!
Very enjoyable! The characters were all very well written and"fleshed out"! The storyline was great as well. I enjoy reading about how survivors would make it in the zombie apocalypse without our Excellent 2nd amendment. Whew, I personally wouldn't want to have to try it! Anyway, now I am off to purchase books 2 and 3 in this series! Ricky Fleet, you have a tremendous new fan!
Very enjoyable! The characters were all very well written and"fleshed out"! The storyline was great as well. I enjoy reading about how survivors would make it in the zombie apocalypse without our Excellent 2nd amendment. Whew, I personally wouldn't want to have to try it! Anyway, now I am off to purchase books 2 and 3 in this series! Ricky Fleet, you have a tremendous new fan!
September 23, 2018
Really like the approach in this story. Very much a Human story with characters who are well developed in the storyline and with very Human flaws.
The story flows well and keeps you interested from the 1st word to the last and you definitely want to see what happens next.
No spoilers from me but if you like your Zombie Fiction then this is a must read.
The story flows well and keeps you interested from the 1st word to the last and you definitely want to see what happens next.
No spoilers from me but if you like your Zombie Fiction then this is a must read.
November 22, 2017
An excellent and well written story. A must read for those who enjoy books in the zombie-dystopian genre. The main characters are well developed and very likable. I enjoyed this book. I read this book in two days. I am anxious to start book 2
February 5, 2019
well let's be honest I didn't finish, I found this tediously tough going, I didn't engage with the characters or the story, the writing style just didn't grab me. Having now read 4 other books rather than continue this I've given up, don't need to spend any more time on it.
July 17, 2021
Well-written, believable characters
A good read, some extremely creative methods of killing zombies. Scenes well-written and easy to follow. Will definitely read the rest of this series. Also, good editing.
A good read, some extremely creative methods of killing zombies. Scenes well-written and easy to follow. Will definitely read the rest of this series. Also, good editing.
April 12, 2022
Super good book!
I loved how this story could be your family's story if the Zompoc started in your neighborhood. The characters are every day folks trying to survive. Lots of gore and ingenuity going on in this book. I am looking forward to book 2!
I loved how this story could be your family's story if the Zompoc started in your neighborhood. The characters are every day folks trying to survive. Lots of gore and ingenuity going on in this book. I am looking forward to book 2!
June 2, 2017
One of the best zombie books I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and will be checking out his other titles.
October 5, 2017
Great read
This book was very well written andI would say this is the best indie zombie story I've read. I am looking forward to following this story in the 2nd book.
This book was very well written andI would say this is the best indie zombie story I've read. I am looking forward to following this story in the 2nd book.
December 4, 2017
Romero would be proud!
Loved reading this book. I've read a good many zombie apocalypse story lines but never one based in England. They kids are my favorites!
Loved reading this book. I've read a good many zombie apocalypse story lines but never one based in England. They kids are my favorites!
March 3, 2019
Loved it , immediately downloaded the next in the series
December 26, 2019
Great read!
Enjoyed the book. Believable characters, that you warm to. Loved that it’s set in England. Recommend to any zombie apocalypse lovers!
Enjoyed the book. Believable characters, that you warm to. Loved that it’s set in England. Recommend to any zombie apocalypse lovers!
March 23, 2020
I recommend this book
A good storyline that moves at a good pace and characters that are easy to like. I definitely recommend this book
A good storyline that moves at a good pace and characters that are easy to like. I definitely recommend this book
March 30, 2020
Addictive
The book held my attention from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. A real page turner, I can’t wait to start book two
The book held my attention from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. A real page turner, I can’t wait to start book two
April 3, 2020
Good book
June 24, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Great storyline full of action and gore. I wasn't really bothered about the characters as much, but still an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2021
Awesome British zombie book
October 5, 2021
Excellent
One of the best zombie books I have read, a good balance of horror and suspense,likable characters and a decent plot
One of the best zombie books I have read, a good balance of horror and suspense,likable characters and a decent plot
July 1, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed this first book in the series. I can not wait to see what is next for the family. I would recommend a read.
I enjoyed this first book in the series. I can not wait to see what is next for the family. I would recommend a read.
January 23, 2016
The first I heard of this book from a good friend of mine. She told me I had to read, so I did . Boy I was glad I listened to her . I couldn't put this book down . It is such a good twist on the zombie tale . Showing us how the beginning of the apocalypse and how one family stayed alive .
The author has taken the zombie apocalypse and put a fresh twist on it . He took a day in the lives of one family and basically put them through hell as they try and stay alive . But guess what all the evil things in this world aren't the undead, there are people that are still alive that are wanting to hurt them. I couldn't believe some of the things this poor family went through, the perils are great and the tension is so thick . You want them to survive so much , you are cheering for them with every thing they defeat .
The characters are so complex and so flawed at the same time . There is a story within the story of here . What would you do if you were trapped in the apocalypse with your school bully? What would you do when you have some father / son unresolved emotions that are simmering at the surface? What would you do when you feel utter despair when you have to keep your family safe and alive? These questions are all answered with these characters. Kurt is your everyday man, who works hard for a living . When he has to keep his family safe, you see him take control and help everyone one out. I have to say my all time favorite character is Mrs. Humes , she is one gutsy lady and the way she handles herself is what I want when I grow up. She also adds a bit of comic relief when things are getting way to tense. She is a sweet character that I hope and pray makes it all the way through.
This book had me screaming one moment then bawling my eyes out in the next . There is one part in the book that I could hardly read because the tears were streaming down my face. It was so sad all I could do was ugly cry. I was sitting on the edge of my chair most of the time and the other times I had the blanket pulled over my head. I cheered with every inventive way they came up with to kill the masses . Some of them were very ingenious and who knew that a table and nails would be such a good tool. The sign of a great book is how many emotions that a person goes through when reading . Mr. Fleet brought out those emotions with great ease. You are taken on a ride with so many twists and turns. Ultimately this a story of survival and one family's love for each other and what they would do to be safe . I can't wait till book two . So if you want a fresh twist on the start of the zombie apocalypse and one family's survival . Check it out you won't be disappointed .
January 8, 2016
*I won a copy of Hellspawn through a contest held in All Things Zombie
I am a big fan of the zombie genre and have read many books about the zombie apocalypse. I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read! Ricky Fleet is a new comer to the author world and Hellspawn is his first book. As I read a long and was drawn further and further into the terrorizing world he had created I was immediately lost in it! From day one of the world going absolutely to hell around the people that this book centers on you are taken on a wild ride through emotions! I was on the edge of my seat one minute and crying the next while screaming and swearing in between. The sign of a good author is to be able to bring out emotions in the reader and hot damn! Mr. Fleet does that through the whole book. I love how he wrote the characters as everyday people trying their best to survive in a world over run with crazy…flesh eating creatures. The empathy I felt for them as they faced unthinkable obstacles was immense! The characters…so realistic! There are no big super heroes or men coming in with bazookas to save the day! No…just people like you and me, using their wits and strong urge to survive to think of what is needed to be done! I can’t say enough good things about this book! I highly recommend it to EVRYONE…not just to those who love this genre but to all who enjoy a well written and entertaining book! I am so looking forward to book two!!!
I am a big fan of the zombie genre and have read many books about the zombie apocalypse. I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read! Ricky Fleet is a new comer to the author world and Hellspawn is his first book. As I read a long and was drawn further and further into the terrorizing world he had created I was immediately lost in it! From day one of the world going absolutely to hell around the people that this book centers on you are taken on a wild ride through emotions! I was on the edge of my seat one minute and crying the next while screaming and swearing in between. The sign of a good author is to be able to bring out emotions in the reader and hot damn! Mr. Fleet does that through the whole book. I love how he wrote the characters as everyday people trying their best to survive in a world over run with crazy…flesh eating creatures. The empathy I felt for them as they faced unthinkable obstacles was immense! The characters…so realistic! There are no big super heroes or men coming in with bazookas to save the day! No…just people like you and me, using their wits and strong urge to survive to think of what is needed to be done! I can’t say enough good things about this book! I highly recommend it to EVRYONE…not just to those who love this genre but to all who enjoy a well written and entertaining book! I am so looking forward to book two!!!
July 26, 2016
I'm not in the habit of reading zombie books, though I love watching The Walking Dead. When a friend recommended Ricky Fleet's Hellspawn I decided to give it a try and boy am I glad I did. There was plenty of action and gore. You'll feel the horror creeping into your bones when the dead start to crawl out of the grave and satisfy their hunger cravings. He best part of the book though is watching Kurt, the hero, and his family band together to survive the apocalypse. Kurt isn't a soldier, a scientist, or a survival nut. He's an everyday Joe facing extraordinary circumstances. He is brave and kind, and welcomes other survivors into his close knit family. His small band retains their humanity in the face of undead, and human, monsters . I thoroughly enjoyed Hellspawn. You will too!
April 26, 2016
Full disclosure I won this book in a contest on Facebook but after reading it I would definitely have bought it. I will buy it in the future so I can read it again in the future. I find it hard to believe this is Ricky Fleet's debut novel. The book is so well written with such in depth characters it reads like he's been published for a long time. I love zombies and books with lots of action and this story fits the bill. I highly recommend this first book in the series to anyone who loves a great zombie book. Now on to the next book in the Hellspawn series. Well done Ricky Fleet.
October 23, 2016
This is the first book from new author Ricky Fleet, and if I'm honest he's onto a winner with this. I can only describe this as the English version of Night of the Living Dead, a group of ordinary people with no military training and no access to any weapons they have to come up with some ingenious ways of dispatching the growing number of zombies they come across whilst trying to survive the start of the zombie apocalypse.
A good start to what promises to be a good series of books.
A good start to what promises to be a good series of books.
July 14, 2016
Awesome
It is a honor to read this the first of many to come. The characters are believable and I can see being in the situations they find them selves in this is a family and some newly adopted members added finding ways to survive the undead and the living. Can't wait to get to book 2 as this one couldn't put down
It is a honor to read this the first of many to come. The characters are believable and I can see being in the situations they find them selves in this is a family and some newly adopted members added finding ways to survive the undead and the living. Can't wait to get to book 2 as this one couldn't put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews