The First Days

As the World Dies, Book 1

By: Rhiannon Frater

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Rhiannon Frater's As the World Dies trilogy is an Internet sensation. The first two books, The First Days and Fighting to Survive, have won the Dead Letter Award for Best Novel from Mail Order Zombie. The First Days was named one of the Best Zombie Books of the Decade by the Harrisburg Book Examiner. And AmericanHorrorBlog calls Rhiannon Frater "a writer to watch".

The morning that the world ends, Katie is getting ready for court and housewife Jenni is taking care of her family. Less than two hours later, they are fleeing for their lives from a zombie horde. Thrown together by circumstance, Jenni and Katie become a powerful zombie-killing partnership, mowing down zombies as they rescue Jenni's stepson, Jason, from an infected campground. They find sanctuary in a tiny, roughly fortified Texas town. There Jenni and Katie find they are both attracted to Travis, leader of the survivors; and the refugees must slaughter people they know, who have returned in zombie form.

Fast-paced and exciting, filled with characters who grab your heart, The First Days: As the World Dies is the beginning of a frightening trilogy.

©2008, 2011 Rhiannon Frater (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the few zombie novels fueled by the power of feminine protagonists in an apocalyptic world gone wrong." ( Harrisburg Book Examiner)

Ready for the sequel...

I enjoyed the storyline, the concept and how the individual characters came together, to co-exhist. I also enjoyed the different types of zombies (shamblers/sprinters) and the varied methods of dispatchment.

This story is a different twist than the usual genre because it centers on a central female character....nice touch.

The female narrator could deliver with more power and less (cutsie) fluff.

The sequel is now in my updated list to listen.

Refreshing take on the zombie genre

Would you listen to The First Days again? Why?

Absolutely, and I plan on it. I loved that they didn't shy away from the fact there would be child zombies, lots of them. Most books/movies gloss over that fact. It makes for a more terrifying realistic view.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Katie for sure, I related to her more. She was such a strong character, even in her vulnerable moments, she was never ashamed of she she was, and she loved unconditionally.

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

This was the first time I have heard one of her narrations, but I def will again.

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

The first chapter was heartbreaking and real and hooked me from the get go. I was completely invested and so glad I picked up this book.

Any additional comments?

Take a chance on this series, you wont be disappointed.

The Best, the best, the best.The Pinnacle of Z-lit

This was one of the best zombie books if have ever read. It was balanced and believable. It was suspenseful, and kept me on the edge of my seat. As far as zed lit goes this one was as believable and exciting as they come.
It was a refreshing change to see this type of book from a female perspective, but even as a male listener, it was not off-putting whatsoever.
The characters were well-developed and interesting.
I would highly recommend this if you are a fan of the genre, or even just giving it a try.

kept me listening

very emotional in several places. could understand several behaviors. I'm about to start book 2.

No "Fainting Flowers" here!

What did you love best about The First Days?

I really liked the character descriptions. The women were completely believable as women who have been challenged, broken and put back together as "warriors".

What other book might you compare The First Days to and why?

Patient Zero

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

I liked the scene where she kills the Zombie because it looks like her abusive father.

Any additional comments?

This was a great listen for anyone into Zombie books. I started in the morning and finished that evening around 12 pm. Could not stop listening.

really enjoyed

loved the characters and story. i am going through a zombie phase right now and really enjoyed this book. can't wait to start the next one.

Walking Dead in Texas

A zombie by any other name....
Why are they fast runners? They can't be "thinking"! Can they?

Amazing and haunting

The opening to this book had me hooks. This is a great book to read if you’re into zombie apocalypse reading. I highly recommend this book.

This was my VERY first zombie book ever.

Came across this book a few years ago never heard of a zombie book before this one, now thanks to Rhiannon I'm an avid reader and listener. To say this is a great story is like saying air is nice to breath, this book is the definition of the zombie genre! If your anything like me you will get emotionally invested in the characters and wonder what twists are waiting for them. As I have Learned over the years no matter what this author touch it comes out GOLD!!

Amazing lead women , and story

Where does The First Days rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A top 5 , really great series.

What did you like best about this story?

It doesn't hold back, gives the point of view even if it hurts ur heart.

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

Yes she is really good , all the characters are different.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sometimes even when you live you feel like your dying.