Shana Festa

Let me start by saying I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When Shana offered a copy, I actually hadn't read the synopsis, so I had no clue what I was in for. Personally, I'm glad that I hadn't read it, because it was a nice surprise.

If you enjoy some romance intermixed with horror, suspense, etc, etc,...you'll enjoy this novel. Time of Death follows nursing student, Emma Rossi, as she experiences first hand the zombie apocalypse. Though this story is not unique among the zombie genre books, it still was a fun read. Truth be told, zombie books and movies are a guilty pleasure of mine, so perhaps I'm a bit biased? Regardless, I've read a wide range from World War Z, to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, to The Walking Dead. Each has a different take on the zombie outbreak and I've enjoyed each and every one of them. That includes Time of Death by Shana Festa.

I listened to the audiobook of Time of Death. The narrator, Sarah Tancer, was a great choice. She put me off guard when I first started, which I thought was great. Her sometimes laid back, sassy tone along with Shana's snarky writing made for an entertaining combination.

Some have said this story was nothing new in the zombie genre. This is true. However, as an author myself, I enjoyed Shana's style of writing. Her use of descriptive words for actions and to paint the scene really made the story come "alive". She's definitely an author to keep tabs on and watch her grow. Finally, I was happy the way she ended the story and look forward to checking out book two: Asylum.

Word of warning: For those who may have an aversion to bad/foul language (however you'd put it), this may not be the book for you. Then again, if you don't care for that, you may also not care for the subject matter in the first place.… (mehr)

‘Time of Death: Induction’ is the story of student nurse Emma, her husband, and their dog, as they struggle to survive a zombie apocalypse.

I bought this right after reading the author’s brilliant short story in the ‘At Hell’s Gates’ anthology. This book contains a fairly typical set up for a zombie apocalypse story, but it is set apart by the amazingly well written characters and the authenticity the author’s real-life experience as a nurse adds to the book. I was captivated by these characters within the first few pages, not wanting to put the book down until I got to the end. I cared about what happened to them, which really amped up the suspense when they were put in peril.

The journey the characters go on is a satisfying one, with plenty of tense and shocking moments throughout. There is a definite sense of hope buried under the horror and there are moments when this shines through, only to be torn apart again by the realities of life during a zombie apocalypse. This made for a read that was both dark and entertaining.

Overall this is a captivating read that should entertain and satisfy fans of this genre. I think it would also be an excellent introduction to anyone who is new to zombie fiction. Highly recommended - can't wait to read the next book in the series!… (mehr)

ABR's full Asylum (Time of Death Book 2) audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is a review of the second book in the Time of Death series, please listen to that one first, then come on back here.

Let me break this story down to it’s basics, snark + zombies + dog = a whole lot of fun. Yes really that is all you need to know. But if you want more, please keep reading.

Asylum is a fairly unique tale. Because its main protagonist is a female medical nurse who has no survival skills other that what she has learned through her apocalyptic adventure. So, this second book picks up right around where the first left us. Where Emma and her husband sought refuge in a house boat. Seemed like a good idea at the time, as zombies can’t swim. Quickly they realize that they need a more permanent solution to their safety. The trek to find a more secure and sustainable camp begins. They soon learn of a fortress called Asylum (made me think of Woodbury) and feel the need to be there.

This is a fast, hilarious, and bloody romp through the zombie filled wasteland that will leave you wanting more. Festa has this insane ability to write as if she is telling this story to her best friend. Adding all of the witty snarkyness you can handle. If you want to have fun amidst the zombie apocalypse, look no further.

I read some reviews of this and the first book and it seems that some people have an issue with the staring role that Daphene, the dog, plays. Well, let me tell you, if you are as in love with your companion animal as Festa and her pooch or Me and my African Grey Parrot. You will know that everything really revolves around them. So I found this aspect sweet and touching opposed to annoying.

Also yes, there is a lot of potty talk. Not cursing, but bathroom breaks. More than I have ever heard. Not a problem here either, as I am very particular about where I choose to relieve myself and have already started to double think my choices today. I think the reason that so much crap happens to this group on their stops is just that, they stopped to allow the shambling dead a chance to catch up to them.

Sarah Tancer delivers a crisp clear and concise snark filled performance that I think is almost what Festa would sound like if she herself was doing the narration. This is something that, I think, authors strive to get when picking a narrator.

However, I found the snark to be a bit over the top and infused in just about every sentence. Making me wish that some of the characters at least sounded concerned about something other than the punchline. Because of this my mind drifted from time to time.

All that being said I will be looking for more from Tancer as I see big things in her future.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.… (mehr)

Time Of Death Book 2: Asylum by Shana Festa continues the story of Emma, Jake and Daphne as they try to survive the zombie apocalypse. Its been two months since the collapse of society and they’ve been through a lot. The three of them are currently living on a house boat with Jake’s brother and sister. As of now they are in the safest place possible, but it can’t last long as their food and water supplies start to dwindle. One thing they have learned is that even a safe place can fall to the undead and they have to always be on guard.

Knowing that they can’t stay on the boat forever, they go on land and head up the coast and find a new place called Asylum. Things seem safe in Asylum but more may be going on then meets the eye. With the U.S. government gone, Asylum has started its own government and presents a new way of life. Emma has to adjust to a new world and her and Jake don’t see eye to eye and the loss of several people they know has put a strain on their relationship. Asylum may be safe but things are far from perfect and is life there really better than dealing with the zombies outside?

Like in book one, Asylum has a good mix of action and humor but it also adds some new characters that I liked. We are introduced to a man names Stryker who is a complete mystery. His story unfolds throughout the book and where he starts off as one-dimensional he shows a lot of depth by the end. I liked how Emma’s attitude changes towards him as you see what causes him to be the way he is.

Another new character I like was Jasper. Jasper is a character that is shown as not being to bright but he shows he is an important part of Asylum even though he doesn’t fit in the social groups in asylum, he still does his job well but doesn’t get the respect he deserves. I loved when he is telling Emma how he is not stupid and Emma is thinking she really likes this man but at the same time she gets upset over how slow he is. I also liked how we get to see Emma’s nursing skills put to good use.

The best part of this book was watching Emma and Jake’s relationship change. In the first book there was conflict between them but that is heightened in this one. The apocalypse would put a strain on any relationship and this one is no exception as Emma and Jake fight over their tasks in Asylum. Some interesting points about government are brought up in Asylum and where Emma starts to think of it as a bad place, Jake doesn’t necessarily think that and I found myself supporting Jake.

Asylum is a book that takes what happened in Time Of Death Book One: Induction and builds on it. This book does not repeat stuff that happens in the first one, it takes things in a completely different direction. While book one has a lot of non stop action, this book has action but gets deeper into character development. I had my issues with book one and all those issues were solved with book 2. This is a much better book then Induction and Shana shows that she is getting better as an author. The only issue I had with this one is that I wanted a book 3. Luckily for fans of Books 1 and 2, book 3 is coming.… (mehr)