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Undead Ultra #1
Undead Ultra
Undead: a reanimated corpse with a craving for human flesh.
Ultramarathon: any footrace longer than a traditional marathon (26.2 miles).
For ultrarunners Kate and Frederico, a typical Saturday morning is spent pounding out a twenty- to thirty-mile “fun run.” It’s during one of their runs that an insidious illness descends upon northern California, turning humans into flesh-shredding zombies.
When Kate receives a desperate call from her son, Carter, she and Frederico flee their hometown and set out to help him. The only problem? Carter attends college over two hundred miles away and the freeways—clogged with car wrecks, zombies, and government blockades—are impassable. Running back roads and railroad tracks becomes their only means of travel, but neither of them has ever run so far before.
As pain, injuries, hunger, and fatigue plague them, getting to Carter and staying alive seem impossible. It’s either outrun the undead or become one of them, and for Kate, death is not an option.
Ultramarathon: any footrace longer than a traditional marathon (26.2 miles).
For ultrarunners Kate and Frederico, a typical Saturday morning is spent pounding out a twenty- to thirty-mile “fun run.” It’s during one of their runs that an insidious illness descends upon northern California, turning humans into flesh-shredding zombies.
When Kate receives a desperate call from her son, Carter, she and Frederico flee their hometown and set out to help him. The only problem? Carter attends college over two hundred miles away and the freeways—clogged with car wrecks, zombies, and government blockades—are impassable. Running back roads and railroad tracks becomes their only means of travel, but neither of them has ever run so far before.
As pain, injuries, hunger, and fatigue plague them, getting to Carter and staying alive seem impossible. It’s either outrun the undead or become one of them, and for Kate, death is not an option.
ebook
Published April 7, 2016
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About the author
Camille Picott
52 books100 followersCamille loves to read, write, eat, and run obscene distances. (Not always in that order.) She considers sleep to be highly over-rated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 29, 2024
An excellent read.
This book was an absolute delight to read. I really did love it. There is nothing like a good post-apocalypse zombie read to get you on the edge of your seat, and this book did its job well. The characters were great and a joy to follow. The main female, Kate, tells the story, and her best friend, Frederico, is beside her on their journey into the unknown to rescue her son and hopefully his daughter. This book totally held me throughout from the first page to the last. I would recommend it to my friends.
This book was an absolute delight to read. I really did love it. There is nothing like a good post-apocalypse zombie read to get you on the edge of your seat, and this book did its job well. The characters were great and a joy to follow. The main female, Kate, tells the story, and her best friend, Frederico, is beside her on their journey into the unknown to rescue her son and hopefully his daughter. This book totally held me throughout from the first page to the last. I would recommend it to my friends.
September 5, 2024
There are certain things about this book which I really enjoyed but there's a couple of things that almost ruined it for me. The running aspect was great like absolutely fantastic kind of great, and I liked that the characters were deeply flawed. Kate and Frederico both have their demons and are coping as best they can with their guilt regarding their past mistakes but they're decent people and they are easy to root for.
Spoilers ahead for what didn't work for me;
Spoilers ahead for what didn't work for me;
April 16, 2021
I love to run. But....for me....at 50 & being a bit of a chunky monkey, it's more of a jog/wog sort of thing. But I love to join in on local 5Ks and earn my t-shirt. Usually, I am the one in the very back of the pack just ahead of the strollers and elderly women walkers, just smiling and doing my thing. I don't care when I cross the finish line....if my time is under 50 minutes and I cross that finish line, I'm happy! :)
When I came across this series by Camille Picott, I immediately fell in love with the idea of extreme distance runners dealing with the zombie apocalypse. What do you do when the undead want to kill you, the military has all the highways blocked, and your loved ones are 100+ miles away? You gather up supplies, and start running!
The basics: Kate and Federico are long distance runners. They love to run ultramarathons -- 100+ miles over a day or two. Crazy right? Well imagine running twice that distance -- with zombies after you. They do have excellent motivation -- Kate's son is at college 200 miles away when the outbreak occurs and Federico's estranged daughter is on the way. So, they pick out their best running shoes, gather what supplies and food they can carry and head out. Can they make it without hitting the wall....or becoming zombie snacks??
There are two books and a novella in this series so far....with a new book coming out very soon! Picott also writes the Sulan series, a futuristic sci-fi series about a math prodigy who becomes an underground hacker.
Already reading book 2 (Dorm Life) on my way to the new book.....I have to find out how this story ends! I will never be able to run 100+ miles (zombies or no zombies)...so I will just have to live vicariously through these characters and Picott's tales about her running adventures (the author is actually an ultrarunner herself!)
4/16/2021 - audio book review
Ok, just to get this out of the way -- I love, love, love, love, love, love this series. Did I say that I love this series? I'm a big fan of zombie tales, and this one is different, creative and fun to read! Or listen to, in this case....
I read this first book in the series a couple years ago....so it was time to start over at the beginning and re-read this series! This time...I listened to the audio book. I have grown to love audio books especially for horror or monster tales....there's just something more suspenseful about having it read out loud to me. And this book was no exception -- loved this in audio format! I relived the memorable moments of this first book all over again, and the harsh moments hit harder in audio. Loved it!
The basics: Kate is an ultra runner. That means her runs are longer than marathon length (26.2 miles), and sometimes up to 100 miles. Her long time family friend, Frederico is too. They've been through a lot together...and are destined to go through a lot more. While on a run together through the country side, northern California turns into a wild, dangerous place. A virus starts turning people into crazed zombies. Roads are impassible, not only because of zombies...but also crazy, bad people. Frederico's daughter lives miles away....and Kate's son is 200+ miles away at college. How do ultrarunners save their kids during the zombie apocalypse?? They come running.....literally.
The audio book version of this story is just short of 12 hours long and is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. Druyor does an awesome job of voice acting!! She reads at a nice, steady pace and voices the characters perfectly. Great listening experience!
You don't have to be a running enthusiast to enjoy this series......just a zombie apocalypse fan.
When I came across this series by Camille Picott, I immediately fell in love with the idea of extreme distance runners dealing with the zombie apocalypse. What do you do when the undead want to kill you, the military has all the highways blocked, and your loved ones are 100+ miles away? You gather up supplies, and start running!
The basics: Kate and Federico are long distance runners. They love to run ultramarathons -- 100+ miles over a day or two. Crazy right? Well imagine running twice that distance -- with zombies after you. They do have excellent motivation -- Kate's son is at college 200 miles away when the outbreak occurs and Federico's estranged daughter is on the way. So, they pick out their best running shoes, gather what supplies and food they can carry and head out. Can they make it without hitting the wall....or becoming zombie snacks??
There are two books and a novella in this series so far....with a new book coming out very soon! Picott also writes the Sulan series, a futuristic sci-fi series about a math prodigy who becomes an underground hacker.
Already reading book 2 (Dorm Life) on my way to the new book.....I have to find out how this story ends! I will never be able to run 100+ miles (zombies or no zombies)...so I will just have to live vicariously through these characters and Picott's tales about her running adventures (the author is actually an ultrarunner herself!)
4/16/2021 - audio book review
Ok, just to get this out of the way -- I love, love, love, love, love, love this series. Did I say that I love this series? I'm a big fan of zombie tales, and this one is different, creative and fun to read! Or listen to, in this case....
I read this first book in the series a couple years ago....so it was time to start over at the beginning and re-read this series! This time...I listened to the audio book. I have grown to love audio books especially for horror or monster tales....there's just something more suspenseful about having it read out loud to me. And this book was no exception -- loved this in audio format! I relived the memorable moments of this first book all over again, and the harsh moments hit harder in audio. Loved it!
The basics: Kate is an ultra runner. That means her runs are longer than marathon length (26.2 miles), and sometimes up to 100 miles. Her long time family friend, Frederico is too. They've been through a lot together...and are destined to go through a lot more. While on a run together through the country side, northern California turns into a wild, dangerous place. A virus starts turning people into crazed zombies. Roads are impassible, not only because of zombies...but also crazy, bad people. Frederico's daughter lives miles away....and Kate's son is 200+ miles away at college. How do ultrarunners save their kids during the zombie apocalypse?? They come running.....literally.
The audio book version of this story is just short of 12 hours long and is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. Druyor does an awesome job of voice acting!! She reads at a nice, steady pace and voices the characters perfectly. Great listening experience!
You don't have to be a running enthusiast to enjoy this series......just a zombie apocalypse fan.
May 15, 2020
I learned way too much about ultramarathoners - all of the gory details. I can't imagine asking someone to wash my socks that they just wiped their ass on. They would go to the trash. I would even want to look at them. And why rub your feet with a balm then your breasts - wouldn't you do it in the opposite way. The story itself was good. I just can't imagine 2/3 of the people being sickos so quickly. But a lot of these zombie books are like that.
April 16, 2021
Ok, just to get this out of the way -- I love, love, love, love, love, love this series. Did I say that I love this series? I'm a big fan of zombie tales, and this one is different, creative and fun to read! Or listen to, in this case....
I read this first book in the series a couple years ago....so it was time to start over at the beginning and re-read this series! This time...I listened to the audio book. I have grown to love audio books especially for horror or monster tales....there's just something more suspenseful about having it read out loud to me. And this book was no exception -- loved this in audio format! I relived the memorable moments of this first book all over again, and the harsh moments hit harder in audio. Loved it!
The basics: Kate is an ultra runner. That means her runs are longer than marathon length (26.2 miles), and sometimes up to 100 miles. Her long time family friend, Frederico is too. They've been through a lot together...and are destined to go through a lot more. While on a run together through the country side, northern California turns into a wild, dangerous place. A virus starts turning people into crazed zombies. Roads are impassible, not only because of zombies...but also crazy, bad people. Frederico's daughter lives miles away....and Kate's son is 200+ miles away at college. How do ultrarunners save their kids during the zombie apocalypse?? They come running.....literally.
The audio book version of this story is just short of 12 hours long and is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. Druyor does an awesome job of voice acting!! She reads at a nice, steady pace and voices the characters perfectly. Great listening experience!
You don't have to be a running enthusiast to enjoy this series......just a zombie apocalypse fan.
I read this first book in the series a couple years ago....so it was time to start over at the beginning and re-read this series! This time...I listened to the audio book. I have grown to love audio books especially for horror or monster tales....there's just something more suspenseful about having it read out loud to me. And this book was no exception -- loved this in audio format! I relived the memorable moments of this first book all over again, and the harsh moments hit harder in audio. Loved it!
The basics: Kate is an ultra runner. That means her runs are longer than marathon length (26.2 miles), and sometimes up to 100 miles. Her long time family friend, Frederico is too. They've been through a lot together...and are destined to go through a lot more. While on a run together through the country side, northern California turns into a wild, dangerous place. A virus starts turning people into crazed zombies. Roads are impassible, not only because of zombies...but also crazy, bad people. Frederico's daughter lives miles away....and Kate's son is 200+ miles away at college. How do ultrarunners save their kids during the zombie apocalypse?? They come running.....literally.
The audio book version of this story is just short of 12 hours long and is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. Druyor does an awesome job of voice acting!! She reads at a nice, steady pace and voices the characters perfectly. Great listening experience!
You don't have to be a running enthusiast to enjoy this series......just a zombie apocalypse fan.
November 29, 2018
Review:
Loved it!
I don't review many books five stars but I'd give this one six if I could.
I'm not a runner, but a friend introduced me to the concept of ultramarathons a few years ago and I admit to be a bit horrified and fascinated by the concept. I enjoy zombie books as well, so combining the two was such a novel idea, that I was super excited to read this one.
I devoured it. I seldom finish a book in under a week's time - not because I don't read quickly or a lot, but because I have a short attention span and I'm often reading 5, 6, 7 books at a time... look at how crazy my sidebar "current books" list has gotten at time (fairly recently I was up to 9; at the time of writing this review, I think I'm down to three, which is rather rare for me, but that's only because most of the books in my pile right now are all rather similar dystopian young adult novels).
Anyways, the premise of the story is a widowed mom trying to rescue her son, along with her best friend, from the zombies. The new world, filled with zombies, is shown slowly, which doesn't seem to happen too often in books (and is actually a pet peeve of mine; I don't think zombies will take over the world in 30 seconds, I think it'll take a day or two at least! It should take at least a page in a book too, shouldn't it?). Kate and Frederico are in denial about the truth, but accepts reality quickly enough and gets down to business: running 200 miles to rescue Kate's son.
You can imagine the rest of the book if you've ever read a zombie book before, but the book is nicely done and there are some well thought differences which make this one stand out from the genre.
I hope there's a sequel!
-
book received from author as part of a book tour
Loved it!
I don't review many books five stars but I'd give this one six if I could.
I'm not a runner, but a friend introduced me to the concept of ultramarathons a few years ago and I admit to be a bit horrified and fascinated by the concept. I enjoy zombie books as well, so combining the two was such a novel idea, that I was super excited to read this one.
I devoured it. I seldom finish a book in under a week's time - not because I don't read quickly or a lot, but because I have a short attention span and I'm often reading 5, 6, 7 books at a time... look at how crazy my sidebar "current books" list has gotten at time (fairly recently I was up to 9; at the time of writing this review, I think I'm down to three, which is rather rare for me, but that's only because most of the books in my pile right now are all rather similar dystopian young adult novels).
Anyways, the premise of the story is a widowed mom trying to rescue her son, along with her best friend, from the zombies. The new world, filled with zombies, is shown slowly, which doesn't seem to happen too often in books (and is actually a pet peeve of mine; I don't think zombies will take over the world in 30 seconds, I think it'll take a day or two at least! It should take at least a page in a book too, shouldn't it?). Kate and Frederico are in denial about the truth, but accepts reality quickly enough and gets down to business: running 200 miles to rescue Kate's son.
You can imagine the rest of the book if you've ever read a zombie book before, but the book is nicely done and there are some well thought differences which make this one stand out from the genre.
I hope there's a sequel!
-
book received from author as part of a book tour
October 28, 2021
Clearly the author is a runner, there is a lot of running info in this book. Some of it's pretty gross, which was competing with the grossness of zombie murdering, so at times I'd skim a little bit (I don't want to read about people losing their toenails, ugh). Maybe runners enjoyed all the road race details more than me, after awhile I wanted less of it (especially less vomiting).
Kate and Frederic, both experienced runners, grab their gear from Kate's car and set out to run 200+ miles to get Kate's college-age son. They encounter zombies and quickly (too quickly, really) become experienced killers. Like the runners, the story mostly moves at a pretty quick pace. In the last part, Kate's hallucinations become tedious.
In between the running and zombies, there are some more serious storylines: death, alcoholism, depression. I wish those had been expanded on a bit more in place of some of the running info.
Kate and Frederic, both experienced runners, grab their gear from Kate's car and set out to run 200+ miles to get Kate's college-age son. They encounter zombies and quickly (too quickly, really) become experienced killers. Like the runners, the story mostly moves at a pretty quick pace. In the last part, Kate's hallucinations become tedious.
In between the running and zombies, there are some more serious storylines: death, alcoholism, depression. I wish those had been expanded on a bit more in place of some of the running info.
July 1, 2024
DNF at 30%.
This sounded like such a fun premise for a zombie apocalypse - an ultra marathon runner forced to run through 200 miles to get to her son who is stuck in his dorm at a college campus at the beginning of a zombie outbreak. I was fully prepared to love it. Unfortunately, the story itself is a disappointment, at least for me.
First of all, there are way too many details about running in general and ultra running in particular. Yes, I get it, the author is an ultra running enthusiast, and adding a few details would give the story some realism. However, this is clearly a case where too much of a good thing only derails the story. I don't need to know the (often) gross details of what happens to a human body under so much physical pressure for so long. Also, I really didn't need to know that they use their socks as toilet paper... and reuse them after washing them.
This constant focus on explaining to the readers how ultra running works leads to several info dumps throughout the 30% of the book I read. And since a lot of it is written as a conversation between two veterans of the sport, it sounds forced. Why the heck would they discuss and explain to each other something that should be obvious for people who have been ultra running for 15 years or more?
Also, the whole zombie contagion doesn't make any sense. The reports are that it started on the docks in Portland, and we are in the very beginning of the outbreak, like in the first 48 hours of it. So how the heck did it already spread to the wine country? Are you telling me that the usual wine tourists also habitually frequent maritime docks, or are perhaps dock workers? So what, they got bitten in Portland, but instead of going into a hospital like any sane person would, they just decided to slap a bandage on it and go an weekend tour of wineries?
How did the infection spread so quickly EVERYWHERE our characters run through in less than 48 hours? Is the infection airborne? But no, the author mentions that it is only spread via bodily fluids, so the infected need to spit on you, or bite you to spread it.
Also, blood is a bodily fluid, even though the author seems not to know that, because our protagonist thinks that they don't have to worry about getting infected by being sprayed by zombie blood right after she hears about the bodily fluids transmission. And that's after she literally had zombie blood all over her face and even in her mouth... and didn't get infected. So it's not all bodily fluids then? This doesn't make any sense.
... And that's about when this story lost all credibility for me. Yes, I can suspend my disbelief, as long as the author abides by the rules they establish for their world. Here, we break them when it's convenient. So that's when I stopped reading.
This sounded like such a fun premise for a zombie apocalypse - an ultra marathon runner forced to run through 200 miles to get to her son who is stuck in his dorm at a college campus at the beginning of a zombie outbreak. I was fully prepared to love it. Unfortunately, the story itself is a disappointment, at least for me.
First of all, there are way too many details about running in general and ultra running in particular. Yes, I get it, the author is an ultra running enthusiast, and adding a few details would give the story some realism. However, this is clearly a case where too much of a good thing only derails the story. I don't need to know the (often) gross details of what happens to a human body under so much physical pressure for so long. Also, I really didn't need to know that they use their socks as toilet paper... and reuse them after washing them.
This constant focus on explaining to the readers how ultra running works leads to several info dumps throughout the 30% of the book I read. And since a lot of it is written as a conversation between two veterans of the sport, it sounds forced. Why the heck would they discuss and explain to each other something that should be obvious for people who have been ultra running for 15 years or more?
Also, the whole zombie contagion doesn't make any sense. The reports are that it started on the docks in Portland, and we are in the very beginning of the outbreak, like in the first 48 hours of it. So how the heck did it already spread to the wine country? Are you telling me that the usual wine tourists also habitually frequent maritime docks, or are perhaps dock workers? So what, they got bitten in Portland, but instead of going into a hospital like any sane person would, they just decided to slap a bandage on it and go an weekend tour of wineries?
How did the infection spread so quickly EVERYWHERE our characters run through in less than 48 hours? Is the infection airborne? But no, the author mentions that it is only spread via bodily fluids, so the infected need to spit on you, or bite you to spread it.
Also, blood is a bodily fluid, even though the author seems not to know that, because our protagonist thinks that they don't have to worry about getting infected by being sprayed by zombie blood right after she hears about the bodily fluids transmission. And that's after she literally had zombie blood all over her face and even in her mouth... and didn't get infected. So it's not all bodily fluids then? This doesn't make any sense.
... And that's about when this story lost all credibility for me. Yes, I can suspend my disbelief, as long as the author abides by the rules they establish for their world. Here, we break them when it's convenient. So that's when I stopped reading.
August 26, 2017
I never occurred to me until I read Undead Ultra that running away from zombies must be hell! Aside from the flesh eating part, I can barely run down the block without getting a cramp, so the premise of this one really grabbed me. Despite what television likes to tell us, we would all probably be zombie fodder if we weren't ultra runners!
I confess I didn't know a single thing about Ultra running until I read this novel and I'm not usually one to stay awake when technical stuff is described. But the author did a great job blending the two concepts without bogging down the story. I enjoyed the characters and thought it was a great idea to insert a typical suburban mom into a zombie apocalypse story and see how she reacts. Kate is a character you can root for and empathize with. She's not perfect but she has a great deal of inner strength and a devotion to her son that is admirable.
The pacing of the story was perfect, with a good mix of action, suspense and self reflection. Recommended for anyone who enjoys either zombies and ultra running or shows like Walking Dead.
I confess I didn't know a single thing about Ultra running until I read this novel and I'm not usually one to stay awake when technical stuff is described. But the author did a great job blending the two concepts without bogging down the story. I enjoyed the characters and thought it was a great idea to insert a typical suburban mom into a zombie apocalypse story and see how she reacts. Kate is a character you can root for and empathize with. She's not perfect but she has a great deal of inner strength and a devotion to her son that is admirable.
The pacing of the story was perfect, with a good mix of action, suspense and self reflection. Recommended for anyone who enjoys either zombies and ultra running or shows like Walking Dead.
March 21, 2021
It's good but goddammit we know you are a runner
I do love this series but getting beat over the head about how she loves to run every few paragraphs is a bit much. I'm glad ultrarunning got her to be good at running in the apocalyse tho. I'll keep reading but I hope it gets more interesting...
I do love this series but getting beat over the head about how she loves to run every few paragraphs is a bit much. I'm glad ultrarunning got her to be good at running in the apocalyse tho. I'll keep reading but I hope it gets more interesting...
September 5, 2021
Um, its a fairly good zombie book with a fresh take on it (long distance runners going through it). But thanks for killing a cute dog and one DOES wonder why the hell someone would run some of the races she described. Im sure committed runners would get more out of this than I did, but her squeamishness and unpreparedness (when it could be avoided) started to grate after a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2024
2.5 stars
If you are a runner or are interested in the trials and tribulations of ultra-marathon running, then you'll enjoy this book.
I found it mildly interesting and more shudder inducing than the zombies.
I had to double check that this was written by a woman. Phrases like, "I was being a pussy" and "the one acting like a sissy" pretty much took all the shine off the book for me. It definitely inspired me to knock it down a star.
If you are a runner or are interested in the trials and tribulations of ultra-marathon running, then you'll enjoy this book.
I found it mildly interesting and more shudder inducing than the zombies.
I had to double check that this was written by a woman. Phrases like, "I was being a pussy" and "the one acting like a sissy" pretty much took all the shine off the book for me. It definitely inspired me to knock it down a star.
June 26, 2016
You go out for a short 20 odd mile jog and the Zombie apocalypse happens, go figure!! I reckon if I went for a "short" jog then I'd be the Zombie when I cam back ;) Anyway, a 20 to 30 mile jog is nothing to best friends Kate and Frederico yet they don't realise that this fun run today is going to change their lives forever! On the way home from their run they stop to get something to eat, to replenish lost calories when Kate sees some missed calls from her son, she listens to the voice mail where Carter tells her to get straight home and stop for nothing. She finds this odd and tries to call him but before she does, she sees someone being attacked, and what looks like, being eaten. Suitable freaked out, she rings Carter and what he tells her, and what she sees, makes her realise that her and Frederica need to get to their kids ASAP. Cars aren't a viable option since they seem to draw the Zombies, they decide to do the mother of all Ultra Marathons and run to their kids. What follows is their incredible journey!
OK, not being a runner, I found the idea of Ultra Marathons absolutely fascinating. The fact that people put themselves and their bodies through that was shocking!! The authors descriptions of what happens to them and what they go through was so real that I winced a lot!!
Being a mom, I know I would rip the world apart to get to my boys if they need me, so it's no stretch of the imagination to think that someone would run to their child if it was the only way. You can then just imagine what they have to get through on foot! Apart from the obvious Zombies, they have to deal with lack of food (which they need a lot of, what with the running and everything) lack of hydration, too many blisters etc due to the running, and worst of all, people!! All of this was exceptionally well developed and written, so many times I could feel the pain of the characters, both physically and emotionally, that it shows the author did her homework!!
In all, this was such an awesome read. I loved absolutely everything about it, from it's unique method of transport ;), to it's brilliantly written plot, this is a must read. I've read some of this authors previous work and this one just makes me love her writing style more. I highly recommend you check this book out!!!
I listened to the audio of this and am so glad I did as Gwendolyn Druyor did a great job with the narration. She was clear and concise, her inflections were spot on and she had enough different tones to make each character her own. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio and found it really brought the story to life.
OK, not being a runner, I found the idea of Ultra Marathons absolutely fascinating. The fact that people put themselves and their bodies through that was shocking!! The authors descriptions of what happens to them and what they go through was so real that I winced a lot!!
Being a mom, I know I would rip the world apart to get to my boys if they need me, so it's no stretch of the imagination to think that someone would run to their child if it was the only way. You can then just imagine what they have to get through on foot! Apart from the obvious Zombies, they have to deal with lack of food (which they need a lot of, what with the running and everything) lack of hydration, too many blisters etc due to the running, and worst of all, people!! All of this was exceptionally well developed and written, so many times I could feel the pain of the characters, both physically and emotionally, that it shows the author did her homework!!
In all, this was such an awesome read. I loved absolutely everything about it, from it's unique method of transport ;), to it's brilliantly written plot, this is a must read. I've read some of this authors previous work and this one just makes me love her writing style more. I highly recommend you check this book out!!!
I listened to the audio of this and am so glad I did as Gwendolyn Druyor did a great job with the narration. She was clear and concise, her inflections were spot on and she had enough different tones to make each character her own. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio and found it really brought the story to life.
June 22, 2016
I’ve read plenty of zombie apocalypse stories with lots of different scenarios, but this is something new.
Kate and Frederico are Ultramarathon runners. That’s any race longer than a little over 26 miles, all on foot, no bikes or swimming.
Wouldn’t you know it. While out on a run, the apocalypse happens. Now Kate and Frederico must run all the way to where Kate’s son, Carter, is trapped at his college. That’s over 200 miles away.
You can imagine all of the snags they run into. Aside from the zombies, which are everywhere and very hungry, there’s the people to worry about too. Frederico would be excess baggage to those wanting to snag themselves a woman to snuggle up with in the end times. Injuries could mean their death. And finding food and water will slow them down as they can’t carry it while running.
I thought this was very believable. If you were a seasoned runner and without injuries, you could run the 200+ miles. It’s all the things that could go wrong that would prevent you from succeeding.
You can’t help but cheer these two on as they race to the rescue. Their run gets your own endorphins pumping. The dangers they encounter on the way keep the suspense levels high. And you remain hopeful they’ll get where they’re going, rescue Kate’s son, and somehow survive.
Strong writing and well developed characters make this one I recommend to all zombie lovers. And you runners might get a kick out of it too.
I received this book for my honest review.
Kate and Frederico are Ultramarathon runners. That’s any race longer than a little over 26 miles, all on foot, no bikes or swimming.
Wouldn’t you know it. While out on a run, the apocalypse happens. Now Kate and Frederico must run all the way to where Kate’s son, Carter, is trapped at his college. That’s over 200 miles away.
You can imagine all of the snags they run into. Aside from the zombies, which are everywhere and very hungry, there’s the people to worry about too. Frederico would be excess baggage to those wanting to snag themselves a woman to snuggle up with in the end times. Injuries could mean their death. And finding food and water will slow them down as they can’t carry it while running.
I thought this was very believable. If you were a seasoned runner and without injuries, you could run the 200+ miles. It’s all the things that could go wrong that would prevent you from succeeding.
You can’t help but cheer these two on as they race to the rescue. Their run gets your own endorphins pumping. The dangers they encounter on the way keep the suspense levels high. And you remain hopeful they’ll get where they’re going, rescue Kate’s son, and somehow survive.
Strong writing and well developed characters make this one I recommend to all zombie lovers. And you runners might get a kick out of it too.
I received this book for my honest review.
March 18, 2023
A runners book with zombies sprinkled in! This book is ALL about running, runners, and how to run. But with a few zombies thrown in for good measure. If you want to know about marathons, races, sprints, and ultras, then this is the book for you. There’s occasional mentions of zombies and how to run from them.
May 26, 2021
Ok if you are a runner
Had to fast forward the last third of the book. The marathon runner portion is just too much if your not a runner. It's really just 50% zombie story.
Had to fast forward the last third of the book. The marathon runner portion is just too much if your not a runner. It's really just 50% zombie story.
September 7, 2018
So, this was supposed to be one of those awesome free copies without compensation for an honest review, but I accidentally deleted and emptied my trashcan before I could get the code and use it in Audible. That said, I was planning on buying it even if I didn't get the code. So, I bought the book. And OMG.
I LOVE this book.
The narrator is well chosen. Her voice used for the MC's son may be a bit nasally and sound like a kid despite him being past adolescence in some parts, but it wasn't a big deal. Just something to note.
The first thing you think about when a zombie outbreak happens is by no means run. Yes, run away from the creatures, but you wouldn't think to run over 200 miles to family. You'd choose a car. But Picott really sets into motion something I didn't think about and yes, a car is probably a bad idea.
I am a horror buff. I love my classic horrors and new. I love the idea of twisting and changing the norms of horror and this book did that. I actually have the Zombies, Run app and I love it for the running and storyline. I got both in Undead Ultra.
I was disturbed, gasping, and there were some tears welling up in certain places. I never even knew there were running stores or ultraraces. Truly, I thought the serious long distance runner was more like a Hollywood gimmick to illustrate the character's physical exertion in a life transition. But no, ultraracing is real. These people are badass. Even without the zombies!
I was not only in the story, but I was on the trail with Kate and Frederico. I was feeling the sweat. I was hearing the moans. And I loved every second of it.
So much so that I have found my hobby. I have always loved the treadmill, but I never really told myself it was cool to be a runner. I gotta tell ya, it's fucking cool. I am a person who likes to have a direction. And I have decided to start running. Just three days a week.
I wouldn't necessarily say this book is the sole reason for it, I've wanted to run and I did like it, but I didn't have a goal with that running and this book presented me a goal. No, I don't plan on running 200+ miles during a zombie apocalypse, but I have decided that I want to participate and not DNF in an ultrarace. It's not going to happen over night. Hell, I can barely run all the way through a 5k. I need practice. But, I have a goal. And I'm excited for it.
So, Picott, you have made a beginning runner in me and I loved this book. Just one big question though . . . I know this can stay a standalone, but OMG I loved it so much that I would scarf down a sequel in a heartbeat, any chance you can make this fangirl's dream come true? Just saying.
Final Rating: 5/5
I LOVE this book.
The narrator is well chosen. Her voice used for the MC's son may be a bit nasally and sound like a kid despite him being past adolescence in some parts, but it wasn't a big deal. Just something to note.
The first thing you think about when a zombie outbreak happens is by no means run. Yes, run away from the creatures, but you wouldn't think to run over 200 miles to family. You'd choose a car. But Picott really sets into motion something I didn't think about and yes, a car is probably a bad idea.
I am a horror buff. I love my classic horrors and new. I love the idea of twisting and changing the norms of horror and this book did that. I actually have the Zombies, Run app and I love it for the running and storyline. I got both in Undead Ultra.
I was disturbed, gasping, and there were some tears welling up in certain places. I never even knew there were running stores or ultraraces. Truly, I thought the serious long distance runner was more like a Hollywood gimmick to illustrate the character's physical exertion in a life transition. But no, ultraracing is real. These people are badass. Even without the zombies!
I was not only in the story, but I was on the trail with Kate and Frederico. I was feeling the sweat. I was hearing the moans. And I loved every second of it.
So much so that I have found my hobby. I have always loved the treadmill, but I never really told myself it was cool to be a runner. I gotta tell ya, it's fucking cool. I am a person who likes to have a direction. And I have decided to start running. Just three days a week.
I wouldn't necessarily say this book is the sole reason for it, I've wanted to run and I did like it, but I didn't have a goal with that running and this book presented me a goal. No, I don't plan on running 200+ miles during a zombie apocalypse, but I have decided that I want to participate and not DNF in an ultrarace. It's not going to happen over night. Hell, I can barely run all the way through a 5k. I need practice. But, I have a goal. And I'm excited for it.
So, Picott, you have made a beginning runner in me and I loved this book. Just one big question though . . . I know this can stay a standalone, but OMG I loved it so much that I would scarf down a sequel in a heartbeat, any chance you can make this fangirl's dream come true? Just saying.
Final Rating: 5/5
June 28, 2016
I loved this book! I started off not knowing what "Ultra" meant but quickly learned that it is about people who run what are called "Ultramarathons" which can be 35 miles or hundreds of miles. Something I had not heard of. So we meet Kate and Frederico, 2 running friends who both have older children. Kate's spouse Kyle has passed away and she is a single mom and her son Carter is now in college. Frederico's daughter Aleisha is working in a restaurant/bar. Upon a normal days run Kate begins to get a lot of texts and voice mails from Carter telling her to stay inside, bar the doors and take all precautions. She cannot figure out why he is saying this, but as she and Frederico are making their way back to the city they begin to notice very strange things happening, like everyone is on drugs. Soon they realize though that they aren't on drugs - they see a man bite a woman - and although are hesitant to say the "z word", they finally admit what they are dealing with are zombies. Both worried about their children, they decide to make the 200 mile run to save their children. Neither have the supplies to do it. Being told by her son to stay away from cars and that the zombies are blind, they do their best to run quietly and make sure they make as little noise as possible.
Because there were only really 2 main characters in this book it was a series of what was happening to them now and a series of flashbacks that Kate would have about her, her late husband and her friend. The flashbacks give the reader a lot of great memories and views into Kate's mind and introduce us to her late husband and son. Frederico and Kate are both very complex characters and very well-written. It was very realistic even being in a surreal environment because it showed the reality of ultramarathons and the courage to go on even when you don't think you can. I read this book in one night it was so good I could not put it down! Definitely one to check out if you love zombie novels :)
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Because there were only really 2 main characters in this book it was a series of what was happening to them now and a series of flashbacks that Kate would have about her, her late husband and her friend. The flashbacks give the reader a lot of great memories and views into Kate's mind and introduce us to her late husband and son. Frederico and Kate are both very complex characters and very well-written. It was very realistic even being in a surreal environment because it showed the reality of ultramarathons and the courage to go on even when you don't think you can. I read this book in one night it was so good I could not put it down! Definitely one to check out if you love zombie novels :)
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
June 5, 2016
A zombie apocalypse novel with a unique twist.
Widow Kate and her best friend Frederico are having their normal Saturday morning run. She and Frederico run marathons, as well as "ultramarathons" - those that are much longer than a standard marathon. Though she met Frederico through her deceased husband, this is something that the two friends share, especially now that her husband Kyle is gone.
As they sit down to eat breakfast after their run, they notice the strange behavior of some locals, as well as tourists visiting their town for the Wine Barrel tasting festival that is an annual event. They decide to forgo breakfast, and head back to her car... only to encounter zombies, as well as distraught voice mails from her son Carter, who is 200 miles away in college.
What follows is the grueling run Kate and Frederico undertake in order to get to her son after her car becomes unusable...and it become apparent that running the 200 miles will be the better option.
Very well written, suspenseful, and at times very touching story. The characters are likable, and you feel yourself become invested in their run, in their efforts not only to get to Carter, but also Alesia, Frederico's daughter. You get flashbacks that help you understand the relationship between the two friends, as well as their children and other events that have lead to this day.
Also, the author is either very knowledgeable first hand, or has done thorough research, on runners and what all it takes to be able to do that kind of thing. I don't at all, so it was interesting to see what all goes into running marathons (or longer).
Further, there were a few moments in the book...where the friends have to encourage each other or dig deep to keep running...some moments of epiphany that I found myself pondering and reflecting on myself while reading.
Great read even if you aren't into the "zombie" genre.
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
Widow Kate and her best friend Frederico are having their normal Saturday morning run. She and Frederico run marathons, as well as "ultramarathons" - those that are much longer than a standard marathon. Though she met Frederico through her deceased husband, this is something that the two friends share, especially now that her husband Kyle is gone.
As they sit down to eat breakfast after their run, they notice the strange behavior of some locals, as well as tourists visiting their town for the Wine Barrel tasting festival that is an annual event. They decide to forgo breakfast, and head back to her car... only to encounter zombies, as well as distraught voice mails from her son Carter, who is 200 miles away in college.
What follows is the grueling run Kate and Frederico undertake in order to get to her son after her car becomes unusable...and it become apparent that running the 200 miles will be the better option.
Very well written, suspenseful, and at times very touching story. The characters are likable, and you feel yourself become invested in their run, in their efforts not only to get to Carter, but also Alesia, Frederico's daughter. You get flashbacks that help you understand the relationship between the two friends, as well as their children and other events that have lead to this day.
Also, the author is either very knowledgeable first hand, or has done thorough research, on runners and what all it takes to be able to do that kind of thing. I don't at all, so it was interesting to see what all goes into running marathons (or longer).
Further, there were a few moments in the book...where the friends have to encourage each other or dig deep to keep running...some moments of epiphany that I found myself pondering and reflecting on myself while reading.
Great read even if you aren't into the "zombie" genre.
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
June 3, 2016
Kate and Federico are ultra runners. Basically that means rather than just doing the 5k or marathons up to 26.2 they go for the runs that are like 100 miles or more, that'll end up leave them a bit looney if not done right. It was during a run that the zombie apocalypse occurs. Without a vehicle they do what they do best and Ultra run their way to their children. It's not going to be an easy journey, its going to be more then a hundred miles to get there, but these parents will do whatever means nessesary to get where they are going.
Can't remember the last zombie book that I read off the top of my head but this book has to top it. I really loved this book. I loved that there was so much going on. After seeing the trailer I was curious on seeing the connection between the trek the author went through and where it would fit in with the book. Like this book was pretty amazing and I loved it. I'm a horror fan and a book lover and this book was perfect for me. Also I learned something, I had never heard of ultra running before so after the book I pretty much looked up all that I could about it. Not even fit enough... or fit... or try it but still love learning about new things. I loved how the author worked ultra running into this book, that in itself made it unique. Also I like when people can make a bit of their own twist when it comes to zombies. Oh and one more thing, I like that it was actually pointed out as such, they were what they are zombies. Most movies and books that I read they come up with so many different names and assuming any of the characters watched basic tv they should've just said the word zombies instead of the random names.
Overall a fantastic read and I really enjoyed it.Highly Recommend!
Can't remember the last zombie book that I read off the top of my head but this book has to top it. I really loved this book. I loved that there was so much going on. After seeing the trailer I was curious on seeing the connection between the trek the author went through and where it would fit in with the book. Like this book was pretty amazing and I loved it. I'm a horror fan and a book lover and this book was perfect for me. Also I learned something, I had never heard of ultra running before so after the book I pretty much looked up all that I could about it. Not even fit enough... or fit... or try it but still love learning about new things. I loved how the author worked ultra running into this book, that in itself made it unique. Also I like when people can make a bit of their own twist when it comes to zombies. Oh and one more thing, I like that it was actually pointed out as such, they were what they are zombies. Most movies and books that I read they come up with so many different names and assuming any of the characters watched basic tv they should've just said the word zombies instead of the random names.
Overall a fantastic read and I really enjoyed it.Highly Recommend!
December 1, 2022
Friends Kate and Frederico, both ultrarunners, are returning home after a run when they come across the first signs of Zombies - it's all downhill from there.
Kate's son is trapped 200 miles away in his College. Frederico needs to ensure that his estranged daughter is safe. With car travel becoming impossible they take the only decision open to them - start running.
As in the prequel to the series, "Dawn Patrol" it's about Zombies, not where they came from. It's not about politics or finding a cure, it's about surviving a journey they are only partly prepared for.
"Undead Ultra" has a simple message:- When you're ahead of the Zombies, stay ahead!
And when you can't - do what's necessary.
With access to towns either barricaded by the military or full of zombies their only option is to scavenge for supplies.
Every mile their bodies take more damage, accelerating over time, but, with sleep at a premium they keep going as fast as they can.
Along the way they make friends and lose them. And, when you can't trust anyone, who can you turn to for help.
One thing that becomes very clear is that, whatever the hell has happened, it happened fast.
It's very linear, and all the better for it. It's not a great read, but it is an interesting one and it moves at a fast pace.
Overall it is one of the better Zombie books I have read, but, when push comes to shove, it is really a chase book. You could take the Zombies out of it and replace them with Mafia/unnamed killers or whatever, and it would not make much difference.
It needs a tighter edit (I wasn't in the mood to proofread it) because it is a bit sloppy.
I won't be reading any further.
3 Stars
Kate's son is trapped 200 miles away in his College. Frederico needs to ensure that his estranged daughter is safe. With car travel becoming impossible they take the only decision open to them - start running.
As in the prequel to the series, "Dawn Patrol" it's about Zombies, not where they came from. It's not about politics or finding a cure, it's about surviving a journey they are only partly prepared for.
"Undead Ultra" has a simple message:- When you're ahead of the Zombies, stay ahead!
And when you can't - do what's necessary.
With access to towns either barricaded by the military or full of zombies their only option is to scavenge for supplies.
Every mile their bodies take more damage, accelerating over time, but, with sleep at a premium they keep going as fast as they can.
Along the way they make friends and lose them. And, when you can't trust anyone, who can you turn to for help.
One thing that becomes very clear is that, whatever the hell has happened, it happened fast.
It's very linear, and all the better for it. It's not a great read, but it is an interesting one and it moves at a fast pace.
Overall it is one of the better Zombie books I have read, but, when push comes to shove, it is really a chase book. You could take the Zombies out of it and replace them with Mafia/unnamed killers or whatever, and it would not make much difference.
It needs a tighter edit (I wasn't in the mood to proofread it) because it is a bit sloppy.
I won't be reading any further.
3 Stars
September 14, 2020
Actually a 3.5
Reading this, I didn't realize it was the first of a series, apparently there are another 3 books to be read.
It's obvious that the author is a marathon runner herself because probably half the book content is an overload of information about footwear, water bladders, bonking (which turns out to be something different from what I refer to as bonking, lol). Need to know what your feet will look like after tackling a long distance run - this is the book to tell you. What about how your body will react if it gets dehydrated or undernourished while running - have a read and you will find out. Or maybe you would love to know about chafing and the need to buy something called Body Glide to stop your bra rubbing your underboobs to shreds, not to mention other parts of your anatomy - again, this is the book for you!
Despite the information overload about long distance running, this was a pretty enjoyable read about two people trying to get to their teenage children after zombies start to take over - highways and roads become blocked with abandoned and crashed vehicles and so their only real option is to run...and run...and run.
I enjoyed it enough to read the second in the series.
Reading this, I didn't realize it was the first of a series, apparently there are another 3 books to be read.
It's obvious that the author is a marathon runner herself because probably half the book content is an overload of information about footwear, water bladders, bonking (which turns out to be something different from what I refer to as bonking, lol). Need to know what your feet will look like after tackling a long distance run - this is the book to tell you. What about how your body will react if it gets dehydrated or undernourished while running - have a read and you will find out. Or maybe you would love to know about chafing and the need to buy something called Body Glide to stop your bra rubbing your underboobs to shreds, not to mention other parts of your anatomy - again, this is the book for you!
Despite the information overload about long distance running, this was a pretty enjoyable read about two people trying to get to their teenage children after zombies start to take over - highways and roads become blocked with abandoned and crashed vehicles and so their only real option is to run...and run...and run.
I enjoyed it enough to read the second in the series.
October 10, 2018
Sheesh, can't even go out for a jog anymore without it being the end of the world! ;)
I applaud any ultra-runner. I'm not even an ultra-walker. Maybe ultra-crawling, but hey now that's just plain weird :-P
But they're going to need to haul A$$. Out for a run, jogging buddies Kate and Frederico find out the world has literally just gone to hell. And Kate's son needs her and is freaking 200 miles away!
As you might imagine, traffic is a total bitch and the only option is to RUN. Anyone can siphon some gas and hot-wire a Ford, but damn to run the whole way is just plain bada$$!
But, when something like this happens, getting to your kid is all that matters. You'll do anything.
Great audiobook! Loved the writing/story, and narration was awesome :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I applaud any ultra-runner. I'm not even an ultra-walker. Maybe ultra-crawling, but hey now that's just plain weird :-P
But they're going to need to haul A$$. Out for a run, jogging buddies Kate and Frederico find out the world has literally just gone to hell. And Kate's son needs her and is freaking 200 miles away!
As you might imagine, traffic is a total bitch and the only option is to RUN. Anyone can siphon some gas and hot-wire a Ford, but damn to run the whole way is just plain bada$$!
But, when something like this happens, getting to your kid is all that matters. You'll do anything.
Great audiobook! Loved the writing/story, and narration was awesome :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 30, 2019
I found this to be excellent. I love zombie stories that give a realistic look at how ordinary folks would deal with the crisis by trying to apply their own strengths. So here we get a very grounded look at the zombie apocalypse through the eyes of ultra-marathoners.
Kate and Frederico's journey was shockingly relatable (though I could have done without the detour with the drug runners).
I also liked how well structured the story was so it did feel like a race with a distinct finish line (so I do not anticipate a sequel).
Awesome
Kate and Frederico's journey was shockingly relatable (though I could have done without the detour with the drug runners).
I also liked how well structured the story was so it did feel like a race with a distinct finish line (so I do not anticipate a sequel).
Awesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2020
I highly recommend this book! I read it as part of the Apocalyptic Beginnings box set #2 and it was so good, it gripped me from page 1 till the end. There is a lot of emotions some good , sad and some just terrifying. I love that even if you do not know much about ultra running author does a good job of making you understand without being to technical. The characters are so easy to relate too and very thought out. Great plot that leaves you wanting for more.
There is also some soul searching along the way.!
There is also some soul searching along the way.!
March 13, 2018
Wow, I read this in one sitting. I've grown so used to zombie/apocalypse novels being pretty terrible and I wasn't expecting much better from this one, but right away I got attached to the characters and was glued to the page. It was action non stop, but best of all, I know the area well and could visualize places I've been. That was really fun.
This book is easily one of the best apocalypse books I've ever read.
This book is easily one of the best apocalypse books I've ever read.
April 20, 2020
A brilliant first book for this well written exciting zombie series! I like the new ideas & love the stong headed characters! Well worth a read!
September 12, 2018
(Format : Audiobook )
"If I get eaten by a zombie in the next 30 minutes..."
Kate is a runner, both physically - she has taken part in numerous ultras (races longer than a marathon) in the past but not since the death of her husband - and psychologically, blaming herself for being weak, especially for not being there to prevent Kyle's death and for falling apart afterwards.
Her only son, Carter, is 200 miles away at college and Kate is running with her best friend and racing partner when several texts and unanswered calls come from Carter asking her to call him urgently. An outbreak of some kind was causing riots, people were dying and the authorities had instituted what was, in effect marshal law in the areas and he and his fellow students were confined to their rooms. Kate and her friend Frederico have already seen why - the zombie apocalypse had begun!
She determines that she must be with her son so, denied the usual plane, train or automobile means of travel, she and Frederico decide simply to go by foot, to run.
Written in the first person, this was a fascinating story from Jane's perspective: her internal past life and emotions unfolding at the same time as the couple face the hardship of the journey as they sought to avoid both live and undead alike who would seem to prevent them reaching their destination. The privations endured both on this journey and in recollection of past ultra races is fascinating and painful, so much revealed about the stamina and fortitude required makes this a real gem. In so many ways shocking and well delivered, the one expectation seemed to fail was the zombie aspect itself - blind and too interested in feeding on their victims, for this reader at least, the threat they posed after the initial shock appearance seemed to make them less of a threat than most. Yet within hours they seemed to have been everywhere, even in unexpected locations.
The narration by Gwendolyn Druyor was good, emotionally charged and with seperate voicings for the individual protagonists, though that used for the 20 years old son made him sound far too young. As the voice of Kate, however, Ms.Druyor was superb. The overall reading pace also seemed a tad slow but this was easily resolved by increasing playback speed to 1.25.
I had requested Undead Ultra from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom, and was very fortunate in being freely gifted a complimentary copy. Thank you. It was an unusual and informative book, immersive with excellent character construction, .making both Kate and her friend Frederico seem very real, increasingly so as the book moves towards the dramatic conclusion. Definitely worth reading by fans of dystopian and horror genres, zombie zealots, and anyone just interested in learning more about running an ultra.
"If I get eaten by a zombie in the next 30 minutes..."
Kate is a runner, both physically - she has taken part in numerous ultras (races longer than a marathon) in the past but not since the death of her husband - and psychologically, blaming herself for being weak, especially for not being there to prevent Kyle's death and for falling apart afterwards.
Her only son, Carter, is 200 miles away at college and Kate is running with her best friend and racing partner when several texts and unanswered calls come from Carter asking her to call him urgently. An outbreak of some kind was causing riots, people were dying and the authorities had instituted what was, in effect marshal law in the areas and he and his fellow students were confined to their rooms. Kate and her friend Frederico have already seen why - the zombie apocalypse had begun!
She determines that she must be with her son so, denied the usual plane, train or automobile means of travel, she and Frederico decide simply to go by foot, to run.
Written in the first person, this was a fascinating story from Jane's perspective: her internal past life and emotions unfolding at the same time as the couple face the hardship of the journey as they sought to avoid both live and undead alike who would seem to prevent them reaching their destination. The privations endured both on this journey and in recollection of past ultra races is fascinating and painful, so much revealed about the stamina and fortitude required makes this a real gem. In so many ways shocking and well delivered, the one expectation seemed to fail was the zombie aspect itself - blind and too interested in feeding on their victims, for this reader at least, the threat they posed after the initial shock appearance seemed to make them less of a threat than most. Yet within hours they seemed to have been everywhere, even in unexpected locations.
The narration by Gwendolyn Druyor was good, emotionally charged and with seperate voicings for the individual protagonists, though that used for the 20 years old son made him sound far too young. As the voice of Kate, however, Ms.Druyor was superb. The overall reading pace also seemed a tad slow but this was easily resolved by increasing playback speed to 1.25.
I had requested Undead Ultra from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom, and was very fortunate in being freely gifted a complimentary copy. Thank you. It was an unusual and informative book, immersive with excellent character construction, .making both Kate and her friend Frederico seem very real, increasingly so as the book moves towards the dramatic conclusion. Definitely worth reading by fans of dystopian and horror genres, zombie zealots, and anyone just interested in learning more about running an ultra.
May 16, 2020
Review: https://klling.wordpress.com/2020/05/...
Zombie apocalypse stories are a bit overused in the current landscape whether its books (or movies). However, Undead Ultra takes on a different take from the fast-paced style to taking the characters on an ultramarathon of over 200 miles for these two running best friends to rescue their kids from their different locations as they realize that cars attract too much attention and are dangerous to use in the current zombie apocalypse world that has overrun the country. Packed with a lot of unknowns and their expertise in running and the limited supplies, they go on this insane run that tests them both mentally and physically to not only survive the length of the run and weather but also their biggest unknown factors, zombies.
There’s a lot to love about Undead Ultra. The execution of the whole story is done incredibly well. It balances the zombie threat in a myriad of different encounters as well as the limited amount of people they meet on this run, some good and some bad as well as sharing their own darker stories with each other that they may not have shared previously. At the same time, they strategize on supplies and the different phases that they go through during this ultramarathon, probably something that not a whole lot of people are incredibly familiar with in the first place. The zombie element brings in the bad ass character elements and builds the two characters as they harden to having to fight them. The story element gives both characters a lot of insight on their past and builds them up so that the readers can know them more and connect with them. The last element of ultramarathon is simply a survival element. Its both strategy as well as survival and sheds some light on the whole concept of ultramarathon and how tough it is and the mental exercise it really is. All of these balance well together to put together this thrilling run.
Undead Ultra features primarily the two characters, Kate and Frederico. Kate wants to go find her son Carter at his unversity where she has news and communication that he is still managing to stay alive but danger is moving closer and closer. She is the main voice of the story. However, her running companion and best friend Frederico is something of a rock and has his own hardships which include some alcohol abuse and trying to find his daughter on the way as well. These two characters have a lot of depth to them as the story unfolds further with each of their conversations and especially Kate’s memories of the past as well as Frederico’s recounts of his past. As they go through their ordeals, their characters build with the knowledge of their past as well as their present actions and decisions.
There’s a lot to love about Undead Ultra. Its a fun read and a page-turner. Its incredibly well-executed and has well-developed characters as well. While the zombie apocalypse landscape might seem familiar and there isn’t a lot to change about it, somehow the execution of sending the characters on foot for an ultramarathon-esque rescue mission is one that sounds crazy but makes all the difference in making this story stand out.
Zombie apocalypse stories are a bit overused in the current landscape whether its books (or movies). However, Undead Ultra takes on a different take from the fast-paced style to taking the characters on an ultramarathon of over 200 miles for these two running best friends to rescue their kids from their different locations as they realize that cars attract too much attention and are dangerous to use in the current zombie apocalypse world that has overrun the country. Packed with a lot of unknowns and their expertise in running and the limited supplies, they go on this insane run that tests them both mentally and physically to not only survive the length of the run and weather but also their biggest unknown factors, zombies.
There’s a lot to love about Undead Ultra. The execution of the whole story is done incredibly well. It balances the zombie threat in a myriad of different encounters as well as the limited amount of people they meet on this run, some good and some bad as well as sharing their own darker stories with each other that they may not have shared previously. At the same time, they strategize on supplies and the different phases that they go through during this ultramarathon, probably something that not a whole lot of people are incredibly familiar with in the first place. The zombie element brings in the bad ass character elements and builds the two characters as they harden to having to fight them. The story element gives both characters a lot of insight on their past and builds them up so that the readers can know them more and connect with them. The last element of ultramarathon is simply a survival element. Its both strategy as well as survival and sheds some light on the whole concept of ultramarathon and how tough it is and the mental exercise it really is. All of these balance well together to put together this thrilling run.
Undead Ultra features primarily the two characters, Kate and Frederico. Kate wants to go find her son Carter at his unversity where she has news and communication that he is still managing to stay alive but danger is moving closer and closer. She is the main voice of the story. However, her running companion and best friend Frederico is something of a rock and has his own hardships which include some alcohol abuse and trying to find his daughter on the way as well. These two characters have a lot of depth to them as the story unfolds further with each of their conversations and especially Kate’s memories of the past as well as Frederico’s recounts of his past. As they go through their ordeals, their characters build with the knowledge of their past as well as their present actions and decisions.
There’s a lot to love about Undead Ultra. Its a fun read and a page-turner. Its incredibly well-executed and has well-developed characters as well. While the zombie apocalypse landscape might seem familiar and there isn’t a lot to change about it, somehow the execution of sending the characters on foot for an ultramarathon-esque rescue mission is one that sounds crazy but makes all the difference in making this story stand out.
June 11, 2019
A positive surprise of a zombie novel that holds its own all the way to the finish! :-)
Maybe not the best ever zombie novel I've read (Adam Baker's "Juggernaut" gets to hold that title for a while longer) but much better than I expected. Definitely good enough for me to go order part two now after having written this review.
Full disclosure: I'm a long distance runner myself and only bought this book for my back-up injury/sickday pile after having heard about it (and the author for the first time ever) on the Run To The Top Podcast. I like to have a few such books ready because I've noticed I can counter-jinx myself by being prepared. Once the whole stasch was left unread for more than three years!
But this time here I am just a few weeks after purchase home from work with a bad urinary tract infection (and possibly a stomach bug), finishing two books from it in under twenty-four hours.
First of all as a runner myself I've often wondered why there aren't more endurance running done during zombie apocalypses or similar events books. The only one that comes to mind doing this well is Jeff Carlson's excellent "Plague Year" (and maybe the first half of the second book in that series, but then you can stop reading there and save yourself the logic/narrative collapse of the third).
This one is almost as good, the author takes a couple inventive turns with the genre tropes and the story keeps clicking of the miles at a decent pace (ha-ha, yes really). I only had two things bug me with the logic of the story, a) the collapse of society happens way too fast, I don't think almost every farmer and family way out in the boonies would be turned like this within 48 hours if being bit is a requirement, and b) where the hell did the drug cartel gang in the forest get enough of living zombie guard dogs twice within 48 hours to set/waste a whole horde of them on the heels of our heroes (it must be at least twice, since during the escape they stumble over a fallen body from a previous similar hunt).
If you can live with those two plotholes you have a surprisingly good 300+ pages zombie story to bite your teeth into.
Maybe not the best ever zombie novel I've read (Adam Baker's "Juggernaut" gets to hold that title for a while longer) but much better than I expected. Definitely good enough for me to go order part two now after having written this review.
Full disclosure: I'm a long distance runner myself and only bought this book for my back-up injury/sickday pile after having heard about it (and the author for the first time ever) on the Run To The Top Podcast. I like to have a few such books ready because I've noticed I can counter-jinx myself by being prepared. Once the whole stasch was left unread for more than three years!
But this time here I am just a few weeks after purchase home from work with a bad urinary tract infection (and possibly a stomach bug), finishing two books from it in under twenty-four hours.
First of all as a runner myself I've often wondered why there aren't more endurance running done during zombie apocalypses or similar events books. The only one that comes to mind doing this well is Jeff Carlson's excellent "Plague Year" (and maybe the first half of the second book in that series, but then you can stop reading there and save yourself the logic/narrative collapse of the third).
This one is almost as good, the author takes a couple inventive turns with the genre tropes and the story keeps clicking of the miles at a decent pace (ha-ha, yes really). I only had two things bug me with the logic of the story, a) the collapse of society happens way too fast, I don't think almost every farmer and family way out in the boonies would be turned like this within 48 hours if being bit is a requirement, and b) where the hell did the drug cartel gang in the forest get enough of living zombie guard dogs twice within 48 hours to set/waste a whole horde of them on the heels of our heroes (it must be at least twice, since during the escape they stumble over a fallen body from a previous similar hunt).
If you can live with those two plotholes you have a surprisingly good 300+ pages zombie story to bite your teeth into.
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