• Dark Recollections

  • Adrian's Undead Diary, Volume 1
  • By: Chris Philbrook
  • Narrated by: James Foster
  • Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,321 ratings)

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Dark Recollections  By  cover art

Dark Recollections

By: Chris Philbrook
Narrated by: James Foster
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Publisher's summary

For the first time, the Internet phenomenon is now in print! Beheading a zombie isn't easy in a world where you're more afraid of the living than the dead. Adrian Ring's simple life is thrown into chaos when the world is ripped apart by a plague of undead and legions of desperate survivors. Retreating to Auburn Lake Preparatory Academy, Adrian attempts to rescue friends and family on the way while dancing around his impending insanity over who and what he left behind, and evading maniac survivors. He saves his cat Otis, but shoots his mom. Pretty successful, all things considered.

Dark Recollections is the first part of Adrian's own story of how he survived after "That Day". Told through his eyes as he talks to his laptop, affectionately named 'Mr. Journal", and through short stories that entwine with his tales that bring forth dark visions of a world being eaten alive by an unimaginable evil. Adrian's Undead Diary is an eight-part epic about a solitary, guilt-stricken man who didn't think he deserved to live, but realized very soon that he survived and suffered for a reason. Dark Recollections is the first book in the AUD series. It covers Adrian's journal entries from September 21st 2010, to December 1st, 2010. Intermingled with his personal diary entries, book one also contains the short stories "Phil's Story", "McGreevy's Report", and "Soccer Mom".

©2010 Chris Philbrook (P)2014 Chris Philbrook

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

northern exposure meets zombieland

Any additional comments?


northern exposure meets zombieland? let me start with the northern exposure part. northern exposure was one of my favorite shows b/c it was odd and quirky with a great cast of characters, one of which was john corbett. he played a philosophical ex-convict who was a disc jockey and between songs, he'd comment on all kinds of things. his comments were funny and at times very insightful. anyway, adrian reminds me of john corbett's character on northern exposure. the narrator's voice also reminds me of john corbett's voice- easy and smooth to listen to.

i don't know if you've ever seen zombieland, but it is a pretty good zombie comedy. jessie eisenberg plays a geeky guy named columbus. he's survived by making rules, such as cardio (you have to be faster than the slowest person), double tap (always make sure you shot a zombie in the head), beware of bathrooms, etc... adrian also reminded me of columbus because like columbus, he started to come up with rules as he survived certain situations.

as the story opens, adrian begins journaling because he's lonely. he starts his journal, who he calls mr. journal, in september. as he opens up, we learn that the zombie outbreak started like 3 months earlier in june. adrian is a resdence advisor at a small but elite private school. basically, he works the night shift in a dorm watching over the students.

the story swings between time frames. adrian will describe what he has been presently doing and how he got to where he is. the present entries describe his activities scavenging and securing the campus. his other entries recount the initial outbreak and the choices he made.

there are a couple of extended vignettes that are told from the perspective of people that encountered adrian during the initial outbreak. one is phil, a gun store clerk, and the other is soccer mom, a mom who encountered adrian at a grocery story. both are really good stories.

the story is kind of slow, but that's ok. this is not an action-packed run and gun shot 'em type story. the zombies are shamblers with kind of a twist- they don't moan, which if you think about it has some scary implications, but you can listen about them when you download the book!

overall, this is a funny yet at times emotionally gripping story. i'd classify the humor as dry humor, and at times, guy humor.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

'bap,''kapow,'and 'whap'

What I loved about this book is that it is amazingly simple to listen too. The action scenes gave me the same feeling as when I was a kid reading a batman comic. Of course the violence in the book does not make it suitable for kids. Consider it a mature audience comic :-)

I loved the narration; it seemed to suit the characters well. Due to the style in which the story is written, the narrator does not need to change voices for each character (it is Adrian’s diary after all). It takes a special kind of narrator in my view to pull off multiple voices in a story!

Just a comment regarding the speed of the narration: The speed was to slow for 1x, 1.25 is ok for most of the story without distracting the listener too much. But I listened to it at 1.5x speed for most of it, only slowly down a couple of times when the scene demanded it! To my surprise there were several scenes which need to be slowed down to give it emotional justice. Who would think a zombie book actually needing to be slowed down so I could properly experience the emotion of the story! The increase speed of the narration does mean the story is somewhat less in time than is advertised.

The author has given the main character ‘Adrian’ a great sense of humour. In fact the main character reminding me of the main character from ‘Mountain Man’ and ‘The Hospital’ two of my favourite zombie stories. See the links below for my reviews of those two;

http://www.audible.com/listener/Dean-Thomas/AO082F0ADPGB5/ref=a_listener__c1_2_1_rvwTtl?asin=B00IRI3JIW
http://www.audible.com/listener/Dean-Thomas/AO082F0ADPGB5/ref=a_listener__c1_2_10_rvwTtl_s?asin=B00IRIWNUM

I love zombie stories (I know I am a pretty shallow guy) and this one is up in my top 5!
BUT and there is always a ‘but’ and this is a pretty big ‘but’! My recommendation is don’t buy this story until book 2 is available on audible. It isn’t available to me… maybe because I am in Australia. Us ‘aussies’ often don’t get the same choice as the rest of the world! I was extremely ticked off with the ending, as it doesn’t bring any closure in any way shape or form. SO COME ON AUDIBLE! Where is the rest of the series?

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Simply amazing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you are a zombie fan at all, then you definitely need to check out Adrian's Undead Diary. Dark Recollections is the first book in the series and James Foster has done a WONDERFUL job at bringing Adrian to life for his listeners.

Who was your favorite character and why?

*AA meeting style:* Hi my name is Jamie and I have a crush on Adrian. Thank you.

What does James Foster bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing Adrian talk about his daily adventures gives the reader the chance to sit back and imagine themselves in his shoes, fighting the undead alongside him, helping to find and secure a place to live after the world falls apart.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book (series) has made me laugh out loud, shed more than a few tears, get so mad I threw something, and so scared that I was afraid to hear what came next. Chris Philbrook has a way of getting into the mind of his readers, drawing them in and weaving through their grey matter until they are completely immersed in the world he has created.

Any additional comments?

I am normally not a big audio book person, I prefer to read the words myself. However, James was able to catch my attention and keep me hooked throughout the story, which is quite a feat. Kudos to him, and to Chris for such a wonderful storyline!!

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well paced, great narration, enjoyable Zombieness

Would you consider the audio edition of Dark Recollections to be better than the print version?

I would. Although, I only listen to audiobooks so I might be a bit biased in this regard. I can't even imagine hearing Adrian voiced by anyone other than James Foster. His voice makes this series so enjoyable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adrian is a fantastic character. I'm not going to spoil anything in this review, but as the series progresses there are a number of other fantastic characters. However, since this is a review of the first book I'll focus on Adrian. I think the thing I like about Adrian is the fact that while yes, he DOES have a military background, it is not used as a writing crutch. The dude literally knows nothing about survival that the average person wouldn't be able to figure out. He's in good shape and can shoot a rifle. That's about the extent of his military skills really coming into play. He's a pretty normal guy and I find myself relating to him and enjoying his little tangents and stories.

Have you listened to any of James Foster’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe I have. However, I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed his reading in this series. The only criticism I have (and it's very minor) is that sometimes his voice changes from chapter to chapter. Almost as if you can tell where a new recording session started off and it takes him a minute or two to get completely back into character. At one point I was actually panicking thinking that the narrator had been switched mid book, but after a minute or two it became obvious that he just needed to find his "voice" again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wouldn't say that I was overly "moved". It's not that kind of story. However, I like Adrian's attitude when dealing with other survivors early on.

Any additional comments?

I'm a huge zombie fan. I've enjoyed many other series including Plague of the Dead, Day by Day Armageddon, The Remaining, Mountain Man, James Cook's Series with our friend Gus, The Rot and Ruin Series and many more. What sets this series apart from the others is the pace. I like the detail that goes into the entries (and the short stories following characters Adrian comes across). I love how the Zombies remain a focus even later in the series. In many of the series I've mentioned, the story often grows too large too fast, and the the day-to-day survival aspects get missed out in favour of more large scale social and economic challenges. I like the detailed accounts of the more mundane aspects of Adrian's survival, and I think the balance of detail and momentum is very well done. I would recommend this series to any zombie fan looking for an enjoyable read.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hesitate No Longer!

If you're looking for a good zombie series to start, you've found it! Just click "Add to cart".

I have to thank Audible for adding this book and starting me on this series and author. I got so hooked that I ended up reading the books they didn't have on Audible yet, and I'll end up getting the audios as they come out.

Adrian's character is developed so thoroughly in these books, he becomes like a close friend. He's flawed, strong, foolish, smart, and can laugh at himself. And who can say no to a guy who loves his cat? The first person POV gives the story an intimate feeling, but I also love the "shorts" where we get to see Adrian through other people's eyes, since their view of him is so much different from his own.

Following his accomplishments in planning/securing the campus and surroundings is really satisfying. I'm interested to see how this series wraps up. It's really tough to put any of these books down, because I HAVE to know what happens next!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

REALLY LIKE ADRIAN!!!

What made the experience of listening to Dark Recollections the most enjoyable?

I liked the story, the diary format, and the humorous narration...

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adrian of course!!

Have you listened to any of James Foster’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope, but I am bout too,,,bought books 2-4 in the December sale...I knew I would love this series..it has been recommended to me many times...plus I super dig Zombie fiction....lol

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed a lot...Adrian is hilarious!!!

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

When I saw this on the weekly Audiobookblast email, I was stoked...I had to have it!!!
I loved everything about this story...its a unique take on the zompacolypse....and written with lots of humor! This is Adrian's beginning diary of the zombie virus break out...how he survives and preps himself...its really funny...and I enjoyed every minute of it!!! If you are a fan of the genre, then you have to pick this one up...I am moving on to book 2 now!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!!!!!

OK, this was seriously brilliant!!! I flew through it and listened to it in a day! When you think of a zombie book, it feels like nothing new can be added, but Chris Philbrook manages just that! The story is told in diary format, which I found highly entertaining!! It added that extra bit of uniqueness to the story. Also, when you think of zombie books, you don't think of laughs, but again, Chris Philbrook delivers. I found myself laughing and sniggering a lot while listening.

This part of the blurb sums it up perfectly "Dark Recollections is the first part of Adrian's own story of how he survived after "That Day." Told through his eyes as he talks to his laptop, affectionately named 'Mr. Journal," and through short stories that entwine with his tales that bring forth dark visions of a world being eaten alive by an unimaginable evil. Adrian's Undead Diary is an eight part epic about a solitary, guilt stricken man that didn't think he deserved to live, but realizes very soon that he survived, and suffered for a reason" so I'm going to try and gather my thoughts and try not to ramble too much ;)

Adrian was such a fantastic character. He was resourceful, ex-military, brave (mostly) and very funny. The journal entries gave such an in depth look at his character, that you can't help but adore him! He talks to his friend "Mr. Journal" to keep sane and to document things for future generations. The journal goes back and forth between present and what happened "that Day". I loved this because it really felt like you were listening to a real diary entry!

Not many people can pull off a full book written in diary format but this author does. He knows that a true diary wouldn't just be action packed, but it would be more thoughts, feelings and emotions. This is what we have here. We don't just have a story written in journal format, we have a proper journal told to us in story format. We get a real sense of who Adrian is and of his feelings at both the time it happened and each day after.

In all this was a fan-Freaking-Tastic book and I really really need to get book 2 soon. I finished this about a week or so ago and I'm still thinking about it! The author really captured my attention with his writing style and wit, and I know I will definitely be checking out more by him!! There's only one thing left to say, and that's go buy it NOW!!

I've listened to a few books narrated by James Foster and he never fails to deliver!! He has such an easy going voice, that he immediately draws you into the story. He knows to use the right tone at the right time, and gives each character their own personality! I'd highly recommend his work.

*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review, via Audio Book Blast. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Zombie buffs take on the Zpocalypse

Would you listen to Dark Recollections again? Why?

I absolutely would and will. The pace is strong, it keeps moving, but isn't rushed. The story develops well and the character is great. He isn't what I would call traditionally "likable" but he is ABSOLUTELY the guy you'd want to be with during the zpocalypse.

What other book might you compare Dark Recollections to and why?

It reminds me of The Walking Dead comic more than other fiction I've read. The book does a good job of keeping you mindful of zombies, but it is focused on the human struggle. What is different is that there is one character (so far) and you get really into his head.

What does James Foster bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I've said this in other reviews...the less I notice the narrator, the better. However, in a very positive way I did notice James expression of the characters sarcasm and confidence. I appreciated how he really got into the character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have. I listen during my commute though and burned through it quite quickly, finding a few extra errands to run during the week.

Any additional comments?

If I have any critique of the book, it is that it ends oddly. The author answered my question (on Twitter..which was cool) that it is written as a blog and was meant to be read in one sitting. I understand the literary choice, it makes sense...still not sure I like it. :)
I will absolutely be reading the whole series though, I'm invested in this character now.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

It was the BEST Writing and the WORST Writing all

in one book.
Adrian would say "How can someone write so brilliantly in the first person and so terribly in the third person? And when I say terribly I mean toe pushing terribly!"

Yes- this absolutely the best and worst book I have ever read. Lets get the "toe pushing" (stolen from Adrian!) out of the way. The book has third person view points inserted into the book to round out the story. Mercifully (at least through book five) they are just a few of these. These third person view point sections manage to be both Turgid and Purple at the same time. A few examples "she went over to the heavy chair and realized it was too heavy to lift" or "she pushed the bed against the door and then leaned against it." Although thankfully I cannot recall the purple prose it is worthy of Edgar Rice Borroughs "She furrowed her dark gleam brow and wiped the salty sweat stand tears from he olive brown skin" stuff. The other "sin" is that of telling the reader. For example "the immature girls ran into the room."… don't tell us they are immature…SHOW US. The third person views are telling us that people are "scared, frightened, angry"… how about showing us through their actions and letting the reader draw the conclusion?

HOWEVER…the first person writing is not only the best I have encountered in Zombiedom, it is some of the best anywhere. Adrian records each day in a diary and the realism (prosaic mixed with incredible) allows the willing suspension of disbelief. We see Adrian began to change and grow as he struggles to help rebuild society one difficult step at a time and one decision at a time. The other characters, as illuminated by Adrian's writing, as some of the best in fiction - three dimensional characters- lovable, irritating, smart, you name if they are their in all the "human-ness". And to top it all Abbey and Adrian (male and female protagonists) never fall in love and have sex. Abbey does NOT need to be rescued and they have a Uncle- Niece type relationship. As bad as the third person view point writing is the first person (Adrian's diary) is some of the best fiction ever written.

If I could figure out how to get audible to skip the third person baloney I would- but the stuff is inserted mid chapter in the Audible Format and I am unwilling to fast forward it and risk missing one word of Adrian's diary (first person).

I would actually pay 25% more for the diaries WITHOUT the Third Person. As Adrian would say "Go figure".

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very fun series!!

What made the experience of listening to Dark Recollections the most enjoyable?

I found the story "In General" very pleasent with some of the mix humor, gore,and actions of the people in the story. I found myself invested in the characters and had a good feel of the real emotional reactions to the events in their lives.
The main character ( Adrian ) is a typical dude of guys and having exmilitary,ex club bouncer , and a big size intimitdating guy with fighting skills. With all that I described the most important thing about ( Adrian ) is that he turns out to be a down to earth nice guy ,as you learn to know him over the time you listen about his thoughts as he goes day to day in his journal entries. The books only faults is that it goes side track with other non important characters lives and gives a account of how they dealt with the moment the SHTF as the zombies arrose. This made me want to skip forward on the story track to my main guy (Adrian) journal accounts as I knew this is the meat and potatoes of the story.
You will not be dissapointed to drop a credit on this one as this Zombie storyline is fun and has a good flow with the narrator.

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