Hallowed Eve

Something of a guilty pleasure and much more than a zombie gorefest is 'Hallowed Eve.' The authors inspiration for this seems to be cinematic with plotlines similar to those seen in recent hits 'I am Legend', 'Children of Men, '28 Days Later' and even in the more distant 'Matrix' when we begin to understand Evie's growing physical capabilities in combat and the aura of a predetermined destiny for her worked into the plot.
It is a gripping tale from the outset with the dramatic back story of the devastating nymph mutation bug and its effects, the haunting demise of Evie/Joel's children, her withdrawal and nightmares, the sudden aphid attacks. The clever device of Joel having to inform Evie of some of the previous 2 months happenings when she finally rises from her sickbed also enables the reader to be fully up to speed with the plot without any need for unnecessary overlong info. dumps. I have only read to halfway ( I have another life to lead but this is very difficult to put down!) and one fascinating thread is how Evie is now possibly as much at risk from men as the only apparent woman survivor as she is from the mutated aphids. The tale is fast moving but easy to follow. The action scenes and guns on display would satisfy the most hardened gore fan and the writing is high quality throughout. The MC Evie is complex but realistic and just enough of the future plot of this is hidden from her and us to keep us guessing as to what will happen next.
I was glad that Iceland /Reykavik got a mention as otherwise the whole of this global catastrophe only seems to have involved the USA so far but its a minor quibble. Ill come back to finish this tomorrow. Easy to shelve as it is such a great read and going to do well on this site. We haven't even been introduced to the guardians yet. Worth a read and maybe the script for the next Hollywood blockbuster. Who would play Evie? Hilary Swank? Natalie Portman?

The second half of 'Hallowed Eve' maintains the writing quality and fast paced action of the first. So unusual for this genre to have such a multilayered story. Particularly effective were Evie's repeated hallucinations involving her dead children and the scene when she hears the voice of another woman and then opens that cabin door! Much more 'psychological' horror in this than one would normally expect.

Such a relief that she encounters these Native Americans. Otherwise every surviving man on the planet apart from Joel appears to have become a sadistic,murderous rapist. The story arc is careering expertly along with these ladybirds,Evies increasing communication abilities and encounters with the mysterious Drone. Sword wielding Roark is a particularly good character (perhaps Gerard Butler for him in the film version?) and that scene where they are locked together in a safe with aphids clambering all over is brilliant and has great cinematic potential.

Evie's hypersexuality,combined with her name,the fact that she is the only woman left, perhaps the mother of all future men and women is heavy symbollism but very effective alongside Roark's (is his first name Adam by the way?) fighting priest, sticking to his vow of celibacy despite all temptation. Their blood spattered,murderous,gory world is no Eden but I guess this wouldn't be half as effective if it was.

The only minor quibbles I had were of the occasional profusion of sentences beginning with 'I'. Difficult to eradicate in a first person narrative but could be thinned about a bit.

On the hunt with the Native Americans it may have worked better if the aphid attack had occurred toward the end. Seemed odd that they all chased rabbits etc. shortly after such a battle.

Also the transatlantic journey seemed a bit curtailed, with poor Ian's demise a little cursory and Evie's rescue by Jesse the only point where my credulity has been stretched. Why did the armed thugs let her empty her magazine into Ian's killer before overpowering her? Minor glitches easily sorted in this appealing, page turning cerebral thriller.

I got the 'Alien' references more clearly in Evie's bug dissection and better understanding of their physical attributes. But wouldn't 'mantis' be a better description than 'aphid'.

Interstate not a term we use on English roads

Also that 'cabal' of scientists worried me. Great word 'cabal' with interesting origins but the secretive/sinister overtones it conveys may be not be the best word to describe mankind's only hope (apart from Evie that is) but then I don't know yet how this tale ends.

Thrilled I was able to finish this installment of the trilogy....totally sucked in. Can't wait to read the fireworks b/w Evie and Jesse. Good Action sequences throughout, however, the death of the drone was too brief, and the idea of an entire aphid army marching into a watery grave seemed too easy.
Love that you let one guardian sustain the Drones bite, leaves us ready for more!

The challenging part is the first person narrative....Evie tells the story, but she has too big a vocabulary. The love scenes are perfect. The fight scenes very strong. However, it sometimes seems like I am reading Evie one minute, then an omniscient narrator the next. Evie's got a strong voice, but the details sometimes overwhelm her character for me. May be able to provide more specifics in the future.

Backed! 6 Stars! Really want to see it printed and bound. Best of Luck!

Thank You for posting the rest of Hallowed Eve for those of use who have been following it. It has been on my watch list and it seems that whenever an opening appeared on my bookshelf, Hallowed Eve was the most worthy of going back on- I think this is the most re-backed book that I have had on authonmy since I registered over a year ago. It is a very gritty story- even gruesome in many places, but I found that I couldn't put it down. Well written- I don't have critical feedback at this time. Still six stars and yes rebacked yet again- thank you for posting the rest. Best wishes to you. Desi.

HI Pam,
Here to read Hallowed Eve.
Hm, the writing is really very nice. There is only the odd word here and there that seems unnecessary.. However, I wasn't overly attracted to the piece, and I wondered why... I think that she's just heard some random report and then she's in bed, all happy. like I would be any morning... It doens't seem connected to what happens next and for quite a few paras, the reader is left with no 'goal' for the MC, nothing that hooks us in. Why would she worry? She's just lazing in bed. Yeah, she wonders if something's out there... but don't we all?
We hear her wondering about aaron, but why?
I like how he's ruggedly handsome. :)
Hmmm... chapter 1 ends with a nice hook.
Highly starred. Hope my comments are of value.
Monicque!
The Multiple Choice.

Great tagline. Guns. Gore. Sex. But what intrigues me from the opening chapter is that you promise so much more than this. There are thrills in store, for sure - I liked the way you very plausibly put the idea into our minds of your heroine being a trained, tough-as-nails martial arts expert, without sacrificing plausibility owing to her husband's training routines. And there even seems to be a spiritual dimension to your mutant-shredding action. Interesting, one to keep an eye on

P

Only on ch 6, haven't reached the guardians yet, but totally sucked in by the detail and the very real characters. Love this read, although it is a step away from my fav genres: fantasy, 60's spunky fiction and biographies. Used to more bubble gum and less gritty, but somehow, I can't rip myself away. Your writing is so detailed, so exciting....and I must say, it's left me wishing for a home in Missouri.
Can't wait to read more!
Got back to it and finished in two more evenings. I am drawn in especially by the idea of a deeper meaning to "Eve's" name/ role in resurrecting humankind. And hoping for more spiritual meanings in the conclusion. Loved the descriptions in the fight scenes...sometimes Evie says things with that inner voice of self-loathing that usually only women can identify with, otherwise the writing could easily be from a male author. Alongside these strengths, there is the interjection of some current culture with comments like "McCoffee" and the musical references, they draw me into a suspended disbelief....I am ready to put a lift kit on the suburban, add some gas tanks and solar panels and stock up on ammo. Have enjoyed living in these prose for a while...hope to see more writing of yours!
Loved the films, Zombieland, and Shawn of the Dead, this has movie-potential!

This is a pretty intense book! I've read a few chapters off and on and I'm really enjoying it. The pace is perfect and you've got a hell of a way with descriptions. Definitely movie material. I'll read on and see if I can be more helpful than just these general, raving comments!

Missy

Pam, I loved the additional chapter and can't wait to read more- I know you said you wouldn't post the story in its entirety, but if you plan to add a couple more chapters I would love to keep reading. 6 stars in appreciation and still backed. Thanks again. Desi.

Great job! Like how you lead up to some horrifying moments and then end the chapter. Highly recommended.
Dina of 33 and Halo of the Damned

Backed and ready to read. Great short intro. A return read would be great.
Dina of 33 and Halo of the Damned

Wow! This is an awesome story- well written. Usually with stories in the genre you kind of know what to expect. This however catches the reader by surprise and keeps the reader guessing and is not afraid to sacrifice an MC to achieve this. A mature piece of work- very dark and disturbing in places. The relationship between Evie and Roarck was done beautifully. The only thing that I struggled with was that I had difficulty keeping the native american character's straight- most likely due to too many similar characters introduced at the same time. I loved this- if your going to post more I would love nothing more to continue reading. 5 Stars and Backed. Desi.

The second half of 'Hallowed Eve' maintains the writing quality and fast paced action of the first. So unusual for this genre to have such a multilayered story. Particularly effective were Evie's repeated hallucinations involving her dead children and the scene when she hears the voice of another woman and then opens that cabin door! Much more 'psychological' horror in this than one would normally expect.

Such a relief that she encounters these Native Americans. Otherwise every surviving man on the planet apart from Joel appears to have become a sadistic,murderous rapist. The story arc is careering expertly along with these ladybirds,Evies increasing communication abilities and encounters with the mysterious Drone. Sword wielding Roark is a particularly good character (perhaps Gerard Butler for him in the film version?) and that scene where they are locked together in a safe with aphids clambering all over is brilliant and has great cinematic potential.

Evie's hypersexuality,combined with her name,the fact that she is the only woman left, perhaps the mother of all future men and women is heavy symbollism but very effective alongside Roark's (is his first name Adam by the way?) fighting priest, sticking to his vow of celibacy despite all temptation. Their blood spattered,murderous,gory world is no Eden but I guess this wouldn't be half as effective if it was.

The only minor quibbles I had were of the occasional profusion of sentences beginning with 'I'. Difficult to eradicate in a first person narrative but could be thinned about a bit.

On the hunt with the Native Americans it may have worked better if the aphid attack had occurred toward the end. Seemed odd that they all chased rabbits etc. shortly after such a battle.

Also the transatlantic journey seemed a bit curtailed, with poor Ian's demise a little cursory and Evie's rescue by Jesse the only point where my credulity has been stretched. Why did the armed thugs let her empty her magazine into Ian's killer before overpowering her? Minor glitches easily sorted in this appealing, page turning cerebral thriller.

I got the 'Alien' references more clearly in Evie's bug dissection and better understanding of their physical attributes. But wouldn't 'mantis' be a better description than 'aphid'.

Interstate not a term we use on English roads

Also that 'cabal' of scientists worried me. Great word 'cabal' with interesting origins but the secretive/sinister overtones it conveys may be not be the best word to describe mankind's only hope (apart from Evie that is) but then I don't know yet how this tale ends.

Awesome, Kim! The novel is complete, however, I won't post the entire thing. I'm considering posting the next two chapters so that the villain and the third guardian are introduced. Thank you so much for taking the time to read it!

P

Hello

I really enjoyed your book so much so that I want to know what happens next, do you have any plans to write more

Kim (journey to the Moon)

Hello

I really enjoyed your book so much so that I want to know what happens next, do you have any plans to write more

Kim (journey to the Moon)

Hey Pam, this story is someting I'd read and rip through. I like the pitch. It made me click and start reading. I can tell you have a good handle on your charcaters...you bring them out through description and dialogue...

The pace was good, but I would be careful with over describing "things" the wepons, the vest, etc... I'll give you an example..."despite the graphic images...widescreen" I don't think you need say widescreen..I would just say "screen". It's not the screen that aka TV tha's important...it's what's on it.

I like the idea of starting with a news broadcast to set the foundation and tone of what's happening. You could probably cut the two paragraphs down to one and get rid everything in them that's not moving the story forward. I get the idea and what you're trying to do, but they're opening paragrahs and they should move a little a faster....

Pam, these are just my thoughts...so don't change anything...wait until you hear what other people think. BTW- I really like the idea and your writing. I will be one of the first in line to buy your book!!!

Cheers,
Dwayne

Very Interesting! You have quite an imaginative mind! I admire greatly authors that can write about a world they have created and are so skilled that they can maintain it with the dialogue and scenes. Good Job!

Hi Pam,
Delighted to read Hallowed Eve. I got the feeling that you had an inner desire that the book will be made into a movie one day - that's a dream which is quite likely to happen. You have exhibited a rare talent to portray different personalities without a semblance of resemblance amongst each other and Evie stands out as a character that will remained etched in my memory. I shall read the rest if you will post them.
For now I have starred and backed it.
All the best.

Jay Adiyarath
EXPIRY DATE

Loved the book! Can't wait to read more!!

well written, creative, intelligent. Can't wait until I can hold the hard copy in my hands! Will read again!

Read the first three chapters, enjoying it so far :) backed with pleasure, and will be returning to read the rest!

Something of a guilty pleasure and much more than a zombie gorefest is 'Hallowed Eve.' The authors inspiration for this seems to be cinematic with plotlines similar to those seen in recent hits 'I am Legend', 'Children of Men, '28 Days Later' and even in the more distant 'Matrix' when we begin to understand Evie's growing physical capabilities in combat and the aura of a predetermined destiny for her worked into the plot.
It is a gripping tale from the outset with the dramatic back story of the devastating nymph mutation bug and its effects, the haunting demise of Evie/Joel's children, her withdrawal and nightmares, the sudden aphid attacks. The clever device of Joel having to inform Evie of some of the previous 2 months happenings when she finally rises from her sickbed also enables the reader to be fully up to speed with the plot without any need for unnecessary overlong info. dumps. I have only read to halfway ( I have another life to lead but this is very difficult to put down!) and one fascinating thread is how Evie is now possibly as much at risk from men as the only apparent woman survivor as she is from the mutated aphids. The tale is fast moving but easy to follow. The action scenes and guns on display would satisfy the most hardened gore fan and the writing is high quality throughout. The MC Evie is complex but realistic and just enough of the future plot of this is hidden from her and us to keep us guessing as to what will happen next.
I was glad that Iceland /Reykavik got a mention as otherwise the whole of this global catastrophe only seems to have involved the USA so far but its a minor quibble. Ill come back to finish this tomorrow. Easy to shelve as it is such a great read and going to do well on this site. We haven't even been introduced to the guardians yet. Worth a read and maybe the script for the next Hollywood blockbuster. Who would play Evie? Hilary Swank? Natalie Portman?

Hi. I only had time to brows through your work. I found the story interesting and plan to return for more reading and a detailed comment. As I’m very much pressed for time, tell me which chapter you want me to pay special attention to.
Meanwhile, could you please check TO KILL A DEAD MAN? I will appreciate it.
Dan

Massive improvement from what I've read, Pam. I'm proud proud proud! Backed and 6-star rated.

Backed Hallowed Eve. CC Brown suggested I check out your book. They thought a Lakota Native American, an Irish Catholic priest and a Buddhist doctor as guardians would interest me. But what really hooked me was when Eve saw the child with the teddy bear at the window. Have read chapters I and 2. Will finish later tonight. Hope you will check out CC Brown’s book Dark Side.
Kat 51

Hey Pam!

Half way through, and LOVING the story.

--j--

Thanks! Small world. I'll check out your book.

I went to high school with your sister-in-law Lesa and she posted the link to this on Facebook. I put my book on a few months ago but I still haven't posted many comments or participated in enough forums to really get much response. This actually sounds like an interesting read so I'll put on my bookshelf to check out further. My novel is Unladylike Behavior if you want to take a look.

I went to high school with your sister-in-law Lesa and she posted the link to this on Facebook. I put my book on a few months ago but I still haven't posted many comments or participated in enough forums to really get much response. This actually sounds like an interesting read so I'll put on my bookshelf to check out further. My novel is Unladylike Behavior if you want to take a look.