This is the blog of Samie Sands, author of Lockdown. There will be many great books and projects reviewed here. For more, check out thelockdown.co.uk.

Wednesday 23 December 2015

The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert begins a smoking hot new series about the O'Malley family-wealthy, powerful, dangerous and seething with scandal.

Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.

Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.
Review: The Marriage Contract is the promising start to a great series. Teague and Callie have a sizzling chemistry from the very start, which only gets stronger as the plot progresses - throwing all kinds of challenges their way. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories, then you will love this one! Highly recommended.

Monday 21 December 2015

The Last Charge of the 1st Legion (The Last Hero Trilogy Book 3) by Nathaniel Danes

The Milky Way is plunged into chaos. Billions of innocent civilians are slaughtered while the fate of billions more hang in the balance.

The enemy is unstoppable.

Trent Maxwell and the 1st Legion escape annihilation to embark on a desperate mission to uncover secrets buried for millennia. Evil has its own agenda and moves to endanger their holy quest.

Their resolve is pushed to its limits. Their understanding of the universe will be shaken. No one is safe and no cost is too high to save Earth from extermination.

Does love conquer all? Will the 1st Legion charge into victory or oblivion?
Review: I love The Last Hero trilogy so, so much, and I was really looking forward to this book...and it was just as good as I'd imagined it would be! There is science fiction, romance, war, all entangled with each other in this epic plot that twists and turns until the mind blowing conclusion. I highly recommend the entire series, it's amazing!

Sunday 20 December 2015

The Alpha Plague: A Post-Apocalyptic Action Thriller by Michael Robertson

Rhys is an average guy who works an average job in Summit City—a purpose built government complex on the outskirts of London.
The Alpha Tower stands in the centre of the city. An enigma, nobody knows what happens behind its dark glass.
Rhys is about to find out.
At ground zero and with chaos spilling out into the street, Rhys has the slightest of head starts. If he can remain ahead of the pandemonium, then maybe he can get to his loved ones before the plague does.
The Alpha Plague is a post-apocalyptic survival thriller.
 Review: I LOVED this book! It's a really interesting take on the zombie apocalypse.  It's gripping and exciting. Once I'd started reading, I couldn't put it down. I won't say anything to spoil the plot, just read it now :)

Thursday 10 December 2015

Extinct by Samie Sands

51wPKugGBEL._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_
Georgina has been living through the apocalypse for a lot longer than everyone else, because she’s a zombie author. Despite that, she never expected it to really happen, and she certainly didn’t expect to survive this long!

Right now, she’s waiting in the ‘sanctuary’ for the Government to deliver their ultimate promise—that they will all be allowed to go back home, to their normal lives. The rumours are rife that the victims of the zombie virus are dying out—the AM13 is becoming extinct! If that’s the case, then this will all be a distant memory soon enough, right?

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz

Madeline and Daphne were once as close as sisters—until a secret tore them apart. Now it might take them to their graves.

They knew his name, the man who tried to brutally attack twelve-year-old Madeline in her grandmother's hotel. They thought they knew his fate. He wouldn't be bothering them anymore...ever. Still their lives would never be the same.

Madeline has returned to Washington after her grandmother's mysterious death. And at the old, abandoned hotel—a place she never wanted to see again—a dying man’s last words convey a warning: the secrets she and Daphne believed buried forever have been discovered.

Now, after almost two decades, Madeline and Daphne will be reunited in friendship and in fear. Unable to trust the local police, Madeline summons Jack Rayner, the hotel chain’s new security expert. Despite the secrets and mysteries that surround him, Jack is the only one she trusts...and wants.

Jack is no good at relationships but he does possess a specific skill set that includes a profoundly intimate understanding of warped and dangerous minds. With the assistance of Jack's brother, Abe, a high-tech magician, the four of them will form an uneasy alliance against a killer who will stop at nothing to hide the truth....
Review: I love books by this author, so was really happy that there was another thriller in the mix. Daphne and Madeline were torn apart by a horrendous secret, and haven't spoken since. As with all secrets, it eventually finds its way up to the surface, forcing them back into each others lives. 
The plot is complex, but easy to follow, with the most shocking twists and turns along the way. Add in the chemistry and the romance and you're on to a winner! Highly recommended.

Coming Back by Lauren Dane

The men of Twisted Steel are great with their hands. And they're not afraid to get dirty . . .
Mick Roberts, the newest partner at Twisted Steel's custom hotrod and motorcycle shop, looks like a man with everything. But secretly he still craves the connection he lost when his best friend Adam and the love of his life Jessilynn walked out. Then, he wasn't ready for the pleasure they promised. Now, things have changed.
Rich, powerful, and insatiable, Adam Gulati is used to getting what he wants. And there's nothing he wants more than Mick and Jessi. He hasn't seen either in over a year, but the second he sets eyes on them again his memories-and his desires-can't be denied.
After trying to live without them, Jessi Franklin realized no one else can satisfy her like Adam and Mick. The three of them need one another-in more ways than one. It's time to stop pretending and submit to the hunger they all share. But once they go down this road, there's no turning back. As deeply devoted as they are, no one knows what great bliss their forbidden fantasy will find-or the price they may pay . .
Review: I have really enjoyed reading the Ink and Chrome series and was curious to find out more about Mick - he's always been a troubled enigma in the background. This book is his chance to shine. 
He's struggled with his sexuality and found it hard to come to terms with the fact that he's in love with 2 people - Jessi and Adam - and the fact that they love him too, but now is the time where they are all happy, content and ready to give things a go. Of course, this comes with negative opinions and complications - but it's also filled with exciting, steamy moments. A great end to a wonderful series.

Saturday 5 December 2015

Calhoun: Sacrifice by Joe Mansour

Anything, everything.
But what if the price was the life of another?

James Calhoun, soldier until an I.E.D. ripped his life apart.
Now divorced and living on benefits in a one room apartment after a downward spiral of anger and bitterness, his one solace is the weekly visit with his daughter.
The cult of the Dark God demand a sacrifice and she has been chosen.
James can save her but is the cost more than he can live with?
Review: Oh my goodness! I loved this book - what a rollercoaster! The plot is filled with strong characters, tough decisions, violence, gore and supernatural beings. I love horror books, and this is one of my favourites of all time. I cannot wait for the 2nd book!

The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston

A year after her husband's sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat's death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she's near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water.
On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew.
In her own time, Tilda's grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake's ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each other's, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren's prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.
Review: I really enjoyed this beautifully written novel - the author has a great way of capturing magic and the human spirit. Though the plot is surrounded by sadness and tragedy it slowly becomes a gripping, uplifting tale. Highly recommended.

Thursday 3 December 2015

A Wicked Way To Win An Earl by Anna Bradley

A tantalizing new Regency romance filled with the most elegant society—and the most forbidden desires…

England, 1811. Delia Somerset despises the privileged ton, but her young sister, Lily, is desperate to escape their family’s scandalous past and join high society. Unwilling to upset her sister, Delia reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the Sutherland estate—and avoid the gossip at all costs.

Alec Sutherland is known as a hot-headed scoundrel, but nothing gets a rise out of him as much as the news that his brother desires Delia’s hand in marriage. She is, after all, the daughter of the London belle who soiled their family name. He’s determined to ruin her reputation as well, in the most delicious way possible. It’s only a matter of time before he can woo her with his irresistible advances.

As Delia devilishly plays along in Alec’s game, determined to prove the joke is on him, they inch ever closer to repeating history. And in this game of seductive glances, scandalous whispers, and old debts, the outcome might be much more than either of them anticipated…
Review: I love historical romance and this was one of the most exciting books I've read in that genre. Delia and Alec are deliciously in lust from the word go, but their stubbornness and the complex situation surrounding them, prevents anything from happening...at first. I loved watching their interactions go from banter to steamy. Brilliant, highly recommended - cannot wait for the next book.

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas

Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students, trying to forget her past. What brought her to this stage in her life isn't important. She can't let it be. But now one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing . . .
Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth but not a living, breathing teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet...there is something about him that draws Easton in-a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn.
Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton's resolve - and reveal what should stay hidden...
Penelope Douglas
Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her books include the Fall Away Series, Corrupt, and Misconduct, due out December 1, 2015. She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and shops at Target almost daily.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter. 
Review: Oh my goodness, another amazing book from Penelope Douglas! I loved the Falling Away series, so was very excited to read Misconduct and it didn't disappoint! Easton is a strong-willed character with a troubled, deep, complex past and Tyler sweeps her off her feet just at the right moment for her. Their chemistry is electric and it's instantly clear how perfect they are together. Underneath this, there is a mystery that keeps on building until the final, explosive page.

Time by Mike Evans #WinterofZombie

Guest Post: Mike Evans #WinterofZombie

zombies and chainsaws
Time
By Mike Evans

Do you think that it would be harder or easier to survive as the apocalypse went and went? I know some of you are saying, Christ as time goes by resources available would be so much harder to come by. But what I think is that it would get easier, given the zombies you are dealing with are like the rotting decaying type. My friend Rosa threw out this idea and I totally have never thought of this which makes me somewhat want to punch myself in the face, but in my defense I’ve never seen the point brought up in a book either which is nice.
Think of this, if you are like me you’ve probably never missed any of The Walking Dead series. Like me you’ve seen that originally they were plump or more fit looking zombies, with much nicer clothes as well. Remember and this has nothing to do with any of the rest of the article, make sure you dress in something you like because if you become a zombie you’re going to be wearing that shit for the rest of your existence. Anyways to the point. They get skinnier, they seem to get a bit slower in my opinion and one other thing that you would think is that overtime is would their senses and eye sight get worse overtime? I mean eventually would they be able to smell us, would they pick up on our blood trail? Would they be able to see us walking across the street or would their eyes rot out and they’d be blind and not be able to basically find anything? If that is my apocalypse then sign me up! Go underground for as long as you need to and then from there you are on easy street my friend.
The other thing that is hard to think about but makes sense is the fact that they are always hungry. This seems to be the only thing that their brain still does correctly. They don’t seem to feel pain, they don’t seem to be sad, depressed, motivated. They simply just know one thing and that is that they want to eat and they want to do it all the time. So even though that part might be working over time I would have to wonder, do they eventually stop caring about eating as well and starve themselves, can they starve? I hope so but oh the questions and debates one could have on this topic.
I know not having to fear for your life at every waking moment is something that would be horribly bad but if you think of it, do you want to spend a lifetime scared or secure in the fact that they are to deaf to hear you being noisy or to blind to see you walking around in broad daylight. The idea of them being able to see me and having to wait till nightfall when my chances of seeing them greatly increases does not make me want to sleep peacefully my friend. So give me the slow, give me the deaf, give me the blind and then give me a baseball bat and a bottle of booze because I’d happily go around cleaning up town knowing that they don’t stand a chance in hell!


Twitter @mikee1123

 FB_IMG_1441373068917
Mike Evans lives in Iowa with his wife and children. He writes for character depth because he wishes for you to love the character, regardless if they are the villain or the hero. He likes to write from a unique perspective, doing things with books that no one has done before. He keeps his characters realistic, there are no superhero like events that will happen. There are no perfect characters in his books, everyone has their flaws much like that of life.
*   *   *   *   *
The stench of frozen flesh is in the air! Welcome to the Winter of Zombie Blog Tour 2015, with 40+ of the best zombie authors spreading the disease in the month of November.
Stop by the event page on Facebook so you don’t miss an interview, guest post or teaser…and pick up some great swag as well!
Giveaways galore from most of the authors as well as interaction with them!
#WinterofZombie is the hashtag for Twitter, too!

TEASER 'THAT RISEN SNOW: A SCARY TALE OF SNOW WHITE & ZOMBIES' By Rob E. Boley #WinterofZombie

Teaser: Rob E Boley #WinterofZombie

Boley_Box_Set_3D_White_Books1-4
TEASER
THAT RISEN SNOW: A SCARY TALE OF SNOW WHITE & ZOMBIES
By Rob E. Boley


THE CURSED GIRL NAMED Snow has slept for many moons, but it’s the dwarf renamed Grouchy who’s been dreaming. Today, he fears his dream will die.
He stands now at the bottom of the grassy hill with his six dwarf companions, yet he has never felt more alone—even when he was trapped in the bowels of Planchette Prison. He hides his anger in clenched fists. When he opens his hands, his fingernails have cut bloody crescent moons into his palms.
“Happily ever after, my hairy ass,” he says.
“Grouchy,” Merry whispers, “the Prince will hear you.”
Grouchy gestures rudely toward the Prince. “Balls.”
“That’s enough,” Bones says—his first words to Grouchy since the night before. Unlike the younger dwarfs’ high-pitched voices, the elder Bones’ deep voice commands respect, even from Grouchy.
Prince Mikael strides up the hill toward Snow’s bed, dead leaves crunching under his boots. Upon the hillside, birds twitter and woodland creatures chatter. The dew covering the grass sparkles like the diamonds in the mine.
Bones removes the Prince’s gloves from his shoulder where the young Prince draped them moments before. The ocean-blue gloves match the Prince’s cape and leather boots, so bright and clean compared to the dwarfs’ mining gear. About halfway between the hill and the dwarf Collective’s cottage, the Prince’s horse, also clad in blue finery, whinnies and tugs half-heartedly against its rope.
Atop the hill, the Prince leans over Snow’s silver bed. Grouchy can barely watch as the muscular human hoists the bed’s glass lid onto the ground.
Blushful lifts his pickaxe over his burly shoulder. “What think you, Dim? Is he really Snow’s true love?”
The mute Dim shrugs in response, rubs his palms together, and wiggles his fingers.
“What’d he say?” Grouchy says.
Bones nods. “He says our Snow has been asleep for too long.”
On the hillside, the Prince runs his fingers through Snow’s hair. He leans over to kiss her, to break her curse.
Grouchy spits. “He’s human. A swob. And a royal at that. How can we trust him with all that they’ve done to dwarfs? Don’t forget—that wench Queen Adara wants Snow dead. How do we know he isn’t in league with her?”
Merry smiles. When doesn’t he? “Well, the Prince struck me as a cordial gentleman.”
“Well, he struck me as a damn—”
An unmanly scream from the hill interrupts Grouchy’s insult. The Prince struggles with something atop Snow’s bed. Grouchy cranes his neck to see, but the bed topples to the ground, taking Snow and the Prince with it.
Grouchy yanks his rock chisel out of his boot and charges up the hill.
Above, birds fill the sky like a thick dash of pepper blocking the sun—all fleeing as if their feathery asses were on fire. In the periphery of Grouchy’s vision, the assembled foxes, chipmunks, raccoons, and other critters scamper into the woods.
When Grouchy reaches the hilltop, the Prince is straddling Snow and pinning her shoulders to the ground. She flails beneath him, her faded yellow dress and periwinkle corset now stained with grass.
“Well, I’ll be cored,” Bones says from behind Grouchy.
“Leave her be, ass-muffin.” Grouchy slams the blunt end of his chisel into the Prince’s head with a dull thump.
At the same time, Snow lunges upward and bites a generous hunk of flesh away from the Prince’s cheek. He jerks backward and clutches the wound, blood spilling between his fingers.
Grouchy’s broken heart trembles in his chest. He tackles the Prince onto the slippery grass, and the human gasps under his weight. When he looks to see if Snow is okay, Bones is standing over her with an outstretched hand. Except Bones’ bearded mouth falls open.
The Prince’s gloves spill from his hands and clap limply together in the grass.
Grouchy hoists himself to his feet to get an eyeful of his blood-splattered Snowflake. Her eyes—usually sky blue—are now black pupils floating in twin pools of blood. Her lips twist in a sneer. She spits out the Prince’s flesh, bares her teeth at them, and hisses. Without further warning, she lunges at Bones and buries her snarling face into the crook of his neck.
When Snow jerks her head away, strands of Bones’ beard stick to her blood-smeared face. The elder dwarf collapses with a grunt. Grouchy shakes his head. The old witch with the apple lied.
Snow came back, but she didn’t come back right.

Boley_Web
About the Author:
Rob E. Boley grew up in Enon, Ohio, a little town with a big Indian mound. He later earned a B.A. and M.A. in English from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

He’s the author of The Scary Tales series of dark fantasy novels featuring mash-ups of classic fairy tale characters and horror monsters. His fiction has appeared in several markets, including A cappella Zoo, Pseudopod, Clackamas Literary Review, and Best New Werewolf Tales. His stories have won Best in Show in the Sinclair Community College Creative Writing Contest and the Dayton Daily News/Antioch Writers’ Workshop Short Story Contest.

He lives with his daughter in Dayton, where he works for his alma mater. Each morning and most nights, he enjoys making blank pages darker. You can get to know him better by visiting his website at www.robboley.com.

*   *   *   *   *
The stench of frozen flesh is in the air! Welcome to the Winter of Zombie Blog Tour 2015, with 40+ of the best zombie authors spreading the disease in the month of November.
Stop by the event page on Facebook so you don’t miss an interview, guest post or teaser…and pick up some great swag as well!
Giveaways galore from most of the authors as well as interaction with them!
#WinterofZombie is the hashtag for Twitter, too!

Books, Beer and Blogshit: Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David

Books, Beer and Blogshit: Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David:



Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David

You're reading Books, Beer and BLOGshit! It's the only blog on the internet that is posting the last Books, Beer and BLOGshit interview of the Winter of Zombie 2015 Blog Tour. I am you exhaused host, Mr. Frank.

This is it! This last and final interview this season. And who else do we end this whole shit and shebang with? That's right! Your pal and mine, Thad David. He is co-author of a zombie book talked about earlier this season with his partner in crime, J.L. Koszarek. Together they wrote DIVIDE THEN CONQUOR. But tonight, the last night we all spend together until the summer, I say we all Unite and Multiply!

Feel the love and read the interview!




The Blogshit: Let’s cut to the chase, what are you promoting for the Winter of Zombie?

Thad David:  We are promoting Divide Then Conquer – Book 1 of the Zombie Company Crusade Series.  The ZCC series is a collaboration between Jodi and myself that sparked from the creation of the Zombie Company Crusade video game that launched Sept 1st.  I’m always fascinated with politics and the lengths that people go to “protect the party” as well as how much people think their one side can save the country.  I wanted to use Zombies as a catalyst to divide the United States and bring these political cleavages to light.  Jodi and I talked about this for over an hour and she asked me to send her what I had.  The next day I received an e-mail that blew me away.  She had taken what little I had down on paper and added a ton of info and turned it into an amazing story.  Since then that’s been our whole process, a constant back and forth collaboration on this really cool idea.

The Blogshit: It’s rarely ever talked about, but how do you envision the outcome of the zombie world you have created? Is there hope? Will humanity succumb to the new world order? What is the outcome of all this horrible zombie business?

Thad David:  Before we both answered these questions, Jodi and I agreed to not read each-others until after we wrote it.  I’m dying to hear what she put down for this one because its something we haven’t discussed yet in full detail.

As far as my answer, I see the outcome of the story to be a pretty messed up place.  We are basically taking 3 trains, putting them at full speed ahead, and blasting them into a head on collision.  We have a lot of action happening all at once coming from several different places.  I know this doesn’t fully answer your question so in short I do believe mankind will prevail here as long as they can get over their petty differences and beliefs.  The real question now is which faction of mankind will survive, good, evil… it’s a bloody political battle inside of this war.  Even if mankind wins the fight against zombies, they may still lose.


The Blogshit: As a writer of zombie fiction, do you feel you can sustain your career writing about zombies only or do you feel you will need to write outside the sub-genre to continue? What avenues will you branch out to if you do feel a need to expand?

Thad David:  Ill be as honest as I can here.  Divide Then Conquer is my first attempt with writing anything.  I have some outlines for several books but putting pen to paper is another story.  My strengths as a writer is the story creation and I focus on creating suspense.  J.L. Koszarek is the mastermind behind the writing in our story.  We get a ton of complements on the writing style and character development and that is all thanks to Jodi.  She is a true author and artist.  I have another Thriller storyline I would like to pursue in the future but for now I am trying to learn as much as I can from Jodi.  We are planning to make the ZCC series at least an 8 to 9 book series so we have a ways to go and I have a lot to learn. 


The Blogshit:  What is more important to the story: A sympathetic human survivor or a zombie with an interesting storyline?

Thad David:  I personally enjoy the human perspective, especially in survival situations.  In ZCC we have a TON of characters.  They range in a wide scope of human personalities.  I believe we have at least one character that a reader can relate to and enjoy following.  I started out the series as a huge fan of Jack Mason and I’ve really fallen in love with some of the other characters.  I would really hate to see some of them succumb to the virus that’s running wild across the country.  While I have others that I truly hate and would love for them to fall face first into a pit of crawlers.  A soft-landing though so they remain alive and can watch as they are eaten from the inside out.

The Blogshit: For you, who are the most important writers in zombie fiction at this moment?

Thad David:  I am very new to Zombie fiction as a fan and a writer.  For me personally I would say the most important writers are Shawn Chesser and Armand Rosamilia.  These two writers have been a huge help to me personally in so many ways.  They both care deeply for the Zombie culture and it shows in their actions and work.  I really enjoy their stories.  I’m jumping into some other stories as well and I can’t leave out Mark Tufo.  I am very excited for this blog tour.  I have met so many wonderful authors so far and I am really excited to read their stories.  To many books is a good problem to have right now.



The Blogshit: Is there room for sex in the zombie apocalypse?

Thad David:  I hope so.  I wouldn’t want to live in a world without meaningful relationships.  Love and sex are at the forefront of most of these stronger connections that we as humans thrive on.  Besides how will mankind truly survive if we aren’t reproducing?  If everyone around you is falling it doesn’t mean we have to stop having a little fun.  Obviously it may be tough to find the right time, place, or mate but I don’t see how we as humans would go without sex for too long.

The Blogshit:  How much consideration do you give to the seasons in your zombie stories?
Seasons have not played a large role in DIVIDE yet, but they will in Book Two. Surviving the zombie apocalypse in warm weather is difficult, but winter is coming and with it will come challenges specific to freezing temperatures and precipitation. The cold and snow will affect the zombies, too. In the apocalyptic world, the weather has a direct influence on our chances of survival.
The change of seasons is also a great literary tool to convey the passage of time. The ZCC series will span months, and possibly even years. It is my feeling that the change of seasons will come into play in this way going forward.
Thad and I are gearing up for our first Winter of Zombies in the ZCC series. As I sit here today, I wonder which character(s) aren’t ready. I wonder who will be alive in the springtime. 

Thad David:  A lot actually, as Book 1 ends winter is just around the corner in the story.  We are preparing and have discussed the different possibilities and ways that zombies will be affected by the colder climates.  It’s going to be interesting to see how everyone attempts to survive the cold in some of our mountain regions of the story.

The Blogshit: Our final question always revolves around zombie themed food. This Winter of Zombie, Books, Beer and BLOGshit wants you to consider setting up a food truck to cater to a zombie clientele. What would you name your Zombie Food Truck?

Thad David:  Small Bites – A Little Something To Gnaw On



Books, Beer and Blogshit: Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David

Books, Beer and Blogshit: Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David:



Winter of Zombie 2015: Thad David

You're reading Books, Beer and BLOGshit! It's the only blog on the internet that is posting the last Books, Beer and BLOGshit interview of the Winter of Zombie 2015 Blog Tour. I am you exhaused host, Mr. Frank.

This is it! This last and final interview this season. And who else do we end this whole shit and shebang with? That's right! Your pal and mine, Thad David. He is co-author of a zombie book talked about earlier this season with his partner in crime, J.L. Koszarek. Together they wrote DIVIDE THEN CONQUOR. But tonight, the last night we all spend together until the summer, I say we all Unite and Multiply!

Feel the love and read the interview!




The Blogshit: Let’s cut to the chase, what are you promoting for the Winter of Zombie?

Thad David:  We are promoting Divide Then Conquer – Book 1 of the Zombie Company Crusade Series.  The ZCC series is a collaboration between Jodi and myself that sparked from the creation of the Zombie Company Crusade video game that launched Sept 1st.  I’m always fascinated with politics and the lengths that people go to “protect the party” as well as how much people think their one side can save the country.  I wanted to use Zombies as a catalyst to divide the United States and bring these political cleavages to light.  Jodi and I talked about this for over an hour and she asked me to send her what I had.  The next day I received an e-mail that blew me away.  She had taken what little I had down on paper and added a ton of info and turned it into an amazing story.  Since then that’s been our whole process, a constant back and forth collaboration on this really cool idea.

The Blogshit: It’s rarely ever talked about, but how do you envision the outcome of the zombie world you have created? Is there hope? Will humanity succumb to the new world order? What is the outcome of all this horrible zombie business?

Thad David:  Before we both answered these questions, Jodi and I agreed to not read each-others until after we wrote it.  I’m dying to hear what she put down for this one because its something we haven’t discussed yet in full detail.

As far as my answer, I see the outcome of the story to be a pretty messed up place.  We are basically taking 3 trains, putting them at full speed ahead, and blasting them into a head on collision.  We have a lot of action happening all at once coming from several different places.  I know this doesn’t fully answer your question so in short I do believe mankind will prevail here as long as they can get over their petty differences and beliefs.  The real question now is which faction of mankind will survive, good, evil… it’s a bloody political battle inside of this war.  Even if mankind wins the fight against zombies, they may still lose.


The Blogshit: As a writer of zombie fiction, do you feel you can sustain your career writing about zombies only or do you feel you will need to write outside the sub-genre to continue? What avenues will you branch out to if you do feel a need to expand?

Thad David:  Ill be as honest as I can here.  Divide Then Conquer is my first attempt with writing anything.  I have some outlines for several books but putting pen to paper is another story.  My strengths as a writer is the story creation and I focus on creating suspense.  J.L. Koszarek is the mastermind behind the writing in our story.  We get a ton of complements on the writing style and character development and that is all thanks to Jodi.  She is a true author and artist.  I have another Thriller storyline I would like to pursue in the future but for now I am trying to learn as much as I can from Jodi.  We are planning to make the ZCC series at least an 8 to 9 book series so we have a ways to go and I have a lot to learn. 


The Blogshit:  What is more important to the story: A sympathetic human survivor or a zombie with an interesting storyline?

Thad David:  I personally enjoy the human perspective, especially in survival situations.  In ZCC we have a TON of characters.  They range in a wide scope of human personalities.  I believe we have at least one character that a reader can relate to and enjoy following.  I started out the series as a huge fan of Jack Mason and I’ve really fallen in love with some of the other characters.  I would really hate to see some of them succumb to the virus that’s running wild across the country.  While I have others that I truly hate and would love for them to fall face first into a pit of crawlers.  A soft-landing though so they remain alive and can watch as they are eaten from the inside out.

The Blogshit: For you, who are the most important writers in zombie fiction at this moment?

Thad David:  I am very new to Zombie fiction as a fan and a writer.  For me personally I would say the most important writers are Shawn Chesser and Armand Rosamilia.  These two writers have been a huge help to me personally in so many ways.  They both care deeply for the Zombie culture and it shows in their actions and work.  I really enjoy their stories.  I’m jumping into some other stories as well and I can’t leave out Mark Tufo.  I am very excited for this blog tour.  I have met so many wonderful authors so far and I am really excited to read their stories.  To many books is a good problem to have right now.



The Blogshit: Is there room for sex in the zombie apocalypse?

Thad David:  I hope so.  I wouldn’t want to live in a world without meaningful relationships.  Love and sex are at the forefront of most of these stronger connections that we as humans thrive on.  Besides how will mankind truly survive if we aren’t reproducing?  If everyone around you is falling it doesn’t mean we have to stop having a little fun.  Obviously it may be tough to find the right time, place, or mate but I don’t see how we as humans would go without sex for too long.

The Blogshit:  How much consideration do you give to the seasons in your zombie stories?
Seasons have not played a large role in DIVIDE yet, but they will in Book Two. Surviving the zombie apocalypse in warm weather is difficult, but winter is coming and with it will come challenges specific to freezing temperatures and precipitation. The cold and snow will affect the zombies, too. In the apocalyptic world, the weather has a direct influence on our chances of survival.
The change of seasons is also a great literary tool to convey the passage of time. The ZCC series will span months, and possibly even years. It is my feeling that the change of seasons will come into play in this way going forward.
Thad and I are gearing up for our first Winter of Zombies in the ZCC series. As I sit here today, I wonder which character(s) aren’t ready. I wonder who will be alive in the springtime. 

Thad David:  A lot actually, as Book 1 ends winter is just around the corner in the story.  We are preparing and have discussed the different possibilities and ways that zombies will be affected by the colder climates.  It’s going to be interesting to see how everyone attempts to survive the cold in some of our mountain regions of the story.

The Blogshit: Our final question always revolves around zombie themed food. This Winter of Zombie, Books, Beer and BLOGshit wants you to consider setting up a food truck to cater to a zombie clientele. What would you name your Zombie Food Truck?

Thad David:  Small Bites – A Little Something To Gnaw On



'Teaser from A New World: Untold Stories 2' by John O’Brien #WinterofZombie

Teaser: John O’Brien #WinterofZombie

Untold Stories 2 - front - dead woman - FB

Teaser from A New World: Untold Stories 2

John O’Brien

Then, almost as if a switch had been thrown, everything went quiet. No one responded to queries, no one issued ongoing situational reports. The printers fell silent and no more messages arrived on the monitors. All heads stared at their screens and then, one by one, turned toward him. It was as if the world had drawn a deep breath, ready to unleash horror upon exhale. Joe heard startled screams that erupted in a chilling fashion down the hallways and from the adjacent rooms. The held breath was expelled, releasing terror upon on an unsuspecting world.
The heads that had been watching him following the sudden cessation of communications turned sharply toward an entrance situated in the middle of one wall. The two Marine guards posted there looked at the closed steel double doors, as if they could see what was happening on the other side.
Muffled shrieks continued to make their way into the sealed room, growing in intensity. Glancing toward a second entrance on the opposite side of the room, Joe noticed two additional guards gazing intently toward the screams, their hands resting on their sidearms. His heart began pounding from a rising fear. He felt trapped; the kind of feeling that some of the miners had reported after being rescued following a major tunnel collapse. Looking back to the first entrance, he was just in time to see the two Marines draw their weapons and, with a nod toward each other, open one of the doors.
The explosion of bodies into the room was unexpected, sending a jolt of electricity through his body from the sudden rush of adrenaline. Screams, once muffled by the walls and doors, erupted into the room. Ear-piercing shrieks filled the communication center, so loud that everything seemed to vibrate with the same intensity. Everyone seated quickly rose, sending chairs scooting across the tiled floor.
The two guards were instantly overwhelmed as a dozen or more figures poured into the room, each one trying to claw its way over those in front in their attempt to get inside. Joe watched the guards vanish beneath the onrush. Rising above the screams filling every inch of the room, he heard at least one gunshot, muffled by the crush of bodies. Even in the dimly lit room, he saw blood splash into the air. Droplets splattered on the attacker’s faces, sending them into a greater frenzy. He lost sight of some as they dove onto the fallen guards. Others surged past the growing pile and into the room, some tripping over bodies only to rise again with a speed that defied belief.
Joe stared at the onslaught, his mind unable to come to grips with what he was witnessing. The people storming into the room were mostly dressed in pressed khaki uniforms, a few in fatigues. Their faces were pale and their eyes—their eyes glowed silver when they faced him. Upon entering, the intruders eyed those in the room and charged toward them.
Hearing more gunshots, Joe turned to see the remaining guards rushing across the room with drawn handguns. Bright flashes filled the room as they fired into the crowd surging through the doorway. Several in the front line of rushing bodies went down with flowers of blood blossoming on their clothing. The forceful impact of the bullets caused them to spin to the side or stop in their tracks. However, those behind quickly pushed past the falling figures to pour into the room.
The gunshots woke Joe from his trance. It seemed like his mind had been pulled through a long tunnel and raced back into his body. Situational awareness returned with a snap. Half of the comm center staff was swarmed within moments, going down with screams to match the intruders’. In a flash, the room went from quiet suspense to one filled with chaos, confusion, and shrieks of such volume and intensity that they threatened to split Joe’s head.
The firing from the two remaining guards had failed to stem the surge, which quickly moved from a dozen or so to a seemingly endless flow. Joe had no idea there were that many people left in the building, and concluded that they must have come from outside. Escape became his first and foremost thought. However, if he did make it out, he might have to contend with other attackers.
Joe saw quickly that there wasn’t anything he could do to help. If he remained, he would soon join the others being swarmed. He had to do something… and quickly. With his evening having been filled with reports of attacks from within their own ranks, it didn’t take him long to put two and two together. With a shout of “Everyone out,” he turned toward the still-closed doors on the far side of the room and began beating cheeks out of the control center.
Racing into the hallway, the sound of screaming chasing him out of the doorway, panic began to take hold. Once he began running, his mind was finally able to comprehend what had just transpired. Stations had gone off the air; fleets had ceased reporting. The communication channels from the entire Pacific theater had gone silent; all had mentioned being attacked just prior to going off the air. And in the central command building, they had now undergone an attack of their own. Hearing screams of agony and shrieks of madness behind him, he felt like his life was measured in seconds. He would soon join the others whose voices had gone silent.
IMG_00301
*   *   *   *   *
The stench of frozen flesh is in the air! Welcome to the Winter of Zombie Blog Tour 2015, with 40+ of the best zombie authors spreading the disease in the month of November.
Stop by the event page on Facebook so you don’t miss an interview, guest post or teaser…and pick up some great swag as well!
Giveaways galore from most of the authors as well as interaction with them!
#WinterofZombie is the hashtag for Twitter, too!

Cincopa Gallery

...