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THEM #3
Gabby's Run
Gabby Mendoza is a genetically-altered teen who's been engineered and trained to thrive in the zombie apocalypse. But when she's separated from her uncle in the heart of the badlands, she'll need every trick and skill she knows to survive a threat far worse than any zombie she's ever hunted...
Gabby's Run: Paranormal Apocalypse
THEM Post-Apocalyptic Series
Gabby Mendoza just wants to be a normal teenage girl, but she’s facing some serious obstacles in the “normal” department...
For one, she’s living out the zombie apocalypse in an underground bunker. Second, she’s been raised by her crazy ex-CIA uncle to be a teenage zombie-killing machine.
And third—she’s not entirely human.
Now, Gabby has to help her uncle to track down the one person who might be able to save the world from the paranormal apocalypse… before a werewolf or some other undead nightmare finds him first.
It’s a good thing Gabby packed plenty of ammo... because with thousands of undead and a vicious werewolf assassin hunting her, she’s gonna need it!
- - -
Gabby’s Run: Paranormal Apocalypse is an adrenaline-fueled romp through a post-apocalyptic world terrorized by zombies, vampires, werewolves, and creatures that would make H.P. Lovecraft check under the bed. If you’re a fan of zombie apocalypse novels, dystopian book series, or SHTF fiction, you’ll love spending time with Gabby Mendoza as she cuts her teeth as a zombie hunter. Click the buy button to grab your copy today!
Gabby's Run: Paranormal Apocalypse
THEM Post-Apocalyptic Series
Gabby Mendoza just wants to be a normal teenage girl, but she’s facing some serious obstacles in the “normal” department...
For one, she’s living out the zombie apocalypse in an underground bunker. Second, she’s been raised by her crazy ex-CIA uncle to be a teenage zombie-killing machine.
And third—she’s not entirely human.
Now, Gabby has to help her uncle to track down the one person who might be able to save the world from the paranormal apocalypse… before a werewolf or some other undead nightmare finds him first.
It’s a good thing Gabby packed plenty of ammo... because with thousands of undead and a vicious werewolf assassin hunting her, she’s gonna need it!
- - -
Gabby’s Run: Paranormal Apocalypse is an adrenaline-fueled romp through a post-apocalyptic world terrorized by zombies, vampires, werewolves, and creatures that would make H.P. Lovecraft check under the bed. If you’re a fan of zombie apocalypse novels, dystopian book series, or SHTF fiction, you’ll love spending time with Gabby Mendoza as she cuts her teeth as a zombie hunter. Click the buy button to grab your copy today!
214 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2016
About the author
M.D. Massey
69 books577 followersM.D. Massey describes himself as the prototypical INTJ. His eclectic background provides him with a rich tapestry of experiences to draw on when crafting fiction, as evidenced by the believable worlds and relatable characters he creates.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 18, 2017
This story did not endear me to Gabby the teenager (who has a child's body). I think she's childish, ungrateful, & TSTL. I should disclose I did not read any of the previous books in this series. 2 stars
June 1, 2019
This fourth installment (counting the prequel) of "Them" is not a direct follow up of the two previous ones: it is a long flashback that recounts the events that preceded the meeting of Gabby and Scratch, from Gabby's point of view.
Even if there is a little useless repetition, the pace is high, it's action packed, and the characters are nice to follow. There are always small logical flaws sometimes in the reasoning or the actions of the characters, but nothing that really spoils the pleasure of reading. More annoying, there are some fairly important inconsistencies between the different books in the series.
But as long as you accept this post-apocalyptic universe strongly tinged with Urban Fantasy, this fourth part of the series is a good entertainment.
Even if there is a little useless repetition, the pace is high, it's action packed, and the characters are nice to follow. There are always small logical flaws sometimes in the reasoning or the actions of the characters, but nothing that really spoils the pleasure of reading. More annoying, there are some fairly important inconsistencies between the different books in the series.
But as long as you accept this post-apocalyptic universe strongly tinged with Urban Fantasy, this fourth part of the series is a good entertainment.
July 9, 2021
The book feels like an after thought and less planned. It isn't bad but just seems like something is missing for the character development.
December 29, 2022
В интерес на истината, чудех се дали да я чета изобщо. Някак бях останал с мнението, че Мейси ще ни преразкаже историята до тук, но от гледна точка на Габриела. За късмет, случаят не е такъв. Книгата е предисторията на Габи, преди да се срещне със Скрач. Малко не съм съгласен, че книгата става за четене като първа от серията. Като отделна - да, но е добре да се прочете точно където е вкарана в поредицата, защото разкрива малки, но важни за сюжета на предишните три книги неща. Има и леко счупване на разкриването на събитията, както повечето ретроспективни истории, писани след основната. В случая Габи разкрива доста за постапокалиптичната вселена, още преди да се срещне със Скрач и няма как, тренирана като добър войник, да ги премълчава тези неща, за чието "преоткриване" Скрач едва не губи живота си, особено след развитието между двамата в предишната книга, когато почти не остават тайни помежду им.
Това на страна, мексиканския Торбалан - Ел Виехо дел сако, направо ме изкърти с приликите си с нашенския. Книгата, както предходните, е изпълнена с екшън от началото до края и не ти дава да я оставиш. Мейси се справя прилично с влизането под кожата на гневна тийнейджърка, не перфектно, но с действието в сюжета наваксва добре.
Габи е 16 годишно момиче, което е подложено на биохимичен експеримент, който забавя разтежа ѝ и засилва всичко останало - сила, бързина, рефлекси и прочие. За капак собственият ѝ чичо - единствен оцелял роднина, от малка я възпитава като оръжие и явно не знае точно как да се отнася с деца, не че не се опитва, но малко не му се получава. Резултатът е гневна машина за убиване, която яко я перат хормоните. Когато двамата тръгват на поредната мисия в Пустошта, нещата се объркват яко, благодарение на глутница върколаци. Габи остава за първи път сама и извън сигурността на Убежището и ще трябва да впрегне цялата си воля и знания, за да се пребори с ужасите на постапокалипсиса и вътрешните си съмнения. Това ще я докара до укрепена ферма, където от седмици нещо отвлича деца. Естествено, първият човек, който се е държал човешки с нея ще изчезне и Габи ще направви всичко възможно да го открие, преди чудовището да го свари на супа.
Интересно, но на всички корици, където има момиче, Габи не изглежда нито на 12, на колкото изглежда според автора, нито на 16, на колкото е в действителност. Предполагам ще е леко проблемно да има малко момиченце с оръжие, а и коравите каки явно продават повече книги.
Със сигурност ще се чете и следващата от поредицата, а май ще погледна и тези за друида от бунището.
Това на страна, мексиканския Торбалан - Ел Виехо дел сако, направо ме изкърти с приликите си с нашенския. Книгата, както предходните, е изпълнена с екшън от началото до края и не ти дава да я оставиш. Мейси се справя прилично с влизането под кожата на гневна тийнейджърка, не перфектно, но с действието в сюжета наваксва добре.
Габи е 16 годишно момиче, което е подложено на биохимичен експеримент, който забавя разтежа ѝ и засилва всичко останало - сила, бързина, рефлекси и прочие. За капак собственият ѝ чичо - единствен оцелял роднина, от малка я възпитава като оръжие и явно не знае точно как да се отнася с деца, не че не се опитва, но малко не му се получава. Резултатът е гневна машина за убиване, която яко я перат хормоните. Когато двамата тръгват на поредната мисия в Пустошта, нещата се объркват яко, благодарение на глутница върколаци. Габи остава за първи път сама и извън сигурността на Убежището и ще трябва да впрегне цялата си воля и знания, за да се пребори с ужасите на постапокалипсиса и вътрешните си съмнения. Това ще я докара до укрепена ферма, където от седмици нещо отвлича деца. Естествено, първият човек, който се е държал човешки с нея ще изчезне и Габи ще направви всичко възможно да го открие, преди чудовището да го свари на супа.
Интересно, но на всички корици, където има момиче, Габи не изглежда нито на 12, на колкото изглежда според автора, нито на 16, на колкото е в действителност. Предполагам ще е леко проблемно да има малко момиченце с оръжие, а и коравите каки явно продават повече книги.
Със сигурност ще се чете и следващата от поредицата, а май ще погледна и тези за друида от бунището.
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a bit different. An "ordinary" run of the mill apocalypse wasn't enough, it's a zombie paranormal apocalypse with creatures galore. It was an interesting, engaging and very entertaining story. This story pulled me in immediately and never let go. It captured my interest enough that I intend on listening to the rest series.
Even though this book 4 of the series I really didn't have a problem following the story or getting familiar with the characters. Since this is book 4 I looked up the previous books in the series to familiarize myself with it and it seems like this a prequel. So it was like starting at the beginning of the series for me. It does end in a cliffhanger.
It may be a shorter book it's not short on action, suspense, violence or gore.
Loved Gabby's character. A teenager but wise beyond her years in this apocalyptic world. Gabby is one tough cookie who can hold her own/or put up a pretty good fight against some pretty nasty creatures. She may be slightly altered (para-human) but she's still a teenager in a little girls body. When your trying to survive in an altered world that can be a blessing, a curse or both depending on the situation.
Laurie Catherine Winkel did a really good job with the narration. This is the first time I have heard her narrate a book. Pleasant voice that fit the character and is easy to listen to for long periods of time. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Great character voices and accents. She was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided tis free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
This was a bit different. An "ordinary" run of the mill apocalypse wasn't enough, it's a zombie paranormal apocalypse with creatures galore. It was an interesting, engaging and very entertaining story. This story pulled me in immediately and never let go. It captured my interest enough that I intend on listening to the rest series.
Even though this book 4 of the series I really didn't have a problem following the story or getting familiar with the characters. Since this is book 4 I looked up the previous books in the series to familiarize myself with it and it seems like this a prequel. So it was like starting at the beginning of the series for me. It does end in a cliffhanger.
It may be a shorter book it's not short on action, suspense, violence or gore.
Loved Gabby's character. A teenager but wise beyond her years in this apocalyptic world. Gabby is one tough cookie who can hold her own/or put up a pretty good fight against some pretty nasty creatures. She may be slightly altered (para-human) but she's still a teenager in a little girls body. When your trying to survive in an altered world that can be a blessing, a curse or both depending on the situation.
Laurie Catherine Winkel did a really good job with the narration. This is the first time I have heard her narrate a book. Pleasant voice that fit the character and is easy to listen to for long periods of time. Clearly spoken with a nice even pace. Great character voices and accents. She was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided tis free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
November 5, 2018
Amazing Read
This was a great addition too the series. If you were wondering how Gabby ended UoP where she did in book three, then read this book. If i hadn't have already liked the character, Gabby, in the THEM series to begin with, this book would have convinced me to like her. Besides exploring her character, the book was just a great read. Well written overall as our expands this world. UoP until things book you duo not see the full scope of the creatures yet as in the Junkyard Druid series, but this book finally shows that there are more than the undead and werewolves running around inn the post apocalyptic world of Massey's crafting. Definitely tho be read our you're a fan of Massey's series already.
This was a great addition too the series. If you were wondering how Gabby ended UoP where she did in book three, then read this book. If i hadn't have already liked the character, Gabby, in the THEM series to begin with, this book would have convinced me to like her. Besides exploring her character, the book was just a great read. Well written overall as our expands this world. UoP until things book you duo not see the full scope of the creatures yet as in the Junkyard Druid series, but this book finally shows that there are more than the undead and werewolves running around inn the post apocalyptic world of Massey's crafting. Definitely tho be read our you're a fan of Massey's series already.
January 29, 2020
This book is 4 but I feel should be first one read
I love this whole series this book is about baby from her point of view. It also talks or tells about the mysterious uncle did I miss something but I thought the uncle was dead from the other books but now it seems he disappeared. But this series is really good and the Audible book to this is also good I purchased all the books including the Audible books accompanied that the voice for silly is just as good so new series of book s that keep you intrigued
I love this whole series this book is about baby from her point of view. It also talks or tells about the mysterious uncle did I miss something but I thought the uncle was dead from the other books but now it seems he disappeared. But this series is really good and the Audible book to this is also good I purchased all the books including the Audible books accompanied that the voice for silly is just as good so new series of book s that keep you intrigued
May 7, 2017
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This was super informative, and I liked it!! This is Gabby before scratch....I always thought she was a little girl....really she is not she is a older teen...and well trained to survive....She is smart and resourceful and super tough!! I like her!! This was a great story, and the narration was really good....I recommend!!
This was super informative, and I liked it!! This is Gabby before scratch....I always thought she was a little girl....really she is not she is a older teen...and well trained to survive....She is smart and resourceful and super tough!! I like her!! This was a great story, and the narration was really good....I recommend!!
April 25, 2024
Gabby’s Run is a fun story that tells Gabby’s tale right before she meets our usual protagonist, Scratch Sullivan. Despite the retroactive storytelling, this installment of THEM continues the trend of introducing new and more frightening paranormal creatures that are haunting an apocalypse ravaged United States. Gabby is a fun protagonist and I loved getting a peek inside her head. Looking forward to the final installment in the THEM series soon.
August 18, 2017
Gabi the wonder girl of the apocalypse
More background on Gabi, one of the main characters from the first three books. Gabi has enhanced genes which gives her special abilities. This book provides lots of cool back stories up until she meets Scratch, our main character in the Them series.
More background on Gabi, one of the main characters from the first three books. Gabi has enhanced genes which gives her special abilities. This book provides lots of cool back stories up until she meets Scratch, our main character in the Them series.
July 16, 2024
This was the side-quest, I didn’t know I needed. Gabby is the perfect addition to the crew. She gives the main character more ways to shine. I loved this adventure and cannot wait to see what’s next!! I love the Junkyard Druid, hands down my favorite series. I’m so invested in these new characters that I could spend much more time in the universe!!
June 11, 2018
I love it when the storyline comes around full circle.
This story explains how and why Gabby ended up on top of the trailer where Scratch first meets up with her, it also gives us an insight into her background.
This story explains how and why Gabby ended up on top of the trailer where Scratch first meets up with her, it also gives us an insight into her background.
May 30, 2019
Fun Fluff.
September 16, 2019
A great series
This series just keeps getting better. I like seeing some of where Gabby came from. Can't wait to start reading the next one.
This series just keeps getting better. I like seeing some of where Gabby came from. Can't wait to start reading the next one.
April 22, 2020
An exciting backstory of Scratch Sullivan's sidekick Gabby leading right up to when they met. Plenty of zombies, werewolves ghouls and something I'm not quite sure what it is.
January 21, 2022
This author is amazing, so glad to have stumbled across this series. Off to the next!
August 27, 2023
Great backstory
Massey does a great job telling the backstory of Gabby. Very impressive how Massey always seems to keep the plot going. There is something new on very page.
Massey does a great job telling the backstory of Gabby. Very impressive how Massey always seems to keep the plot going. There is something new on very page.
October 4, 2024
I liked getting Gabby's POV. It's a prequel in the timeline.
September 2, 2025
4/5 Stars
December 1, 2017
Really tense
And really important backstory for a major character. Like the rest of the series this was really well done. It helps further define the reality of this apocalyptic future and the societies that have evolved in it.
The action is tight but not overdone. The people, monsters and inbetweens all of whom are acting in their own interests with sometimes very strange motivations are awesomely drawn. The writing is great as far as I'm concerned.
I've made all sort of allowances in the past for bad writing hoping that an interesting premise will get better treatment in succeeding volumes. Then I've watched these series descend into cartoons and move towards fascistic or misogynistic fantasies and more.
This hasn't been the case with Massey and I can't imagine that it ever could be. This writer will never disappoint, if you choose to read him. You're in for a treat on the order of N. Gamon or Butcher.
And really important backstory for a major character. Like the rest of the series this was really well done. It helps further define the reality of this apocalyptic future and the societies that have evolved in it.
The action is tight but not overdone. The people, monsters and inbetweens all of whom are acting in their own interests with sometimes very strange motivations are awesomely drawn. The writing is great as far as I'm concerned.
I've made all sort of allowances in the past for bad writing hoping that an interesting premise will get better treatment in succeeding volumes. Then I've watched these series descend into cartoons and move towards fascistic or misogynistic fantasies and more.
This hasn't been the case with Massey and I can't imagine that it ever could be. This writer will never disappoint, if you choose to read him. You're in for a treat on the order of N. Gamon or Butcher.
August 5, 2016
Gabby is being trained by “Uncle Tony” to hunt and kill zombies and other such monsters. Tony used to be in the CIA, and he seems to be a lot more interested in what Gabby can do than he is in who she is. She’s never really had a chance to grow up normally. The serum injections she’s received–the ones that enhance her natural abilities–caused her body to more or less stop growing when she was twelve years old. She’s 16, but she doesn’t look it. Sometimes that’s great–she gets underestimated. Sometimes it’s horrible–there are those who pray on the weak, especially children. It also means people on her side don’t take her as seriously as they should.
I still really want to find out more about Lorena. There are some serious hints in here that she knows way more than she’s saying, and frankly I’m getting a tad worried about when and how she made her serum.
One cool thing: in order to introduce some basic information about a couple of the odd lifeforms, her teacher, Tony, makes her recite statistics and details back to him in order to test her. It doesn’t go overboard–it’s basic info about two different lifeforms, Tony doesn’t have her go on for pages. It’s one of the slickest info-dumps I’ve seen–kudos to the author.
Gabby ends up trying to help other kids who have been taken by a monster, but it won’t be as easy as anyone thinks it will.
I love this character, I love getting to see the earlier times, and this does make me more eager to see the series continue!
Original review on my series: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/08/r...
I still really want to find out more about Lorena. There are some serious hints in here that she knows way more than she’s saying, and frankly I’m getting a tad worried about when and how she made her serum.
One cool thing: in order to introduce some basic information about a couple of the odd lifeforms, her teacher, Tony, makes her recite statistics and details back to him in order to test her. It doesn’t go overboard–it’s basic info about two different lifeforms, Tony doesn’t have her go on for pages. It’s one of the slickest info-dumps I’ve seen–kudos to the author.
Gabby ends up trying to help other kids who have been taken by a monster, but it won’t be as easy as anyone thinks it will.
I love this character, I love getting to see the earlier times, and this does make me more eager to see the series continue!
Original review on my series: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/08/r...
August 15, 2016
Excellent story and character development
Gabby' Run builds a good bridge between the THEM 1st season and the (hopefully) upcoming second season.
In this book we get to know Gabby, one of the central characters of the previous book, and some of her backstory.
Some of it we already knew from book 3, but in this book we learn more about who she is, and most importantly, who she thinks she is.
We do not learn much more than we already knew about he adoptive aunt but we learn somewhat more about her uncle, the spook/hunter, albeit not enough yet to get a full picture.
Ditto for the research into the "Supernatural" inter-dimensional meddling, what happened before the war or what the end game is.
One small observation: the moment mythological creatures cross or pierce the "veil" between our universe and theirs, these creatures stop being "supernatural".
The words means "Above Nature", and since in this story these creatures do exist, they move around, interact with us, run and talk and bleed, they are no longer "Super Natural" but just "Natural". Just because they are considered Supernatural in the reader universe, in the story's universe they become natural the moment they become part of the same plane of existence as the characters in the book.
Star ranking: Once again, let me clarify that if I followed traditional Amazon reviewing standard, this book easily would have earned a 5 Stars review, but I have decided to dispense 4 stars for truly excellent books in their genre, but save the 5 stars for those books that I consider future classics or truly unique and flawlessly written stories. Gabby's Run almost gets there but not quite.
It is an enjoyable book with above average character development and uniqueness. The world the series is set into is interesting and borrows a lot from world mythology. Normally, that would be a firm no no for me, but somehow it works in here. The story/series sometimes teeters at the edge of corny and it has some YA characteristics at times that unsettle me, but the author is smart enough to take the story close without crossing the line.
I am looking forward to the next season.
Gabby' Run builds a good bridge between the THEM 1st season and the (hopefully) upcoming second season.
In this book we get to know Gabby, one of the central characters of the previous book, and some of her backstory.
Some of it we already knew from book 3, but in this book we learn more about who she is, and most importantly, who she thinks she is.
We do not learn much more than we already knew about he adoptive aunt but we learn somewhat more about her uncle, the spook/hunter, albeit not enough yet to get a full picture.
Ditto for the research into the "Supernatural" inter-dimensional meddling, what happened before the war or what the end game is.
One small observation: the moment mythological creatures cross or pierce the "veil" between our universe and theirs, these creatures stop being "supernatural".
The words means "Above Nature", and since in this story these creatures do exist, they move around, interact with us, run and talk and bleed, they are no longer "Super Natural" but just "Natural". Just because they are considered Supernatural in the reader universe, in the story's universe they become natural the moment they become part of the same plane of existence as the characters in the book.
Star ranking: Once again, let me clarify that if I followed traditional Amazon reviewing standard, this book easily would have earned a 5 Stars review, but I have decided to dispense 4 stars for truly excellent books in their genre, but save the 5 stars for those books that I consider future classics or truly unique and flawlessly written stories. Gabby's Run almost gets there but not quite.
It is an enjoyable book with above average character development and uniqueness. The world the series is set into is interesting and borrows a lot from world mythology. Normally, that would be a firm no no for me, but somehow it works in here. The story/series sometimes teeters at the edge of corny and it has some YA characteristics at times that unsettle me, but the author is smart enough to take the story close without crossing the line.
I am looking forward to the next season.
June 27, 2016
Amazing
This series of books is one of the best I've read, and I read a lot of books. I will be on the look out for anything M.D Massey writes in the future, but do secretly hope he continues with story for as long as possible.......it's that good. If you like anything to do with zombies, vampires, werewolves or any of the other nasties you can think of (and even some you can't) love a bit of attitude and a lot of sarcasm. Then you really should read this series, try it......you really won't be d disappointed.
This series of books is one of the best I've read, and I read a lot of books. I will be on the look out for anything M.D Massey writes in the future, but do secretly hope he continues with story for as long as possible.......it's that good. If you like anything to do with zombies, vampires, werewolves or any of the other nasties you can think of (and even some you can't) love a bit of attitude and a lot of sarcasm. Then you really should read this series, try it......you really won't be d disappointed.
October 24, 2016
I really enjoy this author. His character building is phenomenal
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
April 13, 2017
16-year-old Gabby Mendoza is a hybrid human trying to traverse a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. If all she had to deal with were the slow shuffling zombies' life would be sweet! But no... There’s a zombie hierarchy and the ones at the top are fast and intelligent.
There are all kinds of monsters roaming around in Gabby’s world and she only has her tough but loving Uncle Tony to train and help guide her. But Tio Tony won’t always be around and some of the scariest monsters are human.
This young adult sci-fi is such a great listen on so many levels. It’s a story with a strong young female lead who also happens to be Hispanic and that's a rare treat in this genre. I also like the fact that even though this audiobook is geared towards young adults, the book in no way sugarcoats the harsh life in a dystopian society.
This four-hour audiobook is narrated by Laurie Catherine Winkel and I enjoyed her style of narrating. Her voicing of Gabby’s character is appropriate for Gabby’s age. I’m so glad she didn’t make her sound too young. Laurie made Gabby sound youthful but also world-weary and I thought that was the perfect touch.
Gabby’s Run is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, but beware, there is a cliffhanger. This audiobook is definitely for older kids because there are violent scenes and some sexual references. I appreciate the realism and I’m sure mature teenagers will as well.
This audiobook was gifted to me in exchange for an unbiased review!
There are all kinds of monsters roaming around in Gabby’s world and she only has her tough but loving Uncle Tony to train and help guide her. But Tio Tony won’t always be around and some of the scariest monsters are human.
This young adult sci-fi is such a great listen on so many levels. It’s a story with a strong young female lead who also happens to be Hispanic and that's a rare treat in this genre. I also like the fact that even though this audiobook is geared towards young adults, the book in no way sugarcoats the harsh life in a dystopian society.
This four-hour audiobook is narrated by Laurie Catherine Winkel and I enjoyed her style of narrating. Her voicing of Gabby’s character is appropriate for Gabby’s age. I’m so glad she didn’t make her sound too young. Laurie made Gabby sound youthful but also world-weary and I thought that was the perfect touch.
Gabby’s Run is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, but beware, there is a cliffhanger. This audiobook is definitely for older kids because there are violent scenes and some sexual references. I appreciate the realism and I’m sure mature teenagers will as well.
This audiobook was gifted to me in exchange for an unbiased review!
May 2, 2017
Gabby's Run is the first book by M.D. Massey that I have read. I must start out by stating that there is some confusion on where this book truly falls in the "Them" series. The book art and description on Amazon / Audible state that this is "Book Four", however on Goodreads and other reviews it states "Book Three" and hints that this is actually a prequel or origin/backstory for a character in the other books. As I have not read these books I cannot comment on them, or how this book fits into the whole series.
The story follows 16-year-old Gabby Mendoza. Gabby lives in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters such as Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves, and more are real. Gabby grows up being trained by ex-CIA “Uncle Tony” to hunt and kill monsters. As a child, she was given special serum injections that enhance her abilities giving her super-human speed, strength, and senses. The Serum however also has side effects as her body stopped growing when she was given the serum at twelve years old. Now she is 16, but she doesn’t look it.
While on a training exercise with her uncle, things go wrong and they get separated. She discovers a young boy Raleigh and his sister Violet while hiding out in a safehouse. Gabby follows them to the small camp they are living at and is taken in by Raleigh. When the boy is taken by a monster the boy calls "The boogeyman" Gabby takes off in pursuit to rescue him. During her time separated from her Uncle Tony and trying to rescue Raleigh Gabby learns a lot about who she is, and who she wants to be.
Overall I enjoyed the story as it had a unique feel to the Zombie Apocolypse / monster hunter genre. Gabby is an interesting character who is discovering herself and her place in this crazy world as she goes along. The pace of the book is nice and steady with lots of action and suspense to keep your attention and interest.
One problem I have is not with the book itself, rather that it is categorized as Young Adult (YA). Certain parts of this book have a very YA feel, but I do not think this book is not very YA friendly due to very dark subjects such as drug use, prostitution, rape, murder, gore, and cannibalism.
I listened to this book in Audio format. It was narrated by Laurie Catherine Winkel who did a superb job. The voice of all the characters was done very well with different accents, inflections, and tones. I would be very interested in listening to more audiobooks narrated by her in the future!
Links:
M.D. Massey: Check out his website at http://mdmassey.com/ or on Twitter at @mdmasseyauthor
Laurie Catherine Winkel: Check out her website at https://www.lauriecatherinewinkel.com
*I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audio book by the author, narrator, or publisher.*
The story follows 16-year-old Gabby Mendoza. Gabby lives in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters such as Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves, and more are real. Gabby grows up being trained by ex-CIA “Uncle Tony” to hunt and kill monsters. As a child, she was given special serum injections that enhance her abilities giving her super-human speed, strength, and senses. The Serum however also has side effects as her body stopped growing when she was given the serum at twelve years old. Now she is 16, but she doesn’t look it.
While on a training exercise with her uncle, things go wrong and they get separated. She discovers a young boy Raleigh and his sister Violet while hiding out in a safehouse. Gabby follows them to the small camp they are living at and is taken in by Raleigh. When the boy is taken by a monster the boy calls "The boogeyman" Gabby takes off in pursuit to rescue him. During her time separated from her Uncle Tony and trying to rescue Raleigh Gabby learns a lot about who she is, and who she wants to be.
Overall I enjoyed the story as it had a unique feel to the Zombie Apocolypse / monster hunter genre. Gabby is an interesting character who is discovering herself and her place in this crazy world as she goes along. The pace of the book is nice and steady with lots of action and suspense to keep your attention and interest.
One problem I have is not with the book itself, rather that it is categorized as Young Adult (YA). Certain parts of this book have a very YA feel, but I do not think this book is not very YA friendly due to very dark subjects such as drug use, prostitution, rape, murder, gore, and cannibalism.
I listened to this book in Audio format. It was narrated by Laurie Catherine Winkel who did a superb job. The voice of all the characters was done very well with different accents, inflections, and tones. I would be very interested in listening to more audiobooks narrated by her in the future!
Links:
M.D. Massey: Check out his website at http://mdmassey.com/ or on Twitter at @mdmasseyauthor
Laurie Catherine Winkel: Check out her website at https://www.lauriecatherinewinkel.com
*I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audio book by the author, narrator, or publisher.*
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