I know I'm prejudiced because I love zombie stories, but books like this are why I keep going back. The author drops you right into the action, with a character, Tom, making his way through a zombie wasteland to find his sister. There was suspense and chaos from the beginning, and I got to know Tom and his motivations as I watched him deal with the dangers. There was a bit of a twist with zombie lore and while I felt satisfied with the story, I'm hoping there are more stories that take place in this world.
Thanks to NetGalley I was listening to the audiobook, which was excellent and kept me on edge through the whole (short) story.

Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment (Plagued States of America) (Volume 1)
by Better Hero Army
The main character has to deal with ten years of guilt because he did not save his little sister when he was a preteen. He has to understand the ramifications of the plague infection on the population. And the realization that he was not given all the facts.
The book dives into the idea of responsibility and the sense of corruption and miss information that happens in times of emergency. The science experiments that are covered up. Repercussions that are unknown, and the guilt of never being good enough. Wrapped in the popular zombie motif, this book shows the human outcome of misinformation and difficulty of systemic collapse.

The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment by Better Hero Army offers a fresh and inventive twist on the zombie genre, kicking off a promising series with originality and intrigue. From the start, this audiobook sets itself apart by introducing a new kind of undead—one that defies the typical zombie mold seen in most shows and films. That unique premise alone makes it an instant draw for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction.

The writing is sharp and engaging, delivering a fast-paced narrative that keeps the listener hooked. There’s a sense of unpredictability throughout the story, as the world-building slowly reveals deeper layers behind the zombie outbreak and the emergence of the so-called “half-breeds.”

The narration adds another level of immersion, bringing the story and characters to life with energy and clarity. It’s a well-executed performance that complements the novel’s tone and pace, making for an enjoyable listening experience from beginning to end.

The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment is a strong and inventive start to a series that promises to push the boundaries of the genre. Perfect for fans looking for something new in the world of the undead.

I absolutely loved Plagued! From the very first chapter, I was drawn into this original and fast-paced zombie dystopian world. The plot was tense yet believable, and the characters—especially Penelope—were engaging and full of depth. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. She’s fierce, determined, and someone I genuinely want to see more of in future instalments.

The audiobook narration was fantastic—bringing each character to life and adding an extra layer of immersion to the story. The emotional moments landed beautifully, and the action scenes were delivered with real punch.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This was a brilliant listen—well-paced, well-written, and completely addictive. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next in the series!