I received this book for free from Rhiannon Frater in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
As The World Dies Untold Tales Volume 3 by Rhianon Frater Series: As The World Dies Untold Tales #3
on June 2013
Genres: Orchard Books
Source: Rhiannon Frater
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In the third volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.
Returning to Texas after celebrating his divorce in Vegas, Rune, a biker cursed with the ability to see ghosts, discovers that the world is being taken over by the hungry undead. Soon he realizes he will have to depend on all his abilities to survive not only the ravenous zombies, but the dangerous men lurking on the back roads of Texas.
Senator Paige Brightman abandoned the Madison Mall and its inhabitants to the hungry hordes, but her journey did not end there. Her attempt to reach the president’s safe haven called Central has far reaching ramifications for her and the people she abandoned.
The final in the three stories reveals the aftermath of the great battle in SIEGE as one woman faces the ultimate decision whether to live or die in a world of the undead.
I’m fairly certain I’m repeating myself when I say I’m in love with this series, but really I don’t care! This series rocked my world thoroughly and completely, quickly becoming one of my favorites of all time, if not the favorite. So it’s no surprise that these untold tales garner just as much love from me. I rarely read novellas even when they’re part of a series, but I’m telling you, these ones are absolutely worth it. They put the cherry on top of an already fantastic series. And for the love of god if this is really your first time hearing me rave about these books, see what you’re missing here!
It may not have mattered for the other Untold Tales, but it’s pretty important to have read the complete As the World Dies series before you jump into this one as it does have major spoilers of the finale. We begin with Rune’s story, a peculiar character at that. Rune is a medium, and you can only imagine what he’s had to deal with when most of the world has just been eaten by zombies. Being able to see ghosts gives us an exceptionally interesting POV, especially knowing how this ability helped not only him, but the whole fort as well. And being a character that only appears late in the series, it was great to see what he went through from the beginning of this zombocalypse. Mostly, I love how he has all the looks of a dangerous badass, but he has one of the biggest hearts you will meet in this story. Plus he is extremely intelligent (nothing is more annoying than stupidity in an end of the world scenario).
Following Rune is Senator Paige Brightman’s story. GAH! That woman frustrates me to no end. It was all kinds of awesome to see how much of a self-centered bitch she really is, though, but only because you know what becomes of her. This story fills in the gap of what happened to her up until her demise. Her death was exactly what she deserved, and this short story makes it even more satisfying.
The most effective story of this collection for me was, by far, Emma’s. Starting right before the zombies come, we see her living the simple life with her 3 year old son and we feel the love she has for him instantly. It’s then that I knew my heart was in trouble. I could put myself exactly in her shoes having a carbon copy of her nudist little rascal of my own, which made this story intensely heartbreaking. Heartbreaking to the point where I was forced to hold on to this naive sense of hope that I knew was fruitless, only because it was easier than feeling the pain I knew was inescapable. This is yet another example of just how powerful this series truly is. I have rarely cared about fictional characters this much in my life, let alone in a zombie story. In such a short time, Emma was able to grab just a little corner of my heart. Her strength and fierce determination is simply unreal, plus knowing how important she will become to the characters I have loved throughout makes her an instant favorite. Her story also allows a glimpse into the fort after the ending of Siege which is honestly a real treat.
Every time I read these Untold Tales, all the feelings and raw emotions I had while reading the series get brought back to the surface, making them extremely nostalgic reads. Reading the final volume overwhelmed me with emotion; this time it’s truly and irrevocably the end. It’s crazy how much I continue to love these characters months later.
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Yes, this is my first time hearing about this series! I need to check it out ASAP!
Amy
Awesome review chick!! I have read Rune’s story so far and I am hoping to finish the rest this week! The Untold Tales really do bring you right back into the series and that world. I love it!
Jenea Whittington
I really need to get this series. It sounds awesome!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
Aylee
WOW, high praise!! I’m going to have to check out your previous reviews because I admit I’m not terribly familiar. I think I’m most impressed that these are novellas and you still say they are among your top favourites because I am not usually a big fan of novellas either. But it really seems that I have nothing to fear when it comes to these ones! Cool, thanks for turning me on to this, Giselle! I might never have heard about it before otherwise.
Kristin A.
This review=Win. I think you summed it up perfectly. This final Untold Tale was highly emotional and Emma’s story, so sad. I definitely had flashbacks to those Ten Tiny Fingers. Such a great series and while I’m sad it is over it was a great ride that’s for sure.
Melissas Eclectic Bookshelf
Everytime I see a review of one of Frater’s books on your page I wonder why I’ve yet to check her out! Great review:)
Siiri
It’s funny that it’s adult horror since the cover looks like a MG read lol. Rune kinda reminds me of a (teddy)bear — looks frightening, but has a big heart. Ha. I’m not big on novellas either, but I do enjoy the ones that go with my favorite series. Maybe I should give this series a try since it obviously excites you a lot. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Faith Sullivan
Giselle, I love the departure you took with this title. Thanks for keeping things interesting 🙂
Giselle
Departure from what? This has been my preferred genre for years 🙂
Lauren Elizabeth
Wow I’ve never heard of this series! I love anything and everything zombie, so this sounds perfect for me. I’m thrilled to hear the characters have stayed with you and that the stories bring about so much emotion. I’ve heard wonderful things about Rhiannon’s YA collaboration, so clearly I need to catch myself up on her work. This seems like a great place to start. Fantastic review!
Melliane
Oh I didn’t know it was the third book. I haven’t tried this author yet but each time I read your reviews I know I need to do it. It sounds so fun!
Bonnie R
Oh my gosh… I totally have the first two sitting on my shelf still needing to be read. I would love these! What is wrong with me?! I need to find them (my shelves are a bit crazy) and make these a priority. Thanks for the reminder. 😀
Mary @ BookSwarm
I LOVE THAT COVER!! So awesome. And you’ve convinced me. I’m downloading this series as we speak. I do love ghosts and zombies and guys on motorcycles so this is a total win.
Aman
I have never heard of this series, but thanks to you I just read the blurb for the first book and surprisingly I love it! Usually not a zombie fan, but I’ll be looking forward to starting this series!
Shooting Stars Mag
I’m not sure I’ve heard of this series yet either. Sheesh, where have I been? It sounds super amazing. I’m also really loving this cover! Must check out the actual novels. I’m not one to get into novellas either, but that’s great these would worth checking out and only added to your love of the books.
Savannah Bookswithbite
YUP! I have heard nothing but great things about this series! Thanks for sharing.
Eileen
Yay I know how much you LOVE LOVE LOVE Rhiannon Frater so I’m glad that this one was just as good! 😀 All of the characters’ stories sound like they were really well done and I kind of wish I could start the series right now so I can get to Emma’s story, the fact that she has a kid definitely can be soo heartbreaking and I see how you related to her so well 🙂
Fantastic review, Giselle!
Melanie
I’ve heard much love about this series, and I’m so glad you love this too! I can tell you love this series very much from that convincing first paragraph, hehe;) I like heart breaking at times, so I may try this series in the near future, after all- it’s not everyday I get to see you giving out 5 stars. ^,^ Emma sounds loveable just as the book is.
Brilliant review, Giselle! <33
Jennifer Bielman
WOW, I haven’t heard of this book or series before. But your love for it makes me interesting. The cover is crap but I am happy the inside isn’t.