The Zombie Chronicles: Escape
It’s two weeks to Halloween. And that means I’m thinking about zombies. Good thing that James Melzer today begins the release of his serialized audiobook, The Zombie Chronicles: Escape.
When an asteroid passes by our planet and leaves a trail of death in its wake, a quarter of the population have become the living dead.
Twenty-five years later the zombies are under the control of the government. Citizens are chosen to participate in Project Mirror, a cloning project in which their “mirrors” are used as food for the undead. When one man discovers that something in his blood is being used to create an army of super-zombies, he decides to help his mirror escape. In doing so he uncovers a secret so guarded that the powers that be will stop at nothing to eliminate him and all those that he loves.
The Zombie Chronicles: Escape is the first book is a series of edge-of-your-seat thrillers that will take you on an adventure beyond your wildest imagination and leave you wanting more with each episode.
The first five are in the default feed with more on the way. Or don’t be a zombie, and get new episodes on your own schedule with a custom feed. Yep, it’s free.
October 17th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Hey Everyone,
I just wanted to take a second and say what a pleasure it is to be here on Podiobooks.com and how thrilled I am to have you listening. Evo Terra has been a tremendous help at guiding me through the process and now it’s finally here!
I hope you guys enjoy listening and I look forward to hearing what you think.
Cheers,
James Melzer
October 19th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
[...] Free Fiction [courtesy of QuasarDragon]:@Project Gutenberg: “The Gallery” by Rog Phillips (1959).AntipodeanSF has its latest issue featuring short SF stories by many authors.Behind the Wainscot has a new issue up featuring fiction by Becca De La Rosa, Willow Fagan, Kristine Ong Muslim, and Laura Ellen Scott.Audio Fiction:@PodCastle: “Dead Languages” by Merrie Haskell, read by M. K. Hobson.@The Classic Tales Podcast: Part Two of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by B. J.@Pseudopod: “Periods” by Florence Ann Marlowe, read by Damaris Mannering.@SFFaudio: “A Transmutation Of Muddles” By Horace Brown Fyfe, read by Roy Trumbull. [from The Story Spieler]@Escape Pod: “Navy Brat” by Kay Kenyon, read by Dani Cutler.James Melzer begins serializing his book audiobook, The Zombie Chronicles: Escape. [via Podiobooker] [...]
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:19 am
So far, the story is good. The narrative is done well, and the plot is a wee bit different than what I was anticipating. Hopefully it continues! Great job thus far!
October 29th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Great story. Love it so far. It’s definately going to stay in my Top 10.
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
It’s nice to have a different kind of Zombie story.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
TruckerRich Says: Wow, OK great story so far, I’m really getting in to the characters. James does a great job reading the story. I highly recommend this great audio book. For more stories like this visit http://www.truckerrich.com
December 5th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
James,
I’m getting a real kick out of the story, and congrats on selling it that is pretty freaking sweet. It took me a little while to figure out that had not named the main character. I was talking to my friend and he asked that exact question. “what is the name of the main character?” I was like “….Uhh…I don’t know” So I look and there is no name. HA! It made me laugh. Anyway, keep up the good work!!!!
December 5th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Oh he has a name, you just don’t know it yet for a reason
January 17th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
how do i rate this?????
January 17th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
wait no i got it!
February 6th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I thought his first name was mentioned when he leaves the hospital or whatever during the flashback when he realizes who put the tape recorder in his pocket. I believe the receptionist calls him “Jim” or am I mistaken?
February 6th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Just relistened to the flashback, and I was wrong. Carry on.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:05 am
loving the story, got a bit gutted when i got the the latest episode, was just like i NEED MOREEE!!!!
so hurry James!!!!! haha
and by saying
“Oh he has a name, you just don’t know it yet for a reason”
has like got me thinking like crazy!!! who is nameless??? lol
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Nameless’s name is either Mitch, or Mitchell, it was mentioned by Jenny in one of the earlier episodes. Can’t remember which.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Nope, his name has never been revealed. Trust me, I’d know
February 24th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Really? I Could have sworn… so who’s Mitch/Mitchell then? It’s in there. I’ll find out what episode today.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Just started it yesterday and its very good!
March 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I have enjoyed this book so much, that along with fellow fangirl, Zodi, we have created TZC Fangirl Army. We would like to invite you to join us: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59458968030
We hope to see you there, and don’t forget to bring your zombie.
March 27th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
*Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee* TZC is the best and most awesome Podiobook I’ve ever listened to. Anyone who disagrees will be eaten alive. *nom*
<3
March 30th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I love zombie movies, and when I saw this I didn’t even hesitate in subscribing. Boy, and am I glad I did. I love this thing. This is not your typical “we’re being chased by zombies so let’s all hole up in a mall or something and try to survive”. This story has balls.
I want more zombie stories. I want more….braiiinnsss.
April 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Love the story & characters. Could use a wee bit of editing for grammar and usage. Also the prose gets purple-ish from time to time. Find an editor you trust.
April 26th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I’m afraid I couldn’t get past the obscenities. I tried a few times, but just couldn’t do it.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
You couldn’t get past the obscenities? This story nothing compared to some of the other stuff I’ve listened too. I can understand if you are a total prude, but it’s a zombie story for crying out loud. What do you want?
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
that is insane. the obscenities? you should only listen to awful christian or disney podcasts then. like octopon says, its a zombie horror story for f@#ks sake! i suppose you find the violence distasteful as well? i think its a good story. the only small gripe i have and its a small one is the canada accent but being as the author is from canada i dont think there is much that can be done about that. actually im kidding. boy the aliens were a twist i was not expecting! that leaves the story open ended for much more content! i just wish jj would put out episodes faster! he always ends the last one on a cliffhanger and i have trouble being patient waiting for more.
May 3rd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Yeah, asshole. The motherfucking obscenities. I fucking don’t like that shit in my stories, dickhead. It’s motherfucking superfluous.
May 4th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Whoa guys, calm down =P
Lowly is entitled to his opinion and if he doesn’t like swearing in his stories (just his comments), that’s cool. I can dig it.
I’m glad most of you are liking the story, as it’s almost over. Just 2 more episodes to go!
Play nice
May 8th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I’m just starting to get into the story, only a couple chapters in, and I have to say that the obscenities are a little distracting too.
They almost seem forced, or like they were tacked on to add some kind of flavor or grit to the story that isn’t needed.
Maybe it’s just cause I don’t know anyone that actually talks that way, so it’s a little jarring.
Seems like an interesting story anyway, and I look forward to hearing how it ends.
May 10th, 2009 at 9:53 am
….one of the best, #1 podcast, better than most audio books, I’ve ever listen to. Move over Seigler.
I’m not placing favouritism because I too am a Canadain, I actually didn’t know James was Canadian until I heard our world famous, ‘about’.
I am waiting patiently for his next novel.
***please don’t forget to donate – but listen Mezler, when your rich and even more famous, don’t forget about us podcast listeners.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:09 am
…About the ‘obscenities’
Each character in, any good novel must have their own style based on their education, how and where they grew up. Hence, some only know how to communicate with ‘curse’ words.
If you have problems with the ‘bad words’ you might read the printed novel of ‘Zombie Chronicles’, that way you can skip over the curse words. This novel is too bloody good to pass up because of the language of some of the characters.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Read my Review of the Zombie Chronicles here:
http://freshly-ground.blogspot.com/2009/05/podcast-novel-review-zombie-chronicles.html
“Melzer has single-handedly reinvented the zombie genre, while never abandoning everything we love about zombie stories – decaying flesh, the lust for human meat, brains exploding under well-aimed headshots.”
Click the link to read the full review.
June 21st, 2009 at 5:50 am
This is a cracking good story in its own right, but Melzer’s gleeful narration makes it extraordinary. His obvious enthusiasm for his material comes through in every word. The story is very vivid and original (hard to pull off with a tried-and-true trope like zombies) and the narrator sympathetic has all hell when he pauses to ponder his responsibility within the larger mess. I’m only about halfway through as I type this; clearing my schedule on my days off to catch up because I’ve JOINED THE INVASION!!!
June 25th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
So far this is an interesting story, but like a lot of the books here, the writing drags it down a bit. Honestly “they still just wanted one thing: to fucking eat your dick off like an Oscar Mayer wiener.” Really? How does a line like that not make you cringe? Like I said, the story is interesting, but it reads like something a teenager would write, all the while thinking he’s terribly clever.
Also, there’s a decided lack of logic to certain story points. For example, the guy gets a recording of someone saying, essentially “they’re using your blood to destroy the human race, trust me, now go do something reckless before it’s too late.” Why, exactly, does he take this at face value? There’s no evidence given, not even the slightest hint of what the voice is talking about, but he immediately sets out to do something reckless. I guess it kind of works if you accept that he’s paranoid already and just looking for an excuse, but I didn’t get that vibe. He’s not paranoid, he’s cynical, and people like that don’t set out to screw with the system.
I know I’m going to get attacked mercilessly for this, for whatever reason negative comments don’t seem to be welcomed in these reviews (except by the authors, oddly enough, who are usually very classy about it). I’m offering this up because I think that with another pass and a good editor this story could be something really great. Without that, it’s most likely destined to receive the inevitable glowing praise from the podiobooks.com audience, and that’s where it will end. That would be a real shame.
June 26th, 2009 at 2:18 am
JClark – Thanks for the comment and yes, I am classy about this stuff. I appreciate your honesty and I wanted to be the first to respond before anyone does attack you.
First, you should know that (much to my dismay) When I began this podiobook, I began it by podcasting the first draft of the novel while I was writing it. I broke the rule that states you should finish a book before podcasting it and yes, that is something that if I could go back and do over, I would. Too late.
Second, there are lines in the book that are there to purposely make you cringe, so if the one you speak of made you do that, good.
Third, in case you haven’t heard, all three books in the trilogy have been bought by Permuted Press with the first one, Escape, coming to print later this year. It has already gotten three good passes and a professional edit, so rest assured that by the time it hits the shelves, it will have been through some changes that make the story better and fix any plot holes that may have happened while I was writing it.
Feel free to drop by my website any time and leave a comment there as well if you have something on your mind. I welcome them and am very good about constructive criticism, which you have provided here. You obviously took some time to form your thoughts rather than just saying, “Man, this book sucks,” and I can respect that.
Cheers!
June 26th, 2009 at 4:51 am
I’ll be really interested to see the print book. Self publishing has its place, but so do editors. You’ve got some great ideas and an interesting narrative going (and after checking out your web site, I’, even more interested to see where things are going). Knowing that it’s a first draft explains pretty much everything I was commenting about above (and it’s better than any of my first drafts). Excellent!
July 6th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
The line about eating your dick off like an oscar meyer weiner made me chuckle and want to check out the next chapter. That’s my kind of humor!
July 28th, 2009 at 5:34 am
I’m not that keen on the whole zombie craze…kinda tired for me..
But I just started this one and am really liking it.
Great narrative and an interesting plot premise..at least so far..I’m really liking it a lot.
The first person narrative is unique for the podiobook and it works well here. It’s not the same old tread over zombie tale either..
It has some teeth of it’s own..
Some people get a little critical on pivotal plot points…but most books have their little holes..
and even real life is not always so logical to me. If you think it is…live a little while longer.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:42 am
This book was terrible. I could hardly finish it. It was either written for a 13 year old boy, or by a 13 year old boy. The drama was contrived, the character interactions were childish, and absolutely no suspense or horror. Awful.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I powered through the first few chapters, but to be frank, the incessant swearing(not that it offended me) and low production values were just too distracting in the end. The script/story did have some points that seemed worthwhile and interesting, but the writing was cliche and stuttering. “Bite your dick off like an oscar meyer weiner” stands as a shining example of the way the writing leaves a sour taste in your mouth, not because the phrase makes you shudder in horror, but because it seems so lacking in style, subtlety, or taste. Perhaps this line(and others like it) is supposed to be in keeping with the main character’s personality, but it comes off less edgy and more childish, no towards the author intended. Perhaps a very thorough round of editing, a second and third draft, and a professional voice-actor could save this audiobook, but as it stands I must recommend that the average reader take a pass. Come back later, when there is some polish, and some dignity to this work.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I’m having so much fun with this book! It’s definitely something that keeps me entertained on my breaks at work and when I’m riding the bus around town. I love James’ voice as well, and find it easy to visualise the events, the characters and the flesh-eaters.
After Nameless has his “dream” when he’s attacked by the zombie in his apartment, I wonder if it’s actually a psychic skill he has. I only wonder this after the “viewer” skill is mentioned in passing a couple of times.
Very interesting….Nameless sure seems to have some coveted blood.
I want more of the Apocalypse, now!
October 11th, 2009 at 3:14 am
Thanks for the kind words, Angela. I’m glad you’re having fun and enjoying the book.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:11 am
New listener here and up to episode 6, I think it is a great book so far. Luckily I found it today, now I can listen to the whole book right away (sorry for those suckers that had to wait, jk).
I know good and bad comments are needed (and I’m sure welcome), but remember the book is free. So if you don’t like it, don’t listen. The whole internet is out there. Also I thought the “Bite your dick off like an Oscar Meyer Wiener” line was quite comical and fitting for the character.
January 13th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Wow. this is awesome. I’ve been looking for some half decent zombie related audiobooks and I found something far better: “The Zombie chronicles: Escape”. It has been a really well balanced listen so far (I’m about half way through). Perhaps the most impressive quality is how the author manages to get away with such far fetched ideas by depicting a protagonist who seems just as skeptical as the listener often is. I can’t believe this is free.
February 5th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I tried to get into this but could not. The story has way to many plot holes, there is zero character build up and the interaction between them is horrible.at one point it goes from the main character not knowing anything too being the leader of the resistance and being the savior of the world all within a couple of sentences with no build up.the writting. Reads like a junior high fan fic piece.If you want a good zombie story check out were alive podcast, just google were alive you’ll find it, way better then this crap.
September 23rd, 2010 at 12:52 am
Enjoyable book, but horrible music between chapters.
March 4th, 2011 at 5:52 am
The story has a lot of potential but there are some serious things that I would consider “issues” with this podiobook.
Breezing through some of the author’s comments, he does seem to be classy and accept criticism in it’s context, so props for that. With that said, though, the writing is, as a few people have said, high school level at best. The dialog is redundant and stillted. The characters are a whirlwind of emotion and often their colorful descriptions aren’t reinforced by their actions, or perhaps simply from their lack of development.
The main character, though allegedly a proud American loses something with Canadian accent. This brings me to one of my biggest issues with the story and that is the voices and narration. To put it simply, the Mexican often sounded like an Indian, and the rest of the voices would get muddled if they were speaking in sequence and, what I found most annoying was everyone’s Canadian accent. There were so many “OOuts” and “abOOuts” that I can’t even count. Maybe most people don’t mind but, especially when different voices were used, again in sequence, I found it distracting. But then again, I’m a simple minded American, used to “American talk.”
To you James, for what my meager opinion counts for, potentially a very good storyline. I would say that your cadence and dialog could use some work as well as the gratuitous use of comparisons, just to give them some variation. Thanks for your hard work.
July 20th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Your use of analogies becomes wearisome.
The zombie looked at me like a puppy looks at a bone you gave it trying to decide if its real or plastic
I felt like a bag shit set on fire waiting to be stomped on.
There were so many. You definitely said ‘more faster’ at one point too.
October 13th, 2011 at 10:49 am
I have to say while I enjoyed the book
overall, I think the twist made me face palm.
SPOILERS****** I’m fine with it being alien in
origin, though that took some getting used to*****
I mean the fact they kept the main character in
the dark, just because they thought he wouldn’t
believe them… I mean He’s fighting zombies, why
would it be a stretch for him to buy what
they were hiding from him? That’s the thing
that drove me nuts, because it seemed like lazy writing
just to have the character go through a guessing game on
loyalty. Other than that, I liked it as a fun fast-food style
zombie book… hope to read more!
February 7th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Wow, the comments. Lazy writing? I guess they didn’t get the part about that this was the “character” talking, and not the author. It seems like a few people have issues on how the character came across.
I came across your book, on my way to reading The Infection / The Road. I figured, i’d listen to a few chapters of your book, then quickly jump to those guys. That didn’t happen, well atleast not prior to me finishing your book first. I literally could not pull myself from it. I’ve read a ton of zombie books, and i was impressed the direction you went with this. The characters were well thought out, and they were flawed in many ways themselves. But i loved the Children of the Dead. I threw you a few bucks, not much but if everybody read it and did what I did, you’d have some good money.
In the end, i love your work here…
April 23rd, 2012 at 1:13 pm
I’m enjoying the story, James. Thanks! One question: Why do you have the main character through out, ‘wetback’ and ‘flamer’? He dosen’t seem racist or homophobic. Or maybe he is… Probably more to be revealed as I listen on. Also, you have a really good reading voice. Bravo!