Requiem

After the Purge: Volume 1

By: Sam Sisavath

Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock

Six years ago, the world was plunged into darkness. Five years ago, it got a second chance. Now, the fight for what's left begins....

They called it the Purge.

History books call it the Purge, and it altered the course of human history. A breed of seemingly unkillable creatures that once lurked in the shadows of mankind's past finally revealed themselves. Driven by an insatiable lust for human blood, these monsters - dubbed "ghouls" by some - consumed the globe in one bloody, awful night.

Their numbers growing exponentially through infection, they felled the unprepared governments of the world with hardly any resistance. In the yearlong nightmare that followed, survivors were turned into chattel for the generations of ghouls to come. Most chose to cooperate, but a brave few fought back, and thanks to their sacrifice, the ghouls were defeated and driven back into the darkness.

Humanity was given a second chance, but the world post-Purge will never be the same. The cities have been abandoned, technology is limited, law and order is nonexistent, and survivors live off the land in small, isolated communities in the countryside. Nightfall is no longer the harbinger of doom it once was, but the night will never be completely terror-free. Though vastly smaller in number and weaker than they've ever been, the ghoul menace lingers.

But the monsters are now the hunted. Men and women who suffered unimaginable horrors under the yearlong Purge roam the land, seeking out the creatures wherever they hide. They call themselves slayers. They are skilled, dangerous, and they have scores to settle.

Two strangers on a dangerous road.

Wash is a young slayer scouring what's left of America in search of one very specific ghoul. He will find it even if he has to brave hell itself to do so. Ana is a woman who is not what she seems - cunning, smart, and far more capable than she lets on.

©2017 Sam Sisavath (P)2019 Sam Sisavath

I need book 2 in audio, STAT!

I was a big fan of The Walking Dead, until it jumped the shark (at least in my opinion!) so when Aaron Shedlocked mentioned this book in a FB live he did, I jumped at the chance to listen. Although I've read quite a few post-apocalyptic books, this was actually my first in audiobook, and I really enjoyed it! I thought the premise was interesting, and the story kept me on the edge of my seat.

Requiem is really entertaining. Everything that happened worked to move the story along. There's a lot of build-up in this book as to what's to come for Wash, and Ana, but I liked that there was resolution to one aspect, at least for Ana. Sometimes the first book in a series can feel like it's just the beginning- introducing the charactersand laying the groundwork, without much of an actual story, but Requiem had it all, while definitely leaving me wanting more! I'm so intrigued by the old man, if there's a story behind the watch, who's the one-eyed blue-eyed ghoul! I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. I'm not sure if I'll have the patience to wait for the audiobook of Tokens, I may just have to grab the ebook to satisfy my curiosity.

After checking on GR I see that Requiem is a spin-off/continuation of another series by the author, but to be honest, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I thought there was enough info given about the Ghouls and the Purge to make it easy to jump right into this series. But I do think I'll have to go back to see where it all began!

Aaron Shedlock is such a terrific narrator, I really need to listen to more books with him. He's got such a great raspy voice, it was perfect for how I'd picture Wash's character. I also really like how he doesn't overly "act" with the female voices, just changes his voice enough so you know he's voicing a female. I hope he's lined up to do book 2 in this series- even if I read it I'll for sure come back to listen!

Good

Never read the proceeding books on the Purge, but this one is indeed quite interesting. Will get the next in the series. The two main characters are interesting, believable and interact together well. It’s a different take on zombies, (makes me want to go back to the first series on the Purge) but in a good way.

Best PA series ever!

Sam Sisavath's PURGE series and spin-offs are an automatic 1-click for me. Outstanding world development, characters who feel real, and danger that never ends. I re-read the books and re-listen to the audio over and over. A+ experience for readers.

Not the typical zombie story line.

Great characters. Just enough zombie action. I can't wait for more. Also found the performance really spot on.

Great Fast Paced Listen

The writing as a whole had me hanging on every word. It was absolutely captivating from beginning to end! Awesome bad*ss stong characters that are relatable and well written. Fast paced plot with a lot of action, some mystery, ghouls, and a whisper of romance. Great details and descriptions throughout. Author was new to me but I will gladly be listening again.

I've listened to Aaron Shedlock in multiple romance audiobooks, so it was really neat to listen to one of his performances that was a different genre. As usual, he brings us another fabulous performance and represents all of the characters well, especially Wash. He is one of my all time favorite narrators in general, so this listen was a real treat for me.

I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

A Redhead, A Good Guy, Zombies, Bad Guys, and Guns

I enjoyed the story. As the title says, it has everything a good Zombie book should. The narrator did a great job with capturing the personality of the characters.