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)

love it

I've read this once & listened to it twice Its my second fav Zombie movie!!

Kind of a different approach

If you could sum up The First Days in three words, what would they be?

Tough human emotions

Would you recommend The First Days to your friends? Why or why not?

yeah, it's a good look at a different side of human nature.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I believe that it did

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

The intensity of the children's demise and how it affected the mother in the first portion of the book.

Any additional comments?

I think that this book is a tough read (or listen) for a guy because it does focus a lot on the emotional state of the two women. With that said, it's tough to capture the human focus and this book seems to do it well. It's certainly not what I expect when I read a zombie novel, but I can't fault the author for writing from her imagination's point of view.
I believe that most guys will want to see more zombie fighting, survival skills and action, however, it's also a good idea to see what simmers below the surface if you are forced to survive together without running all over the country.

Interesting story, but not my cup of tea.

Good and interesting story, but a bit too much touchy feely for my tastes. if I didn't have so many other series that I find more to my liking, I may listen to book 2.

Good idea

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was ok

Would you recommend The First Days to your friends? Why or why not?

Possibly

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

No

Could you see The First Days being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

I was interested in listening to this book. Two hours in and the 'strong bonds' are horribly unbelievable. I actually hate the Jenny character, she gives women a bad name. I feel no pity for her, I just feel annoyed. They have been driving around in a truck for two days and all of the sudden Jenny is glomming onto Katey like she can't live without her. Katey starts out a lesbian and then within 15 seconds of meeting a good looking man she's thinking she's really always been bisexual. Seriously ... you've just fought a hoard of zombies and the first thing you think is how cute the first guy you see is? You're not shell shocked? And when the pal u just met is separated from you for a short while you go totally ballistic crazy in front of people you just met. If this is what battered women act like I don't want to read another story with them in it. I would have preferred Jenny being SILENT until a breakdown that gets all the craziness out of her system. She is just too damaged to be a decent character. It's going to take another unbelievable plot device to fix this story. Her stepson seems to have a high opinion of her. This really had potential to be the start of a great series! I have 4 hours left. I hope Jenny's personality does a 180 or I probably won't read the next book. Disappointed.

Get going or be undead

Who was your favorite character and why?

The gun shop owners I live in small town USA and know them

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

Getting the teen son from summer camp

Any additional comments?

Good listen kept you driving even when you are close to home

Thelma and Louise...with Zombies.

Would you listen to The First Days again? Why?

Yes! Because it was that good!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jenny. She transforms from an oppressed bimbo trophy wife, into a badass zombie slayer.

Which character – as performed by Cassandra Campbell – was your favorite?

Again, Jenny. Cassandra does an amazing job of bringing her to life.

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

While I did shed a tear or three while listening to this book's sequel, "Siege", I did not with this book. However, it did stir emotions because I cared about these characters. The story is engaging and at times intense.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my all-time favourite stories, and next to Oliver Wyman, Cassandra Campbell is my favourite audiobook performer. She gives the characters life and dimension, and the story is well written, rich and complex. If you like zombie fiction, this is a must-read!

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.