What do you think?
Rate this book
Death & Decay #0.5
The Darkest Days
An alternate cover edition exists here.
**SHORT STORY TO BE READ ALONG SIDE THE DEATH & DECAY SERIES NOVELS**
To protect and serve.
The motto that every officer is taught from their first day in the academy. On a humid June day in St. Louis, it is a motto that could get Officer Wyatt Ward killed.
Desperate citizens flock to the station as the officers of the Cottleville Police Department struggle to handle the chaos that is enveloping a city already shaken by rioting. But as darkness descends something much worse is rising.
The deranged. Brutal, unforgiving, single-minded monsters that were once the citizens Wyatt was sworn to protect. Now, they attack. They bite. They infect.
As fear takes hold…
As the city begins to eat itself…
As the world crumbles…
What is a man who is sworn to protect to do as the world dies?
**SHORT STORY TO BE READ ALONG SIDE THE DEATH & DECAY SERIES NOVELS**
To protect and serve.
The motto that every officer is taught from their first day in the academy. On a humid June day in St. Louis, it is a motto that could get Officer Wyatt Ward killed.
Desperate citizens flock to the station as the officers of the Cottleville Police Department struggle to handle the chaos that is enveloping a city already shaken by rioting. But as darkness descends something much worse is rising.
The deranged. Brutal, unforgiving, single-minded monsters that were once the citizens Wyatt was sworn to protect. Now, they attack. They bite. They infect.
As fear takes hold…
As the city begins to eat itself…
As the world crumbles…
What is a man who is sworn to protect to do as the world dies?
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2016
101 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 4, 2021
The initial arrival of the undead on the scene is not particularly the aspect of zombie stories that appeals to me most. For me it’s how the people deal with life in the face of the problem that is more important than the problem itself. I had a hour or so cooking to do, however, and had come across the hour or so audio version of this 0.5 introduction to the ‘Death and Decay’ series, so it was a perfect match. As it turned out, the story was quite well done (as were the lamb chops), and it kept me listening right to the mashing of the potatoes. It wasn’t enough to make me commit to the whole series, but I imagine it will go down well with zombie lovers.
June 5, 2017
Fight or Die? I'm going to fight. What's your choice?
Wyatt is halfway through his twelve-hour shift. He often phones his wife, just to let her know that he's safe and to say that he loves her. Work has been chaotic all morning. There are more incoming calls than usual. Wyatt is on his way to check up on a call when the dispatcher urges all officers to return to the station. While it's against his nature Wyatt drops his investigations and jumps into his car. Wyatt never expected to be fighting for his life at a day that started in such a normal way. Will he be able to get to safety in time and what will happen to his wife and young son?
Wyatt is a police officer and a loving father and husband. He takes his job very seriously and when he realizes how urgent the situation is he tries to get as much people as possible inside the walls of the police station, not knowing that the already injured people are a threat as well. When Olivia, a young mother who's trying to get to safety as well, comes through on the walkie talkie Wyatt discovers what's going on outside. Wyatt has to stay strong for the people around him and I loved the way he handles difficult situations. He does what needs to be done, even though this sometimes may be hard. Wyatt is someone I would love to have on my side when the end of the world as we know it would come.
The Darkest Days is a gripping story about surviving in a changed world. Now that the world no longer belongs to the humans, people have to find a way to stay alive. I have been hooked on the Death & Decay series ever since I read Devour. R.L. Blalock always manages to shock me with her thrilling and terrifying stories. The Darkest Days made me feel scared, it made me cry and it filled me with hope for the survivors. The main characters feel like real people and this makes the story even more creepy. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to start reading the second book, Divided.
Wyatt is halfway through his twelve-hour shift. He often phones his wife, just to let her know that he's safe and to say that he loves her. Work has been chaotic all morning. There are more incoming calls than usual. Wyatt is on his way to check up on a call when the dispatcher urges all officers to return to the station. While it's against his nature Wyatt drops his investigations and jumps into his car. Wyatt never expected to be fighting for his life at a day that started in such a normal way. Will he be able to get to safety in time and what will happen to his wife and young son?
Wyatt is a police officer and a loving father and husband. He takes his job very seriously and when he realizes how urgent the situation is he tries to get as much people as possible inside the walls of the police station, not knowing that the already injured people are a threat as well. When Olivia, a young mother who's trying to get to safety as well, comes through on the walkie talkie Wyatt discovers what's going on outside. Wyatt has to stay strong for the people around him and I loved the way he handles difficult situations. He does what needs to be done, even though this sometimes may be hard. Wyatt is someone I would love to have on my side when the end of the world as we know it would come.
The Darkest Days is a gripping story about surviving in a changed world. Now that the world no longer belongs to the humans, people have to find a way to stay alive. I have been hooked on the Death & Decay series ever since I read Devour. R.L. Blalock always manages to shock me with her thrilling and terrifying stories. The Darkest Days made me feel scared, it made me cry and it filled me with hope for the survivors. The main characters feel like real people and this makes the story even more creepy. I absolutely love this series and I can't wait to start reading the second book, Divided.
February 6, 2017
Officer Wyatt Ward wearily trudged away from the busy fast-food restaurant back to his patrol car. Even slouched as he was, Wyatt was a tall man with a lean but toned build. The day had been brutally busy and his twelve-hour shift was only halfway over. The lunch break had eased away some of the stress but not all of it. In Cottleville, a miniscule suburb of the greater St. Louis area, the days were usually filled with minor traffic violations.
But not today.
3 1/2 stars for a solid, zombie-action story with an engaging cop hero and a storyline that has me begging to find out what happens with Liv and her 18-month-old Elli. The writing style is straightforward and quick, blessedly free from grammatical issues. Cop Wyatt is a sympathetic character, and his narration of the first few days of the zompoc outbreak is both riveting and heartbreaking. And, interestingly enough, this short story justifiably proves that one of the worst places to be during a zombie outbreak, alongside hospitals, is the police station.
Recommended.
But not today.
3 1/2 stars for a solid, zombie-action story with an engaging cop hero and a storyline that has me begging to find out what happens with Liv and her 18-month-old Elli. The writing style is straightforward and quick, blessedly free from grammatical issues. Cop Wyatt is a sympathetic character, and his narration of the first few days of the zompoc outbreak is both riveting and heartbreaking. And, interestingly enough, this short story justifiably proves that one of the worst places to be during a zombie outbreak, alongside hospitals, is the police station.
Recommended.
September 19, 2016
***3.5 stars***
This is a great start to a series. There is tons of action contained in this short little story.
What I liked:
-Wyatt.
-The main character here is a cop. I love zombie stories. I love cop stories. Combine the two, and it's a winner for me!
-It's a great lead into another storyline. It makes you want to know what happens next.
-The end. The end, the end, the end.
What I didn't like:
-With so much action and Gore, I kind of missed the connection to the characters. But the end makes up for that.
-Not fond of the third person. Would like it more from Wyatt's POV.
-I wish it was longer! :) Good character, good storyline..wanted more, from his POV.
Onto the next book!
This is a great start to a series. There is tons of action contained in this short little story.
What I liked:
-Wyatt.
-The main character here is a cop. I love zombie stories. I love cop stories. Combine the two, and it's a winner for me!
-It's a great lead into another storyline. It makes you want to know what happens next.
-The end. The end, the end, the end.
What I didn't like:
-With so much action and Gore, I kind of missed the connection to the characters. But the end makes up for that.
-Not fond of the third person. Would like it more from Wyatt's POV.
-I wish it was longer! :) Good character, good storyline..wanted more, from his POV.
Onto the next book!
October 10, 2016
Without knowing yet what is in store in the Death and Decay series, I hope this short little story is a good indication if what is to come.
The story starts off with a bang and the action continues throughout. I was drawn in to hoping there wold be more survivors and feeling a bit sorry for those we only met briefly but didn't make it.
Now we must follow Wyatt and see where his journey takes him.
The story starts off with a bang and the action continues throughout. I was drawn in to hoping there wold be more survivors and feeling a bit sorry for those we only met briefly but didn't make it.
Now we must follow Wyatt and see where his journey takes him.
June 9, 2017
Kick ass way to start a new series! Can't wait to read the next book!! Lots of zombie action!
October 1, 2016
Officer Wyatt Ward’s day is not going too well. Ever since he came to work this morning there have been a lot of weird calls. Now he gets a call that there is a dead body on the street. Right before he makes it to the street where the dead body was reported a call goes out that one of their officers was in trouble. Wyatt wants to go help his fellow officer but he has a call of his own that he must attend to first. But when he gets there the body is gone and while he is looking around to see what might be going on the dispatcher comes on the radio telling all officers are to report to the station now.
Once Wyatt is back at the station he sees a lot of people trying to get into the station. Wyatt meets another officer while trying to make his way inside. On closer inspection they soon realize that some of the people are eating other people. They don’t have a clue what is going on but when one of these people come at them trying to eat them as well it is on then and it doesn’t matter as to why they are trying to eat them.
Well needless to say it is not long before the station if overrun with these monsters that use to be human. Wyatt and the other officers are not sure what to do. It is their job to protect the people but how do they protect the people when the same people are attacking them? Will Wyatt and the other officers end up trapped in the police station? Who will make it out alive? Will anyone make it out alive? Who is going to protect the ones that are supposed to do the protecting?
I have honestly enjoyed following along with Officer Wyatt while he fights the zombies. I sure do love me some zombies and if you love zombies then you are going to as I say “tee totally” love The Darkest Days. I highly recommend The Darkest Days to anyone who loves a good zombie story of any kind.
Once Wyatt is back at the station he sees a lot of people trying to get into the station. Wyatt meets another officer while trying to make his way inside. On closer inspection they soon realize that some of the people are eating other people. They don’t have a clue what is going on but when one of these people come at them trying to eat them as well it is on then and it doesn’t matter as to why they are trying to eat them.
Well needless to say it is not long before the station if overrun with these monsters that use to be human. Wyatt and the other officers are not sure what to do. It is their job to protect the people but how do they protect the people when the same people are attacking them? Will Wyatt and the other officers end up trapped in the police station? Who will make it out alive? Will anyone make it out alive? Who is going to protect the ones that are supposed to do the protecting?
I have honestly enjoyed following along with Officer Wyatt while he fights the zombies. I sure do love me some zombies and if you love zombies then you are going to as I say “tee totally” love The Darkest Days. I highly recommend The Darkest Days to anyone who loves a good zombie story of any kind.
September 15, 2016
Fast paced
This book was awesome. It was so intense and just nonstop action. I'm really looking forward to reading more. I already bought the next book .
This book was awesome. It was so intense and just nonstop action. I'm really looking forward to reading more. I already bought the next book .
September 9, 2016
A friend had this, so I read it. There is plenty of action! Wasn't sure what to expect, not totally into zombies right now, but it was not bad! It is original and gritty, and a good lead in to the series.
September 14, 2016
Love the characters, here
So many zombie books focus on how horrible humans become when the world ends, but I believe that most folks would act like R. L. Block's people in this story--people who mean well, who do what they can for each other, who care about strangers. I liked the protagonist, here. I hurt at his pain and hoped for him and rejoiced when he had a reason to go on. I'm looking forward to reading more of his journey and of the woman's, too, who called to him by radio. I care for them both--which means that this author did a great job, imho.
So many zombie books focus on how horrible humans become when the world ends, but I believe that most folks would act like R. L. Block's people in this story--people who mean well, who do what they can for each other, who care about strangers. I liked the protagonist, here. I hurt at his pain and hoped for him and rejoiced when he had a reason to go on. I'm looking forward to reading more of his journey and of the woman's, too, who called to him by radio. I care for them both--which means that this author did a great job, imho.
September 16, 2016
Yes, this is anther zombie book, but it does have what seems like it is going to be a good story line to go with it.I also enjoyed the author's writing. Readers follow sheriff Wyatt Ward as his day unfolds. Strange things are happening and just keep getting worse. Because this is a short read and an introduction to what I think might be an interesting novel, readers don't get much background. It is more a sneak eek into the author and the story and reveals a great story is coming.
February 2, 2017
Got free from Instafreebie.
I love the walking dead show. So my curiosity got me to open the epub and started reading until the end. I thought it was very well written. Loved the character Wyatt and cried for all he lost. So you pulled my emotions out for all the characters in the book. I felt the book had a good steady pace. Can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you, for letting me read your book.
I love the walking dead show. So my curiosity got me to open the epub and started reading until the end. I thought it was very well written. Loved the character Wyatt and cried for all he lost. So you pulled my emotions out for all the characters in the book. I felt the book had a good steady pace. Can't wait to read the next one.
Thank you, for letting me read your book.
October 19, 2016
Phenomenal read! Each time you think you know what comes next, you're probably wrong because the plot twists and turns in ways you think are impossible! Absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the next book!
August 31, 2016
Looking forward to reading Book 1 of this series!
September 13, 2016
Awesome book! Had my interest right from the start! Finished it in less than a day! Would definitely recommend!
October 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I recommend reading the series! Thanks for the giveaway! Can't wait to read the rest.
August 23, 2018
What a ride
Prologue to the main story. First few hours of the out break and the stories of some of the future characters.
Prologue to the main story. First few hours of the out break and the stories of some of the future characters.
April 16, 2018
The cops always die; or so it seems. In most zombie fiction, and trust me I have read a lot, it seems, more often than not that cops die ignominious deaths. Either they empty their service weapons at a zombie, center mass, to no avail and then wind up getting eaten. Or, they refuse to believe what their eyes are showing them and they wind up getting eaten.
Finally, here is a zombie story with a police officer as a protagonist in the character of Wyatt Ward. Even if it is a prequel, or a side-equel if you will, we have a cop that does not die in a rush like so many other victims. R.L Blalock did her homework on police officers, I was one for twenty-six years and he characterized police behavior very well, in addition he made Wyatt believable as a human being. I don't want to spoil the story for those who haven't read it but the end is especially poignant and actually choked me up a bit.
If the Darkest Days series is anywhere near as good as Death & Decay 0.5, I cannot wait to get them.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you will not be disappointed.
Finally, here is a zombie story with a police officer as a protagonist in the character of Wyatt Ward. Even if it is a prequel, or a side-equel if you will, we have a cop that does not die in a rush like so many other victims. R.L Blalock did her homework on police officers, I was one for twenty-six years and he characterized police behavior very well, in addition he made Wyatt believable as a human being. I don't want to spoil the story for those who haven't read it but the end is especially poignant and actually choked me up a bit.
If the Darkest Days series is anywhere near as good as Death & Decay 0.5, I cannot wait to get them.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, you will not be disappointed.
November 27, 2024
The Darkest Days
Death & Decay #1
Sci-Fi
R.L. Blalock
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄᴇʀ • ʀᴇꜱᴄᴜᴇ •
This was an ok read. I found the writing style to be too descriptive, which made the plot slow and it dragged for me.
The characters were very surface level and weren't developed much. I didn't learn anything about the MMC other than he's a police officer who has a wife and a son.
I was curious about Olivia, she was probably the most interesting part of this book.
The zombies were the stereotypical kind. There was nothing unique or different about them and the situation at the police station unfolded exactly as I expected it would.
I might read the next book just to find out more about Olivia and what happened to her.
Death & Decay #1
Sci-Fi
R.L. Blalock
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴢᴏᴍʙɪᴇꜱ • ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄᴇʀ • ʀᴇꜱᴄᴜᴇ •
This was an ok read. I found the writing style to be too descriptive, which made the plot slow and it dragged for me.
The characters were very surface level and weren't developed much. I didn't learn anything about the MMC other than he's a police officer who has a wife and a son.
I was curious about Olivia, she was probably the most interesting part of this book.
The zombies were the stereotypical kind. There was nothing unique or different about them and the situation at the police station unfolded exactly as I expected it would.
I might read the next book just to find out more about Olivia and what happened to her.
August 20, 2018
Good start to the series
I thought that this was a good start to the series. You can really feel the panic strike as people realise what is happening, although with all the zombie films & books around you'd think at least one person would say let's lock up the ones that were bitten! Seriously I can just imagine that this story would happen. People realising too late about the infected, people freezing with fear or people trying to help. After all that's human nature. I also believe that deep down we all have a will to survive & that is what carries the survivors on.
As I said a good start & I'm looking forward to the next book
I thought that this was a good start to the series. You can really feel the panic strike as people realise what is happening, although with all the zombie films & books around you'd think at least one person would say let's lock up the ones that were bitten! Seriously I can just imagine that this story would happen. People realising too late about the infected, people freezing with fear or people trying to help. After all that's human nature. I also believe that deep down we all have a will to survive & that is what carries the survivors on.
As I said a good start & I'm looking forward to the next book
May 12, 2017
I didn't want it to end!! Very fast read but still packed full of action how short it is. Didn't it have that feel everything being rushed like most short reads do making hot mess and all over the place. You pulled it off big time with this.
We get to follow Wyatt's story when all hell breakdown around town even maybe the world!. I felt so bad for him when he finally makes it home. Can't say you have to read it to find out.... I cant wait to see more of Wyatt and the many other characters that be created during this series!
We get to follow Wyatt's story when all hell breakdown around town even maybe the world!. I felt so bad for him when he finally makes it home. Can't say you have to read it to find out.... I cant wait to see more of Wyatt and the many other characters that be created during this series!
July 29, 2017
A powerful, urgent and gripping introduction to an American zombie apocalypse. Police Officer Wyatt Ward is a good man in a terrible and terrifying situation in this well-written ZombieLIT short story that kicks off R. L. Blalock's Death and Decay Series. I'm looking forward to reading the official first book of the series, Devour.
If you love Dawn of the Dead, The Walking Dead, or Valerie Lioudis's Aftershock, you'll love The Darkest Days. Did I mention that the Kindle Edition is free on Amazon?!
If you love Dawn of the Dead, The Walking Dead, or Valerie Lioudis's Aftershock, you'll love The Darkest Days. Did I mention that the Kindle Edition is free on Amazon?!
May 11, 2018
A short story following Officer Wyatt Ward who we get to know in book #1. I would suggest to read this book after book #1 as it is a nice addition but to get into the series it's better to start at no. 1 mainly because there is more time for development.
Although this being short, it is an intense story but the end leaves you hanging and it won't even help to read book 1. I will yet have to read book #2 to see if Officer Ward will reappear.
Although this being short, it is an intense story but the end leaves you hanging and it won't even help to read book 1. I will yet have to read book #2 to see if Officer Ward will reappear.
October 8, 2018
I stumbled upon this book by accident whilst looking for something specific as part of a readathon. And boy am I glad!
The perfect start to what I think will be a fantastic series. Zombie Apocalypse books have never really been my thing until recently but they're now some of my favourite reads and I really enjoyed this one. Really looking forward to getting stuck into the second book in the series.
The perfect start to what I think will be a fantastic series. Zombie Apocalypse books have never really been my thing until recently but they're now some of my favourite reads and I really enjoyed this one. Really looking forward to getting stuck into the second book in the series.
May 23, 2020
Great
This is a great start to a series. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Characters haven’t really clicked yet but the book is short. Hopefully they’ll develop in the next book.
My only criticism is the fact people are bit by maniacs eating people and nobody thought to lock them up?? I was thinking nooo - I know exactly what will happen now. I suspect I’ve read too many zombie books lol
This is a great start to a series. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Characters haven’t really clicked yet but the book is short. Hopefully they’ll develop in the next book.
My only criticism is the fact people are bit by maniacs eating people and nobody thought to lock them up?? I was thinking nooo - I know exactly what will happen now. I suspect I’ve read too many zombie books lol
September 16, 2017
I don't usually read Zombie books (although I love The Walking Dead television series), but The Darkest Days' description and cover captured my attention. I'm glad I bought the book. A solid introduction to R.L. Blalock's world followed, and I'm excited to read Devour, the next book in the series.
September 18, 2020
Really good!
I really enjoyed this book! Being a fellow Missourian not far from St. Louis, I could place myself in the story. Excited to read the rest of the series. Definitely worth a read!!
I really enjoyed this book! Being a fellow Missourian not far from St. Louis, I could place myself in the story. Excited to read the rest of the series. Definitely worth a read!!
September 16, 2021
A Gripping Start!
This was such a engrossing start to the series! It raised questions, introduced us to the characters and gave just enough backstory to leave the reader running to “devour” the rest of the sequence.
This was such a engrossing start to the series! It raised questions, introduced us to the characters and gave just enough backstory to leave the reader running to “devour” the rest of the sequence.
March 12, 2017
Great companion story to the series
August 9, 2017
Excellent
I read the series a bit out of order, reading this one last, but it was well worth it. Hope there is more coming.
I read the series a bit out of order, reading this one last, but it was well worth it. Hope there is more coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews