This was a fun listen during my commute to/from work today and a nice bit of escapism.  The action starts off almost immediately and continues practically non-stop to the finish.

 

The story follows Xander a 16-year-old living at a military instillation at the behest of his older brother, Moto, an enlisted man.  Moto has gone to another base to get things settled and will send for Xander when things are safe.  While waiting for his bother to return for him or send for him, Xander (inadvertently) takes responsibility for 8-year-old Benji who lost his family to a zombie attack.  Xander rescues from bullies and Benji won't leave his side after that.

 

When the base is overwhelmed by a roving horde, Xander, armed only with the katana his brother gifted him, gets himself and Benji safely away from the carnage of the base headed  toward the base where Xander's brother currently stationed.  Along the way the run into rival gangs, religious cult leaders, rock stars, reality TV stars, cannibals, bikers, and so much more.  They lose people along the way and pick up people as well.  The group just keep falling into one mess after another and always manage to escape by the skin of their teeth.  In the end Xander is reunited with his brother, but it's just the beginning of a bigger story.

 

Some of the situations are similar versions of each other and a little convoluted, for example they escape a neo nazi cult leader, and end up running into a religious cult leader.  But it's a book about teenagers in a zombie apocalypse,  and it's practically Mad Max out there, so it's to be expected.  The narrator did an excellent job getting across the various emotions of the characters throughout each situation. I liked the characters, including the "villains" and will definitely check out the next book in the series.

3.5 stars

She has to fight bunnies! There is nothing more adorable than a horde of ravening bunnies: they’re cute locusts. But bunnies aren’t always safe, as Monty Python and former president Jimmy Carter both know.

 

library copy

A rather enjoyable read, even if it was at times a tad ridiculous.

The only way I think I could have enjoyed this more is if some sections (not many) were rewritten in a less confusing manner, this includes some characters I found impossible to keep track of. The 2nd thing being the main male character was a pretty big douche, if he had been more likable I might have rated this book higher. Still kudos to Brook because in the end I was rooting for him and Mina, so I obviously started liking him somewhere throughout the book. Credit for this is mainly because Mina liked him and the chick is pretty amazing, and partly because he admired her for her intelligence and wit above everything else. So he was a complete unlikable monster. Plus I'll admit the banter between the two MC's was hilarious, without going into dimwit land, which I appreciate. I'm glad there were 2 POVs otherwise I don't think this story could have been pulled off with just one. Although I could have lived without the chapter worth of sex scene's, good on you guys for discovering your genitalia, the rest of us don't need to be as invested in it as you guys are.

Overall an entertaining read. The world, politics, bugger concerns, plus the female MC made this book. I am a little confused about what an actual Horde looks like, and at the beginning of the book I was beyond lost when referencing to buggers and Hordes but soon enough I was fascinated by the unusual world, their strange hierarchy and found myself quickly immersed within the pages.

Highly anticipating book 2!

Holidays with the Horde - D.M. Earl ***** April's 5 Star Review ***** 5 Dreams and Screams

Now that your holidays are over, and all the decorations are put safely away, let’s take a look at how the Horde spent their holidays.
Join Fern and Gabriel for Thanksgiving as they host a feast for the Horde and their friends. The Murphy’s table holds not only the Horde, but bikers, friends, and the biggest blessing in their lives the children. But be prepared. Not everyone is grateful for what they have.

Wolf opens his home and heart for Christmas Eve dinner, showing a side of himself that up until now, he has kept hidden. Once again, the Horde and friends come together. Let’s see what, or more importantly, who, meets under the mistletoe for that Christmas Eve kiss.

Christmas Day finds everyone at Des’ house, to experience their holiday in the woods. As everyone is enjoying each other’s company, who should appear with a sled led by deer? That’s right, it’s Santa Claus, with a bag full of gifts for everyone.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve, Cadence makes one of Trinity’s dreams come true. With stars in the sky, and snow on the ground, celebrate with the Horde, as Cadence once again wears his heart on his sleeve.

Enjoy this Ride the Horde calls Life, and see what is coming next for the Wheels & Hogs family.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear about this book. I have missed this family like crazy and it is so wonderful to see them all once again. I was so happy to see all the characters back and to see that Cadence makes one of Trinity’s dreams come true. In this one we also see what is going on with Daisy. I know everyone who has read the Horde Series is looking forward to see whose story comes next, I am truly hoping that it is Daisy’s story. Can wait to see what happens next with this loving family.