Of Men and Monsters

De: Ethan Matthews

Narrado por: Nick Gallagher

Jay Hargrove is struggling to survive in his cabin with a beautiful view of the Appalachian Mountains, in the remote woods of Virginia. The world had ended nearly two years ago and starvation is an apex predator that remains constant in his life now. Each day brings new problems and solutions as he quickly finds the living to be just as dangerous as the dead.

©2025 Ethan Matthews (P)2025 Ethan Matthews

Enjoyable tale of a man trying to survive

DISCLAIMER: I was given a free code for this book. I did not purchase it myself.

Overall the book is really enjoyable, the story is well paced even if it occasionally slows down at a few points. I don't know if it was the intention of the author, but there were several points where the narrative would highlight an otherwise innocuous action or detail and my "Final Destination" fried brain would keep expecting it to come up in a tragic fashion at a later point in the narrative (minor spoiler) but apart from one specific major instance that never happened. I don't know if it was intended, but it was certainly anxiety inducing.

The narrator is enjoyable, however (minor spoiler) there are three separate male characters who speak and when they interact together it can occasionally by difficult to know who specifically is speaking.

Note to Author/Audible: There is a 15 minute section at the end of the book, the chapter mark in the Audible app lists it as "Thanks for Reading" and it lasts for 15:05. This section does not appear to be what it should be, as the audio is just the first 15:05 of chapter 1, even cutting off mid word when it transitions to the next chapter "End Credits".

It has zombies

This was very good and makes a lot of sense as to what a zombie apocalypse would probably be like it was very well thought out and well worth getting

Loved it!

Of Men and Monsters is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller that blends visceral survival with moments of haunting introspection. The wilderness setting feels both beautiful and brutal, and Jay Hargrove’s struggle, physically, mentally, morally carries a raw authenticity. Matthews does a great job of making the collapse of society feel inevitable yet personal, and the narrative surprises you when you least expect it. It’s a must-listen for fans of suspense, horror, or anyone who enjoys exploring who people become when everything they know is gone.

Captivating Listen

I truly enjoyed the story. It brought me into the story. I felt what Jay felt. I connected with the other characters. By the middle of the narrative, I was ready to head down the little dirt road and play cards with Jay. By the end, I was ready to toast his health. My hope from here is that this turns into a multi part story. I'd love to hear how Jay's world continues to evolve and what other adventures are in his future.

The Missing Piece Meets the Big Z, as in Zombie

Okay, so my review title might be a bit more tongue in cheek than expected, but it's what came to mind when replaying the scenes and actions of our apocalyptic survivors who, despite significant differences, gravitate toward each other to create a dynamic duo of gardening and zombie killing. In all seriousness, this story's primary focus is on the brutal and terrifying aspects of the months and years following a world-wide extinction event. Getting by from one day to the next requires determination and sacrifice. But, with the right partner, it might just be possible. Detailed observations of the environment, and feelings, sets this story apart. Describing it as immersive barely scratches the skin. Nick Gallagher, through his fantastic narration, makes us believe that he is starving, and desperate, and yearning for any thread of hope left to grab. The listener is transported to a bleak future, where even the brightest day is pale compared to the unlikely friendship that can befall a scared survivor. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.0x.]

I enjoyed this listen from start to end

This was a fun one to listen to. The story was great and I became emotionally invested in the characters(no spoilers i promise). I definitely got a sense of realism as far as how things would go if the end of the world. This book captured that and covered some cool stuff that other zombie books didn't. I definitely recommend it.

Pretty standard zombie story

Narrator was solid. Story was fine. Received a free copy in exchange for n honest review.

Cozy Zombie Bromance

Alone in a world of the undead our hero eeka out a lonely solitary existance. The book has a a cozy slice of life vibe with a mind towards leisurely surviving the boredom with movies, music, and eventually a buddy. Its the sort if book with a casual vibe that muses over things like the digestive processes of the undead or what lurks within the rotting riches of abandoned houses. It's not without conflict and a big bad that leads to a harrowing cycle at the end. I went in not expecting much but ended up enjoying it.