Cover image of Autumn (Autumn, #1)
Autumn (Autumn, #1)
David Moody
Quick Take
In less than 24 hours a viral epidemic destroys nearly all of the population. Within moments each victim suffers an agonising death. At the end of 10 minutes, only a handful of survivors remain. By the end of the first day those survivors wish they were dead. As the dead get up and walk, they know they are in hell.
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Autumn (Autumn, #1)

Introduction

"Autumn" by David Moody is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes readers on a terrifying journey through a world ravaged by a viral epidemic. In less than 24 hours, nearly all of the population is wiped out, and the survivors are left to face the horrors of a world filled with the undead. This book has garnered mixed reviews from readers, with some praising its slow-burning suspense and others finding it lacking in action and character development.

About David Moody

David Moody is an author known for his suspense-laced science fiction and horror novels. He first gained recognition with his zombie novel "Hater," which he self-published and eventually sold the film rights to Mark Johnson and Guillermo Del Toro. Moody's writing is characterized by its exploration of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, often depicting the end of the world and its aftermath.

Analysis of Views

  1. Slow-Paced Atmosphere: Many readers appreciate the slow-paced nature of the book, which creates a claustrophobic atmosphere reminiscent of living among zombies. This approach adds to the overall tension and horror of the story.

  2. Realistic Characters: Some readers find the characters in "Autumn" relatable and realistic, portraying how ordinary people might react to such a catastrophic event. This adds to the sense of authenticity and immersion in the story.

  3. Gradual Build-Up: The gradual build-up of tension and the gradual transformation of the undead into more dangerous creatures are praised by readers who enjoy seeing the story unfold gradually over time. This approach keeps readers engaged and eager to see what happens next.

  4. Emotional Depth: The book delves into the emotional depths of its characters, exploring their fears, anxieties, and struggles as they navigate a world filled with danger. This emotional resonance adds depth to the story and makes it more impactful for readers.

  5. Lack of Action: However, some readers find the book lacking in action and feel that it relies too heavily on suspense and atmosphere rather than delivering fast-paced action scenes. This can be a drawback for those who prefer more traditional zombie stories with high-stakes action sequences.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Unique Perspective: Readers recommend "Autumn" for its unique perspective on the zombie genre, focusing on the psychological impact of living among the undead rather than relying solely on action and gore. This approach sets it apart from other zombie stories and offers a fresh take on the genre.

  2. Engaging Storytelling: The book's engaging storytelling and gradual build-up of tension keep readers hooked from beginning to end. The emotional depth of the characters and their struggles add depth to the story, making it more impactful and memorable for readers.

  3. Atmospheric Setting: The atmospheric setting of "Autumn" immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and uncertainty. The slow-paced nature of the story allows readers to experience the horrors of this world alongside the characters, creating a sense of immersion that is both terrifying and captivating.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Lack of Action: Some readers find that "Autumn" lacks action and relies too heavily on suspense and atmosphere, which may not appeal to those who prefer traditional zombie stories with high-stakes action sequences. The slow-paced nature of the book may not be suitable for those seeking fast-paced thrills.

  2. Unrealistic Character Behavior: Some readers criticize the characters' behavior as unrealistic, finding it difficult to relate to their actions or understand their motivations. This can be a drawback for readers who prefer more relatable characters or those who enjoy exploring complex psychological aspects of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

Conclusion

"Autumn" by David Moody is a post-apocalyptic novel that explores the psychological impact of living among zombies in a world ravaged by a viral epidemic. While it has garnered mixed reviews from readers, many appreciate its slow-paced atmosphere, realistic characters, and gradual build-up of tension. However, some find it lacking in action and unrealistic character behavior, preferring more traditional zombie stories with high-stakes action sequences. Ultimately, whether or not you recommend this book depends on your personal preferences for suspense, character development, and action within the zombie genre.