The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak - Review


(The Harvesting)
Author: Melanie Karsak
Page Count: 394
Series: The Harvesting #1
Publication Date: September 18, 2012

It's all fun and games until someone ends up undead.

Though Layla reluctantly returns home to rural Hamletville after a desperate call from her psychic grandmother, she could never have anticipated the horror of what Grandma Petrovich has foreseen. The residents of Hamletville will need Layla's help if they are to survive the zombie apocalypse that's upon them. But that is not the only problem. With mankind silenced, it soon becomes apparent that we were never alone. As the beings living on the fringe seek to reclaim power, Layla must find a way to protect the ones she loves or all humanity may be lost.



Review:

I knew within the first few pages that The Harvesting would be a good book. Strong protagonist check, zombies check, not just one but two hot guys surviving the end of the world check x2, however, I wasn't prepared for how mind blowing this book would actually become. Over the course of just under 400 pages this book twisted and transformed from standard hack and slash zombie fare (which I love and would be fine with) to something that transcended genres creating not only a book with heart but also guts (no pun intended).

The Harvesting starts before all hell breaks loose. Layla our kick butt heroine is a Medieval weapons instructor and is teaching a class when she receives a call from her grandmother cryptically demanding she return home. Layla agrees reluctantly and prepares to make the 500 mile drive home. You can sense the entire time that all Layla' s decisions are taken with a certain finality even the character doesn't understand. Once back her grandmother sends her to town gathering supplies though not revealing why. Two days later Layla will wish she had asked.

This book was creepy with a capital C. I loved the ominous beginning and the suspense just waiting for things to start was perfect. I kept turning the pages thinking oh next scene. When the events actually started and the first Zombies showed up I was taken by surprise due to all the false starts. Was very well done.

One thing I absolutely loved was Layla's Russian heritage. I have a little Russian in me and I can appreciate the details put into not only her character but her grandmothers as well. Plus Layla wields one of my favorite weapons (yes,I have favorites) the Russian Shashka.

Now, I want to talk about the ending which was all sorts of kick-ass but if I did it would give away the twist and trust me, it's worth finding it out for yourself. I will however say that the Zombie blood being a curse to some might be a blessing in disguise for others....

Overall, I highly recommend The Harvesting, with a combination of fantastic world building, strong character development, and perfect pacing this book is a must read if you consider yourself a fan of the genre. I highly recommend picking The Harvesting up and giving it a go. I'll definitely be picking up the next in the series when it's released. I will be rating The Harvesting ★★★★★.

Comments

  1. I really enjoyed this book too!! Melanie has done a great job with this book! I am so excited to get more!! I loved how great her Grandmother was and I loved Jamie too.... *sigh* Awesome review!!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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  2. I also thought the twist was amazing, and it took me completely by surprise. I thought I would be reading a zombie novel and that's that, but it proved to be more than that. I think I'm starting to like cross-genre books.

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  3. I have an ecopy of this book and now I feel like kicking myself for not reading it. Sounds great and it's been a while I've read anything creepy with a capital C!! ;) Great review!!

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    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy when you get the chance to read it.

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