Barely Alive, by Bonnie R. Paulson - My Review

Disclaimer - I was provided a review copy from the Promotional Book Tours to facilitate my reviews. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Barely Alive (book #1)

In twelve weeks, seventeen-year-old Paul Ledger will be dead. At least he hopes so. Paul is trapped in the worst cult the United States has ever seen. Infected with a zombie virus, symptoms culminate in a dead body but thriving mind over a course of twelve weeks. If he doesn't earn the final death he longs for, he’ll be chained in a basement facility, moaning for human flesh for eternity.

Sent out to kidnap girls for food, toys, or whatever the boss wants, Paul nabs Heather McCain. He’s not a fan of humans as a general rule, but even his graying skin and insatiable hunger for her flesh don’t stop her from reaching out to him. Give him the second chance he doesn't know he needs.

Overcome by his cravings, Paul bites her delectable skin. Amazingly, she doesn't develop the zombie-like side effects. When the boss discovers Heather’s immunity, he gives Paul an ultimatum – deliver up Heather and her family to continue the research or watch as Paul’s brother suffers the zombie fate. Paul has a chance to endure his short zombie existence knowing his brother is safe. But he’ll have to sacrifice Heather to do it. 

Check out the other book summaries on my original tour post with the giveaway.

Buy on Amazon | B&N

My Review:

I had the chance to review the entire Barely Alive series. I did enjoy reading them, and for anyone wanting their zombie paranormal fix, this would be it. It is rather bloody and dark, though I think that goes along with a good zombie story, right? I have mainly read paranormal comedies or paranormal romance with zombies and that was a whole different ball game. More like zombie light. This had a completely different feel.

This book and story line would be the stuff of my nightmares. From the viewpoint of Paul, a zombie, we see the fear and awareness of a waking nightmare. I found it interesting that the zombies only live for a short amount of time, you could say they are all terminal.

The zombie acts were a bit graphic for a typical YA read, in my opinion, but for older YA readers and adults it was a well developed and memorable story. This story really got my skin crawling with the idea of a zombie apocalypse. ...and you will definitely want to enter the giveaway for your ZA survival kit. *shiver*

Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane.

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