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Starborn Redemption #1
Beyond the Gates
Would you let your daughter die to save the world?Liam has created the cure for the greyskin virus—a plague that has destroyed the lives of millions. But when he and his twelve-year-old daughter, Skylar, are arrested and thrown into a prison camp, his plans for distributing the cure are shattered. It’s a daily struggle just to survive. Inside the prison, Skylar learns the facility is little more than a testing site for finding people of a certain bloodline—the Starborn.Skylar has always known there was something special about her family. For years, her father has had the ability to completely numb pain with just a thought. Lacerated skin, broken bones, they can all be ignored. Learning that her father is a Starborn means Skylar is probably one too, placing them both in extreme danger. Liam must now decide whether or not to use the cure as leverage. If he gives up the cure, they will let Liam and Skylar go. If he doesn’t, they will die. There has to be another way...The Starborn Redemption is a Post-Apocalyptic/Urban Fantasy Thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Click Read Now or Buy Now to start this gripping journey.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
162 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Jason D. Morrow
30 books181 followersJason D. Morrow is the author of the Prototype D series, The Starborn Ascension, The Starborn Uprising, and The Marenon Chronicles. He enjoys playing guitar, shooting videos, and spending time with his lovely wife, Emily.
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The world ended 40 years ago and the survivors are being oppressed, not by the "gray skins" but by a government they never asked for.
From this first entry in this series, it is unclear how the world fell or where the oppressors have come from. The story is told from the perspective of 2 characters, Skylar and Liam. Father and daughter who have been "arrested" for trying to escape the "containment zone".
Little is explored about the world, time period or society before the virus. The world building is fairly limited, and pertains only to the immediate plot and the very basic elements needed to further the story. I would have liked more, so I would feel apart of the story, rather than an observer. I suspect, though, more will be revealed in subsequent books.
The characters are well written, and while they have a single driving goal, they are complex enough to make them interesting and somewhat likeable. Liam, the father, has the single driving goal of protecting his daughter and I commend the author on writing him this way. It seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of fathers (in literature) often do not behave this way.
The secondary characters are well written and often have, or seem to have, hidden motivations and are often hard to pin down.
The plot is well thought out and has few tangents that lead no where, which I appreciate.
My only real complaint is, with the lack of world building and the minor character back story development, I found it hard to relate to the characters. This meant that I didn't really emotionally get invested in anyone involved and therefore didn't care enough about the outcome. I suspect this was a conscious decision, by the author, and his character arc is likely going to be occurring over the whole series and not limited to one book. However, I feel that the connections need to be made in book 1, so book 2 is necessary.
The narrator, Stacy Gonzalez, did a really good job, and her voice range is convincing to do all the characters. She does speak with hard "s"'s but not too badly, and really I would think that could/should be fixed in post.
All in all, a good book, and worth a read if you like zombies and post-Post-Apocalyptic stories.
The world ended 40 years ago and the survivors are being oppressed, not by the "gray skins" but by a government they never asked for.
From this first entry in this series, it is unclear how the world fell or where the oppressors have come from. The story is told from the perspective of 2 characters, Skylar and Liam. Father and daughter who have been "arrested" for trying to escape the "containment zone".
Little is explored about the world, time period or society before the virus. The world building is fairly limited, and pertains only to the immediate plot and the very basic elements needed to further the story. I would have liked more, so I would feel apart of the story, rather than an observer. I suspect, though, more will be revealed in subsequent books.
The characters are well written, and while they have a single driving goal, they are complex enough to make them interesting and somewhat likeable. Liam, the father, has the single driving goal of protecting his daughter and I commend the author on writing him this way. It seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of fathers (in literature) often do not behave this way.
The secondary characters are well written and often have, or seem to have, hidden motivations and are often hard to pin down.
The plot is well thought out and has few tangents that lead no where, which I appreciate.
My only real complaint is, with the lack of world building and the minor character back story development, I found it hard to relate to the characters. This meant that I didn't really emotionally get invested in anyone involved and therefore didn't care enough about the outcome. I suspect this was a conscious decision, by the author, and his character arc is likely going to be occurring over the whole series and not limited to one book. However, I feel that the connections need to be made in book 1, so book 2 is necessary.
The narrator, Stacy Gonzalez, did a really good job, and her voice range is convincing to do all the characters. She does speak with hard "s"'s but not too badly, and really I would think that could/should be fixed in post.
All in all, a good book, and worth a read if you like zombies and post-Post-Apocalyptic stories.
June 1, 2019
Starting this story, I wasn’t sure what to think about such a young MC but that concern quickly slipped away as I got into the book. When young Skylar and her father are capture for trying to escape the contamination zone, they are sentenced to live out their days in a Death Camp. Skyler and her father are horrified at the people within and around the place. Within the camp, they are given dangerous jobs—dealing with the infected humans known as greyskins. When the learn of a plot to wipe out the population of the Death Camp, Skylar and her father break their rule of never trusting anyone and depend on those around them to escape.
The coolest thing about this book was the mix of science fiction and fantasy. It has a dystopia/apocalyptic feel but with heartwarming sentiments and character growth that I’ve seen in a lot of fantasy works.
Either way, this is a very engaging read for those with a love for all things suspense.
Also, the narration is wonderfully done.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
The coolest thing about this book was the mix of science fiction and fantasy. It has a dystopia/apocalyptic feel but with heartwarming sentiments and character growth that I’ve seen in a lot of fantasy works.
Either way, this is a very engaging read for those with a love for all things suspense.
Also, the narration is wonderfully done.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
May 25, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Trust your gift."
Forty years before, society was devastated by a virulent virus which killed quickly then restored a sort of life to the bodies. These creatures became known as Greyskins. Life continued, some areas more contaminated than others. One particularly badly over-run area was designated a containment area with No one allowed to leave without permission. But there is something suspicious about the military control which seems almost to favour Greyskins over survivors.
The ongoing story is told from the perspective of Liam and Skylar, rather and twelve years old daughter. Caught in the containment area, they are bussed to the notorious Culture Bill Prison Camp, from which no one is known to have returned, and follows their lives inside and the treatment endured. Because Liam has a secret: he has invented a cure for the Greyskin virus, or rather, an antidote which kills it completely. Will this be enough to secure their escape from the prison life?
The dual points of view allow the reader to be shown different areas and happenings within the prison whilst still keeping the story intensely personal..And this works well. What would have been welcomed, however, was a more fulsome accounting of the preceding forty years, how the virus first developed and spread and the country became divided into desperately sectioned areas ( presumably!).
The reader knows even less of the geography and history than the twelve years old girl. It is almost as if they exist in a vacuum prior to their delivery to the prison apart from a couple of brief incidents mentioned retrospectively. And almost nothing is knkwn, either, of the Greyskins themselves: zombie-like, they infect the healthy by biting, foam around in large flocks but, well, they have been around for 40 years, surely a little more information was possible. This reader would certainly have enjoyed more background information to better set a scene.
Characterisation was pretty good for the two main protagonists - one a frightened young girl, the other a father determined to keep his only child safe - mostly provided by the introspective monologues each holds in their heads. Other characters, well, not so much but adequate. Narrator, Stacy Gonzalez, did a fine job of interpreting the father and daughter and also gave individual voicings for the other characters met along the way, even if they mostly all sounded like mentally defective ancients. It was a good attempt for one whose voice did not have the timbre to portray the depth of male speech.
This, part one of the two part Starborn Redemption series, and with the definite invitation to continue on to book two, ends with an immediate resolution but still a cliffhanger. My thanks to the rights holder of Beyond the Gates, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was a gripping post apocalyptic tale, rather different from most, including other zombie stories, and more horror than S.F. It also heavily hints at far more of interest in its background than is displayed - the mysterious Jeremiah, the growing hordes of zombies even after forty years, the strange way that the containment area was policed and closed: all was far more intriguing to this reader than the immediate story, though it was pretty good overall. Of course, this was my first Starborn book and it is quite possible that some of my queries have already been answered in other series, but, it so, a synopsis would have been appreciated.
"Trust your gift."
Forty years before, society was devastated by a virulent virus which killed quickly then restored a sort of life to the bodies. These creatures became known as Greyskins. Life continued, some areas more contaminated than others. One particularly badly over-run area was designated a containment area with No one allowed to leave without permission. But there is something suspicious about the military control which seems almost to favour Greyskins over survivors.
The ongoing story is told from the perspective of Liam and Skylar, rather and twelve years old daughter. Caught in the containment area, they are bussed to the notorious Culture Bill Prison Camp, from which no one is known to have returned, and follows their lives inside and the treatment endured. Because Liam has a secret: he has invented a cure for the Greyskin virus, or rather, an antidote which kills it completely. Will this be enough to secure their escape from the prison life?
The dual points of view allow the reader to be shown different areas and happenings within the prison whilst still keeping the story intensely personal..And this works well. What would have been welcomed, however, was a more fulsome accounting of the preceding forty years, how the virus first developed and spread and the country became divided into desperately sectioned areas ( presumably!).
The reader knows even less of the geography and history than the twelve years old girl. It is almost as if they exist in a vacuum prior to their delivery to the prison apart from a couple of brief incidents mentioned retrospectively. And almost nothing is knkwn, either, of the Greyskins themselves: zombie-like, they infect the healthy by biting, foam around in large flocks but, well, they have been around for 40 years, surely a little more information was possible. This reader would certainly have enjoyed more background information to better set a scene.
Characterisation was pretty good for the two main protagonists - one a frightened young girl, the other a father determined to keep his only child safe - mostly provided by the introspective monologues each holds in their heads. Other characters, well, not so much but adequate. Narrator, Stacy Gonzalez, did a fine job of interpreting the father and daughter and also gave individual voicings for the other characters met along the way, even if they mostly all sounded like mentally defective ancients. It was a good attempt for one whose voice did not have the timbre to portray the depth of male speech.
This, part one of the two part Starborn Redemption series, and with the definite invitation to continue on to book two, ends with an immediate resolution but still a cliffhanger. My thanks to the rights holder of Beyond the Gates, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It was a gripping post apocalyptic tale, rather different from most, including other zombie stories, and more horror than S.F. It also heavily hints at far more of interest in its background than is displayed - the mysterious Jeremiah, the growing hordes of zombies even after forty years, the strange way that the containment area was policed and closed: all was far more intriguing to this reader than the immediate story, though it was pretty good overall. Of course, this was my first Starborn book and it is quite possible that some of my queries have already been answered in other series, but, it so, a synopsis would have been appreciated.
October 5, 2019
Note: While this is Book 1 of the Starborn Redemption series, it is also Book 7 of the larger Starborn series. It’s works pretty well as a stand alone novel.
This story combines two elements very well – prison survival and zombies. In this case, the zombies are called greyskins. They act pretty much as normal zombies do. They shamble around scratching or biting living humans, which then infects them and when those humans die, they rise again as greyskins. However, the majority of this story isn’t so much about the zombies as it is about surviving this plague of zombies (and horrible humans who just have to make life harder).
Skylar and her dad Liam have both been captured, though they are smart to not let the guards know that they are related. At the prison, they are separated along with all the other new prisoners – men to one side and women to the other side of the prison. They each go through their own traumas, and each does their best to feel out the other inmates, hoping for allies.
Blackwell, the guy who runs it is quite brutal, but it seems that his off-site boss is even worse. Initial entry to the prison means a harsh cleaning by power hose, removal of hair, and also taking a blood sample. The boss isn’t shy about letting it be known that they are searching for Starborn, those that have special abilities. Right away, both Liam and Skylar know they have a limited amount of time before they are discovered. So lots of delicious suspense and ramping intensity throughout the story just for this little plot line alone.
I enjoyed the short flashbacks as they told the story of Liam and how they lost Skylar’s mom. Liam is certain he has discovered a cure for the greyskin virus, and that is their only bargaining chip. Both guard is closely until it looks like it’s the only thing that will keep them alive.
Nine is a great side character. She’s full of mystery and I wouldn’t be surprised if her back story is told in one of the other Starborn series. As it stands, this story does end a bit of a cliff hanger and I want to know what happens next for these characters. It’s an engaging story and I will be adding other Morrow audiobooks to my wishlist! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Stacy Gonzalez had a great voice for Skylar. She sounded just like a kid stuck in a horrible situation. I also loved her old, hushed, worn out voice for Nine. Her male voices could use a little more masculinity. Sometimes they were spot on (like for grouchy Blackwell or young Hutch), but sometimes I had trouble distinguishing Liam from his daughter Sky. The pacing was perfect and there were no tech issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Stacy Gonzalez. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This story combines two elements very well – prison survival and zombies. In this case, the zombies are called greyskins. They act pretty much as normal zombies do. They shamble around scratching or biting living humans, which then infects them and when those humans die, they rise again as greyskins. However, the majority of this story isn’t so much about the zombies as it is about surviving this plague of zombies (and horrible humans who just have to make life harder).
Skylar and her dad Liam have both been captured, though they are smart to not let the guards know that they are related. At the prison, they are separated along with all the other new prisoners – men to one side and women to the other side of the prison. They each go through their own traumas, and each does their best to feel out the other inmates, hoping for allies.
Blackwell, the guy who runs it is quite brutal, but it seems that his off-site boss is even worse. Initial entry to the prison means a harsh cleaning by power hose, removal of hair, and also taking a blood sample. The boss isn’t shy about letting it be known that they are searching for Starborn, those that have special abilities. Right away, both Liam and Skylar know they have a limited amount of time before they are discovered. So lots of delicious suspense and ramping intensity throughout the story just for this little plot line alone.
I enjoyed the short flashbacks as they told the story of Liam and how they lost Skylar’s mom. Liam is certain he has discovered a cure for the greyskin virus, and that is their only bargaining chip. Both guard is closely until it looks like it’s the only thing that will keep them alive.
Nine is a great side character. She’s full of mystery and I wouldn’t be surprised if her back story is told in one of the other Starborn series. As it stands, this story does end a bit of a cliff hanger and I want to know what happens next for these characters. It’s an engaging story and I will be adding other Morrow audiobooks to my wishlist! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: Stacy Gonzalez had a great voice for Skylar. She sounded just like a kid stuck in a horrible situation. I also loved her old, hushed, worn out voice for Nine. Her male voices could use a little more masculinity. Sometimes they were spot on (like for grouchy Blackwell or young Hutch), but sometimes I had trouble distinguishing Liam from his daughter Sky. The pacing was perfect and there were no tech issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Stacy Gonzalez. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
May 20, 2019
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
Forty years ago, a dangerous virus began devastating humanity, and the greyskins were born of the ashes of the dead. Where Skylar and her father live, the concentration of grey skins if far worse than in the rest of the world, so the government decides to isolate the area, which is then known as the Containment Zone. No one is allowed to leave this area, and trying to do so is considered a crime. Skylar’s father has found a cure for the virus, but as it can’t be mass produced, so he keeps it a secret, until they are both captured and sent to a prison camp. Maybe then he needs to bargain for their lives.
I like the post-apocalyptic genre but I normally don’t do zombies. I don’t know exactly what it is that does not attract me at all but it is a fact. The same happens with vampires. I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I find it so hard to believe in them or because they awaken a primal fear in me that I dislike.
Well, there are zombies in this book, but it is not a book about zombies. It is a story about a father and a child that could have very well happened in a prison camp of Nazi Germany. There’s deception, sacrifice, danger, survival, love, and a corrupt government that makes and bends the rules just to make some rich and not caring about the social well being.
There is not a lot of world-building, and we don’t really need it. This is the old story of a sick society and the little power of an individual to change things. The characters are interesting, even I think we will know more about them in future books. There is a kind of detachment on the characters that may strike as surreal, like the lack of emotion regarding the death of one of the prisoners, but I believe it to be a defense mechanism against the daily horrors in the prison camp.
I enjoyed the raw narration by Stacy Gonzalez, and how she was able to transmit Skylar and Liam’s emotions. The book is written in first person, alternating POV from one to the other, and Stacy Gonzalez did a very good job differentiating voices and making us relate to the main characters. I think it was a powerful narration that brought home the horrors lived by Skylar, Liam, and the rest of the convicts.
I am curious about what will happen next, how they will manage to survive. I believe there may still be some important role for some secondaries to play in future books. I also want to see the levels of conspiracy the government has in store.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Forty years ago, a dangerous virus began devastating humanity, and the greyskins were born of the ashes of the dead. Where Skylar and her father live, the concentration of grey skins if far worse than in the rest of the world, so the government decides to isolate the area, which is then known as the Containment Zone. No one is allowed to leave this area, and trying to do so is considered a crime. Skylar’s father has found a cure for the virus, but as it can’t be mass produced, so he keeps it a secret, until they are both captured and sent to a prison camp. Maybe then he needs to bargain for their lives.
I like the post-apocalyptic genre but I normally don’t do zombies. I don’t know exactly what it is that does not attract me at all but it is a fact. The same happens with vampires. I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I find it so hard to believe in them or because they awaken a primal fear in me that I dislike.
Well, there are zombies in this book, but it is not a book about zombies. It is a story about a father and a child that could have very well happened in a prison camp of Nazi Germany. There’s deception, sacrifice, danger, survival, love, and a corrupt government that makes and bends the rules just to make some rich and not caring about the social well being.
There is not a lot of world-building, and we don’t really need it. This is the old story of a sick society and the little power of an individual to change things. The characters are interesting, even I think we will know more about them in future books. There is a kind of detachment on the characters that may strike as surreal, like the lack of emotion regarding the death of one of the prisoners, but I believe it to be a defense mechanism against the daily horrors in the prison camp.
I enjoyed the raw narration by Stacy Gonzalez, and how she was able to transmit Skylar and Liam’s emotions. The book is written in first person, alternating POV from one to the other, and Stacy Gonzalez did a very good job differentiating voices and making us relate to the main characters. I think it was a powerful narration that brought home the horrors lived by Skylar, Liam, and the rest of the convicts.
I am curious about what will happen next, how they will manage to survive. I believe there may still be some important role for some secondaries to play in future books. I also want to see the levels of conspiracy the government has in store.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 12, 2019
As always, I have to state that this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
I have to say that I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Sometimes when I am finished with a book I can't always remember some of the details and character information, but this one was not the case. These characters will stick with me.
I found this book and story to be moving. I love to twist and I love cliffhangers, and if you do too, then this will be the perfect novel for you.
The narration was excellent. And whoever chose the narrator did an outstanding job.
Beyond The Gates tells a story of a father and his daughter arrested while trying to escape the Containment Zone which the inhabitants are not allowed to leave. Subsequently, they end up in a death camp.
Surprisingly, although I am not really into stories set in a prison, I couldn’t put it down. In fact, it’s a gripping, action-packed tale about trying to survive and escape so, in spite of its very simple language, it may be seen as an allegory of the fight for freedom and fight for your rights. Thus, despite the unusual setting everyone can feel for the characters. It’s a story of a father's love for his daughter, a narrative about hope against hope. What’s more, although we may easily guess how it will end, it is still suspenseful and totally unpredictable.
Consequently, I’d recommend it to anyone keen on fantasy and science-fiction as well as those who just like a good story. Needless to say, the Starborn Saga fans will love it just as I did.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
I have to say that I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Sometimes when I am finished with a book I can't always remember some of the details and character information, but this one was not the case. These characters will stick with me.
I found this book and story to be moving. I love to twist and I love cliffhangers, and if you do too, then this will be the perfect novel for you.
The narration was excellent. And whoever chose the narrator did an outstanding job.
Beyond The Gates tells a story of a father and his daughter arrested while trying to escape the Containment Zone which the inhabitants are not allowed to leave. Subsequently, they end up in a death camp.
Surprisingly, although I am not really into stories set in a prison, I couldn’t put it down. In fact, it’s a gripping, action-packed tale about trying to survive and escape so, in spite of its very simple language, it may be seen as an allegory of the fight for freedom and fight for your rights. Thus, despite the unusual setting everyone can feel for the characters. It’s a story of a father's love for his daughter, a narrative about hope against hope. What’s more, although we may easily guess how it will end, it is still suspenseful and totally unpredictable.
Consequently, I’d recommend it to anyone keen on fantasy and science-fiction as well as those who just like a good story. Needless to say, the Starborn Saga fans will love it just as I did.
August 6, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
If you want to get away from the Containment Zone, you run the risk of being arrested and thrown into a camp that is beyond anything you could have imagined. Is it worse than the Containment Zone? Yes. Is it worse than being in an ordinary prison? Yes. Is it worse than death? Maybe not! Life in the death camps is exactly that. Life – until death. You are there to die. Your job is to work until it’s time for you to die. How and when you die is up to your jailers. They control your life and death. You have no control. Your only choice is to accept your fate or try to escape.
The Containment Zone was created to contain. There are humans running around that will try to kill you. That is their main aim. They want to kill and eat you. Unless a cure can be found you will wind up one of them. Finding a cure has become a priority for Liam. A man who understands the need for a fair distribution of the cure. But he has been arrested and sent to a death camp. What will become of him and his cure?
This tale revolves around the horrors of biologic warfare research, the decisions made by people to safeguard the uninfected, and the search for a solution. But are they really looking to solve the problems? Or are they seeking only power? The horrors of this world are not beyond belief. The psychological edges of this book are staring us in the face. This book is a warning of what could happen in an insensitive world. A world of power grabbing, self-centered, lawless manipulating elitists can create this kind of society. Take a look at this society and remember.
In the meantime, enjoy this fascinating tale of one man’s desire to save humanity and his loving daughter.
If you want to get away from the Containment Zone, you run the risk of being arrested and thrown into a camp that is beyond anything you could have imagined. Is it worse than the Containment Zone? Yes. Is it worse than being in an ordinary prison? Yes. Is it worse than death? Maybe not! Life in the death camps is exactly that. Life – until death. You are there to die. Your job is to work until it’s time for you to die. How and when you die is up to your jailers. They control your life and death. You have no control. Your only choice is to accept your fate or try to escape.
The Containment Zone was created to contain. There are humans running around that will try to kill you. That is their main aim. They want to kill and eat you. Unless a cure can be found you will wind up one of them. Finding a cure has become a priority for Liam. A man who understands the need for a fair distribution of the cure. But he has been arrested and sent to a death camp. What will become of him and his cure?
This tale revolves around the horrors of biologic warfare research, the decisions made by people to safeguard the uninfected, and the search for a solution. But are they really looking to solve the problems? Or are they seeking only power? The horrors of this world are not beyond belief. The psychological edges of this book are staring us in the face. This book is a warning of what could happen in an insensitive world. A world of power grabbing, self-centered, lawless manipulating elitists can create this kind of society. Take a look at this society and remember.
In the meantime, enjoy this fascinating tale of one man’s desire to save humanity and his loving daughter.
March 9, 2020
Beyond the Gates is book 7 of the Starborn Saga and book 1 of The Starborn Redemption trilogy by Jason D. Morrow. If you have not read the rest of the series, however, have no fear, this trilogy can stand alone. If you have read the series, be prepared for some familiar faces.
This book is set roughly 40 years after The Starborn Ascension and 17 years before The Starborn Uprising.
Let me ask you something. Do you like Zombies? If you just said no, you're barking up the wrong tree, but if you do like zombies, you will probably enjoy this book. We've got your zombies, we've got superheros, a mad scientist, tragic backstories, internment camps (think Auschwitz, but with zombies). We've got all the ingredients for a great story.
This book follows 12-year-old Skylar and her father, Liam, who invented a cure for the zombie (known as "greyskin" throughout this series) virus. They get caught trying to escape the containment zone (a 200 ft radius circle in the middle of the country that supposedly has the highest concentration of greyskins) and trying to find food, and are sent to Vulture Hill Prison Camp, a prison camp that is used to "sort" the greyskins.
The entire book is centered around what happens to them while they're in there, and how they plan to escape. Do they make it out? I guess you'll have to read it and see.
This book is set roughly 40 years after The Starborn Ascension and 17 years before The Starborn Uprising.
Let me ask you something. Do you like Zombies? If you just said no, you're barking up the wrong tree, but if you do like zombies, you will probably enjoy this book. We've got your zombies, we've got superheros, a mad scientist, tragic backstories, internment camps (think Auschwitz, but with zombies). We've got all the ingredients for a great story.
This book follows 12-year-old Skylar and her father, Liam, who invented a cure for the zombie (known as "greyskin" throughout this series) virus. They get caught trying to escape the containment zone (a 200 ft radius circle in the middle of the country that supposedly has the highest concentration of greyskins) and trying to find food, and are sent to Vulture Hill Prison Camp, a prison camp that is used to "sort" the greyskins.
The entire book is centered around what happens to them while they're in there, and how they plan to escape. Do they make it out? I guess you'll have to read it and see.
May 23, 2019
I loved these characters. Often when I finish a book I have a hard time remembering some of their names but not with this one. Nine, Skylar and Liam will stick with me. I am what for book two. While this one took place in a prison camp there was still plenty of action to keep the story interesting and moving. While it does end with a cliffhanger it did complete an integral part of the story. Book two till be a new chapter in the characters lives and a new book in my hands.
I can’t wait to see what other starborns can do. Will the cure still be there and can it be distributed in a way that helps what’s left of the human race? I can’t wait to find out.
Narration was excellent.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
I can’t wait to see what other starborns can do. Will the cure still be there and can it be distributed in a way that helps what’s left of the human race? I can’t wait to find out.
Narration was excellent.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
August 12, 2019
I am dying to know what happens with Skyler, Liam and Waverly. I was out walking when I finished off the book and I was so sad that there was no more. It was a great place to stop but now I am so eager to finish it off.
I loved the way the book switched between Sklyer and Liam so that you get the whole story from both points of view.
I have to be honest, at first Gonzalez's narration didn't work for me, I found it just made it hard to listen to. However, as the book progressed I got used to her style and it grew on me.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Stacy Gonzalez. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I loved the way the book switched between Sklyer and Liam so that you get the whole story from both points of view.
I have to be honest, at first Gonzalez's narration didn't work for me, I found it just made it hard to listen to. However, as the book progressed I got used to her style and it grew on me.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Stacy Gonzalez. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
December 10, 2019
I just love this story! I did switch over to the three book set but I finished this one and am almost finished with the second.
This story is about a 12 year old girl and her father, "Papa." They live in a containment zone and when the zombie like things get to close they try to escape. But you need a card to be scanned to get out. They are caught and put in a prison setting. They are each put into a cell with a cellmate.
She knows that her father has an ability no one else she knows has. It has helped them in the past and will in the future.
This is the setup for this amazing story and I will let you read it to get the rest. I have read other books from this author a couple years ago and now I am back under his spell.
This story is about a 12 year old girl and her father, "Papa." They live in a containment zone and when the zombie like things get to close they try to escape. But you need a card to be scanned to get out. They are caught and put in a prison setting. They are each put into a cell with a cellmate.
She knows that her father has an ability no one else she knows has. It has helped them in the past and will in the future.
This is the setup for this amazing story and I will let you read it to get the rest. I have read other books from this author a couple years ago and now I am back under his spell.
June 17, 2020
In a world overrun by a terrible virus, Skylar and Liam are father and daughter who have been caught trying to escape the Containment Zone and have been sent to Vulture Hill, a prison camp where people are sent to die.
This book is well-written but quite slow moving without a lot happening to keep the reader fully engaged. The biggest downfall of this book for me was a lack of context for the story. The reader knows almost nothing about the virus or the government at the center of the book. I later realized that this book is one of a series set in this world, and had I previously read other books in the series, I likely would’ve enjoyed this title more.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This book is well-written but quite slow moving without a lot happening to keep the reader fully engaged. The biggest downfall of this book for me was a lack of context for the story. The reader knows almost nothing about the virus or the government at the center of the book. I later realized that this book is one of a series set in this world, and had I previously read other books in the series, I likely would’ve enjoyed this title more.
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2020
“If you’re not trying to escape, then you’re suicidal”
3.75 stars - I would have given more stars if Rusty made it to at least the next book! Read as a dual point of view between Liam and his daughter Skylar, they got caught and was sent to prison.
A well structured story line, not sure if flashbacks of the past was needed? I was waiting for some major things to happen but it kind of happened too quickly in the end. Overall an interesting premise to a zombie apocalypse.
3.75 stars - I would have given more stars if Rusty made it to at least the next book! Read as a dual point of view between Liam and his daughter Skylar, they got caught and was sent to prison.
A well structured story line, not sure if flashbacks of the past was needed? I was waiting for some major things to happen but it kind of happened too quickly in the end. Overall an interesting premise to a zombie apocalypse.
March 15, 2020
the writing is solid, simple yet elegant (though the decision to not use contractions took some time to acclimate to), and the characters are interesting... but the two main plot points didn't entirely connect for me. they feel like two separate ideas the writer decided to blend together, and so far, it just hasn't worked. but it was a short, fun read, there's a lot of potential, so hopefully the subsequent books are able to connect the dots and make more sense of the universe.
November 9, 2019
I have enjoyed the Starborn series - Ascension and Uprising - and this one, though different in that it was a prison drama, was an excellent read.
There is cruelty and death, torture, arrogance and greed, but there is also a lingering spirit of hope and love. Plenty of action and emotional turmoil, together with great characters, make this story compelling.
Highly recommended.
There is cruelty and death, torture, arrogance and greed, but there is also a lingering spirit of hope and love. Plenty of action and emotional turmoil, together with great characters, make this story compelling.
Highly recommended.
May 3, 2020
A story of a father and daughter stuck in a post-apocalyptic trying to survive what the government have brought to them. A concrete story of family survival, a question of trust and quest for freedom. Plot is not uncommon but it has its own delivery and twist. Its an easy read and the development of the story is easy to follow. I like it and can expanded as I expect in the other two books.
August 22, 2019
Beyond the Gates is book one in The Starborn Redemption series, and I was gripped from the start. The beginning reads a lot like the Nazi concentration camps with eerie striking similarities, with our main character - 12 year old Skylar and her father, Liam, who have been caught trying to escape the containment zone and are being taken to Vulture Hill, a government prison camp. This is the type of camp you will die at - there is not hope of escape of release.
There is not a whole lot that happens throughout the book other than Sklyar and her father trying to survive and look for possible means of escape,all the while getting snippets of the greyskins. It is told from the duel perspective of Skylar and Liam, allowing you see how both are reacting and coping to their circumstances. There is not a whole lot of back story as to what happened 40 years ago to make the greyskins take over so I hope that is covered more in the next book and believe me there will be another book. this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
The story was good and held my attention, I loved the build up as the book went out and I can only imagine what is in story for Sklar and Liam in book and I can not wait to find out!
The Narration:
Stacy Gonzalez brought this story to life, alternating between characters flawlessly and smoothly. The audio was crisp and clear with no background noise or static. She did a great job at the character emotions and I hope she narrates book 2!
There is not a whole lot that happens throughout the book other than Sklyar and her father trying to survive and look for possible means of escape,all the while getting snippets of the greyskins. It is told from the duel perspective of Skylar and Liam, allowing you see how both are reacting and coping to their circumstances. There is not a whole lot of back story as to what happened 40 years ago to make the greyskins take over so I hope that is covered more in the next book and believe me there will be another book. this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.
The story was good and held my attention, I loved the build up as the book went out and I can only imagine what is in story for Sklar and Liam in book and I can not wait to find out!
The Narration:
Stacy Gonzalez brought this story to life, alternating between characters flawlessly and smoothly. The audio was crisp and clear with no background noise or static. She did a great job at the character emotions and I hope she narrates book 2!
January 19, 2020
Well
Not sure what I was expecting,but this wasn't it. Wow, the lengths Jeremiah has gone to in order to keep people in fear. I need to place the timeline, how close is this to Uprising....
Not sure what I was expecting,but this wasn't it. Wow, the lengths Jeremiah has gone to in order to keep people in fear. I need to place the timeline, how close is this to Uprising....
March 29, 2020
Having finished the book, I found that it was really not that exciting. The story line could have been really intriguing without so much repetitive non-action. I understand that a father worries and wants to see his daughter, but enough. Guess this was just not my cup of tea. Sorry
January 16, 2020
Great book!
Great book! I’m glad the Starborn’s are back! Ready to keep reading & see how it all ends! Thank you.
Great book! I’m glad the Starborn’s are back! Ready to keep reading & see how it all ends! Thank you.
March 23, 2020
I love this series. Jason Morrow is a master writer. A must read!
October 4, 2025
I really liked it.
April 21, 2019
Stellar!!!!!
This is the best series and one of the best authors. Jason captures intensity, mystery and pure suspense in the most fantastic way! Thank you!
This is the best series and one of the best authors. Jason captures intensity, mystery and pure suspense in the most fantastic way! Thank you!
January 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and have purchased the 2nd. I'm a Walking Dead fan. The characters (grey skins) are described in much the same way so it all seems very familiar but I can't wait to see how the story unfolds.
August 22, 2019
3.5 stars
There are a couple of things that set Beyond the Gates apart from so many post-apocalyptic zombie tales. First, one of the two protagonists is a 12-year-old child but this is not a middle grade book. Second, the other protagonist is her father and his primary goal is her safety, a refreshing change from the usual macho guy who has to be a hero. Skylar and Liam are an appealing pair and I felt they were pretty well fleshed out but I thought most of the secondary characters were more two-dimensional except for Nine.
While the core story is intense, dwelling as it does on the imprisonment of these two in separate sections of the prison---reminding me quite a lot of the separation of parents and children that's happening on our border---I wanted to know much more about the world before the virus struck and a brutal government came to power. Strong worldbuilding is crucial in science fiction but it's lacking here and, since I haven't read anything by Jason D. Morrow before, I don't know if he normally saves the background work for later books in a series. I hope so because I enjoyed spending time with Skylar and Liam and Nine in this perilous society and I can see a really good series in the making.
Stacy Gonzalez had the perfect voice for Skylar, imbuing her with a mix of fright and compassion while allowing her intelligence to come through. Nine was also a vivid character but Liam and other male voices were less successful, not so distinguishable from females. Ms. Gonzalez has good pacing and intonations, though, that reflect the situation and I enjoyed listening to her narration.
There are a couple of things that set Beyond the Gates apart from so many post-apocalyptic zombie tales. First, one of the two protagonists is a 12-year-old child but this is not a middle grade book. Second, the other protagonist is her father and his primary goal is her safety, a refreshing change from the usual macho guy who has to be a hero. Skylar and Liam are an appealing pair and I felt they were pretty well fleshed out but I thought most of the secondary characters were more two-dimensional except for Nine.
While the core story is intense, dwelling as it does on the imprisonment of these two in separate sections of the prison---reminding me quite a lot of the separation of parents and children that's happening on our border---I wanted to know much more about the world before the virus struck and a brutal government came to power. Strong worldbuilding is crucial in science fiction but it's lacking here and, since I haven't read anything by Jason D. Morrow before, I don't know if he normally saves the background work for later books in a series. I hope so because I enjoyed spending time with Skylar and Liam and Nine in this perilous society and I can see a really good series in the making.
Stacy Gonzalez had the perfect voice for Skylar, imbuing her with a mix of fright and compassion while allowing her intelligence to come through. Nine was also a vivid character but Liam and other male voices were less successful, not so distinguishable from females. Ms. Gonzalez has good pacing and intonations, though, that reflect the situation and I enjoyed listening to her narration.
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