I was really looking forward to this as the world is genius and I adored the short stories, but the full novel didn't quite click for me. Perhaps because it's a mix of mystery and fantasy thriller, and we had a lot of setting up of the mystery element, with clues and red herrings, which I thought slowed the first half down.

Page turning zombie book with a family dynamic :) I enjoyed this book, it has well developed characters and a good story. I'm not really big on zombies but enjoyed the underlying themes of love, friendship, and family.

I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to read more from this author. This was my first read from Pixie and it was okay.

2,5/5
‘’In this new screwed up world I guess we are all orphans to the dead in one way or the other’’

In a dystopian world ravaged by the Infected Alyx’s brother has been mysteriously infected. Seventeen-year-old Alyx and her friend will stop at nothing to find a way to cure him, or if that fails: kill him.

So although I’m not really a fan of zombies I felt like the emotions and grief in this novel were well portrait and some of the chapter names were funny. The fighting scenes were suspenseful and the novel has interesting characters. So I actually kinda liked it until I reached about half of the book.

The main character Alyx is very childish, is impulsive and uses a lot of exclamation marks. It felt like some parts of the story were missing and the dialogue felt a bit weird and childish. What also bothered me was that they are supposed to be(at least slightly) trained in combat but keep getting distracted while fighting & end up with infected on top of them. Also, the love triangle was a super generic one between the best-friend-who-totally-doesn’t-feel-that-way-about-her and the-hot-insta-love-dude-who-used-to-be-a-heartbreaker-but-has-totally-changed. Also you don’t plan your makeout session when you are in danger! Like Suzie puts it: How can you guys even think about that with everything that’s going on around you?’’.

Best book I've read so far this year. First of all, it isn't your typical run of the mill, zombie apocalypse novel. The book starts with the leading characters already years into the apocalypse living a peaceful life in a guarded community, safe from the dangers outside. Only to realize rather quickly they were never truly safe. Alyx discovers her younger brother scratched by a zombie and the family assumes the worst. Alyx little brother, Tommy, doesn't appear to be like anyone else alive. To his family amazement Tommy doesn't turn and so starts a heart pounding page turning adventure full of action, tears, blood, guts and most of all family love. Written very well and with detailed descriptions that it almost feels like you're there with the characters. A splendid read overall and totally worth the money. Can't wait for the next books in the series!

I love when I pick up a book and can get sucked in from the very first chapter. This is when I realize that I will finish it quickly because all I want to do is keep reading until the end. This is what this book had done for me and I loved it!

There was a lot of action and it started immediately so it was easy to get sucked in. There were zombies but the whole book is more character driven so the zombies are kind of secondary. Don't get me wrong, you do get your fair share of zombie slaying but the plot of the book is different and not just about the walking dead.

I enjoyed all of the characters. I felt that they meshed very well together. Alyx, Will and Tommy started off as young kids but have to grow up really quickly by the end of the book. The author had written them so well that you can see the subtle changes throughout. I really felt like I got to know our female heroine and enjoyed seeing the whole story through her eyes.

I cannot wait to see where this story is going to go and I would love to get a history of Winter in the next book. There is also a little love triangle going on (which I adore BTW) and I cannot wait to see how that pans out. I think that I know which way Alyx's heart is leading her but I feel that she has a strong bond to her other love interest which may hold her back from showing her true feelings.

That ending shattered my heart! It was a bit of a tear jerker and I was left sobbing! The writer did a great job at pulling my heart strings. Of course it is going to be a series...so now the wait for the second book!

I tried, fuck did I try. There comes a point where the pain exceeds your threshold for it.
Content Warning: rape, sexual assault/harassment

To tell the truth, I’m just not into zombies. You can call it over saturation fatigue because I feel that the subject has been thoroughly explored from perspectives ranging to the zombies themselves. So as I began reading the first couple of lines, an eerily familiar sensation flooded and I couldn’t help but shake my head and sigh.

Alyx lives in a post-apocalyptic world where they aren’t using the term zombies (in this case it’s Infected) but don’t necessarily establish new rules. Instead, it relies on the fact that the audience is already knowledgeable of how the zombie virus spreads. There’s little to no world building describing how survivors live outside vague descriptions the reader has to interpret. These inconsequential aspects make it difficult to suspend disbelief since it reads as if the characters exist in any generic zombie infested world. I want to know how society has restructured instead of filling in the gaps for someone who doesn’t bother to explain anything.

Instead, these important details are left aside in favor of clumsily shoving in tired tropes from an era of early 2010s YA:

Constant mentions of Will’s eyes which shifts between shades of green but are always luminous (obviously)
Alyx remarking that she’s definitely not a girly girl without prompting (why is this even matter in a post-apocalypse? This is almost as bad as a homophobe tacking on the phrase, “no homo”, to remind people that they are indeed not gay. Who the fuck would care)
Girl hate because the thought that another young female character existing is automatically a threat (let’s have Alyx sexualize Winter and then unjustly decide that she is a thot)
Third wheel romance because the disgusting flirting wasn’t enough (imagine children hitting and teasing each other and call it a form of endearment and not general harassment)
Oh and there’s some rapey scenes which accomplishes to illustrate that Alyx is desirable and allows her love interests to come save her
This is inherently problematic because no one really acknowledges how toxic Bobby is. He’s presented as the overblown cartoonish villain so everyone casually labels him a “perv” or “sleezebag” without the implication that he is capable of violence. In fact, he has on multiple occasions acted on it whether physical or verbal. It’s not addressed beyond adding a bit of dramatic tension into the story. I can say that the rape attempt was gratuitous and quickly forgotten. The reader doesn’t need a graphic scene since it was meant to remind us that zombies are not the only enemy. I just want to say it could have been handled more tastefully/meaningful.

So, by this point you and I are wondering where Tommy has gone. The reason for finding another compound was because of a lazy plot connivence. Yet, now this is hilarious, Tommy hardly gets any dialogue. It’s all about Alyx and how she feels and making progress on her love life. Some side characters are given attention but on the condition that Alyx can insert herself into the spotlight. This is to give her character development like how great of a sister she is and how much she cares for Joe.

I thought that this book was just Tommy and Alyx on a mission to find a cure hence the title itself. There would be some depressing moments but also heartfelt ones where Tommy and Alyx bond after this traumatic event. Perhaps the climax involves the difficult decision of whether or not Tommy will turn furthering the conflict. The reason Tommy is infected would have been an opportunity for character development like trying to go back to their wrecked home to retrieve an item filled with memories. Damn, it could also be something as blasé as taking a walk outside the boarders because he’s lulled into the belief that life is back to normal. I can’t help but think that this was wasted potential of a bygone YA structure that may appeal to new readers but not seasoned ones.

Thanks to Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Limited for this advance reader’s copy in exchange for a fair review.

Cover Review:
For a fairly generic book, this is a unique cover. The illustrations are spot on and immediately communicate the supposed tone. I also love the type choice and how it mimics this sort of woodsy feel. The colors are unsettling but not dull. I appreciate the thought that went into this design.

I was provided an ARC of this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Where to begin? This is a quick read set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Infected are taking over. Much like The Walking Dead, Kill or Cure focuses on the people who are trying to survive the apocalypse, rather than focus on the zombies themselves. I very much enjoyed the family dynamic in this book. The story jumps right in to the action, but I would have liked more world building. It was over 50% in to the book that I even knew what the main character looked like because there was not enough description in the beginning.

I am not a fan of “insta-love,” but the romance is not a focal point in the story. However, I can sense that the love triangle will play a big role in the next book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book enough that I kept going. The writing is very simple, which is not a bad thing. It was a quick read and despite some flaws, I am still interested to know what happens to these characters next.

3.5 stars

This book had amazing potential.
It had so many things going for it: an intriguing premise, thrilling action scenes, an emotional and bleak atmosphere, loveable secondary characters, gore, and even a hint of romance between two best friends. I didn't even mind the heroine's sulking or the repetitive writing that much - I was totally engrossed in what was happening.
It would have easily been a 4 star read for me, maybe more, hadn't it been for that completely unnecessary love triangle, particularly its sloppy and cringy execution. There was no relationship development at all between Alyx and Colt. They went from mildly annoyed by one another to love-struck saps within about ten hours. How the heck did that happen

Still, the plot was great, as were the quick pace and the majority of the writing. I even found myself shedding a few tears a time or two.
Which is why I'll definitely be reading the sequel.

This is a genre that has been done in a million different ways for a million different readers, and one is hard-pressed to find a book that is a little different or offers something new. I’m thrilled (and relieved) to say that this book does that in addition to being entertaining and well-written.

It’s true, this is indie author, Pixie Britton’s debut but you would never guess it from reading it and it’s a series debut as well. Huge undertaking, but if book #1 is any indication then I think we can continue to see great things from this author.

This is the story of teen siblings being raised by their uncle in a post-apocalyptic world that is ravaged by the ‘Infected’. It gets your heart pumping right away with ‘Alyx’ and her best friend ‘Will’ outside the walls of their protected village, slashing their way through Infected because they are looking for something they desperately need for Alyx’s brother ‘Tommy’. It’s perfectly gruesome which is a fantastic way to start a story if you ask me.

And so begins a gut-wrenching tale about familial bonds, young love, and of course zombies!

This is a good one guys, so if you’re thinking “Ugh, read it a thousand times!”, you may want to give this book a read. Yes some elements are familiar, but honestly the author has created interesting characters and an imaginative storyline that are really enjoyable. I myself look forward to the next installment.

Rating… A

Joining in the plethora of zombie/apocalyptic novels that we are currently awash in, the debut by author Pixie Britton is a cut above many of the above mentioned. The zombies are definitely there, but the focus is more on what a strong-minded, determined sister will do for a brother, and the family dynamics are well expressed.

This it isn't your stereotypical run of the mill, zombie apocalypse novel, Pixie Britton takes the zombie genre and gives it her own thrilling unique twist. The story focuses on the relationships between Alyx and her family and starts long after the “infection” has spread. The main group of characters have already survived in the apocalypse for years on a peaceful settlement, safe from the dangers from the outside world only to realise that they were never truly safe. The book isn’t only about survival but also how to keep yourself and your family together in the disastrous consequences of the apocalypse.

This novel takes an already done genre and carves its own unique mark through the zombie apocalypse genre. It’s captivating without being cliché and stays unpredictable. While zombies are definitely an issue in this, the family aspect is the real focus which I think is a refreshing take on the genre. The book pulls you into a new world and once you are there it’s hard to leave. The plot is paced wonderfully as I felt a sense of urgency and importance without losing any details or characterisation. There is a good amount of action and drama, but also time to get to know the characters and their personalities.

Pixie Britton has done a brilliant job with her debut novel! Dystopian world, zombies and family all come together to create an out of this world story. I could feel the family love through the pages. Highly recommended.

This book was so fun to read! A great debut for Pixie Britton! While zombies are definitely a thing in this, the family aspect is much more the real focus. I love the way the author writes, especially the way she describes the characters, their emotions, and the world around them. I found this to be an easy to follow book. Everything had a nice flow to it, so nothing felt too rushed or too slow unless it was necessary. I found myself actually caring about the characters and what was going on. I didn't feel bored at all when reading this. Books like this is usually a tough sell as I'm very picky with anything otherworldly, but the way the author constructed her book into focusing more on relationships actually made me enjoy this much more than I thought I would. I would definitely recommend getting this. I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for free in exchange for my completely honest opinion.

The story focuses on the relationships between Alyx and her "family" and their attempt to keep her brother Tommy safe after he seems he may have succumbed to the virus. The plot is paced well enough that I felt a sense of urgency and importance, and also made everything else really. The was a good amount of action scene, but also time to get to know the characters and their personalities. The idea was interesting and there are a few plot twists that were done really well, however towards the end it felt like it was a little bit too lucky and convenient the way in which events unfolded so that Alyx could achieve her objectives. I bet she was surprised herself. There were some pacing issues in my opinion once they get into the new camp when the romance seemed to have taken the attention from the main plot. I am hoping that there will be more bloodshed in the sequel.

THE CHARACTERS….

Alyx is a 17 years old girl who in the beginning is trying her best to save her brother who was ill, so she and Will go to collect this supposedly healing plant outside the compound. I really liked her for her selflessness and her ability to keep her shit together when things turned sour and for most of the part did what she was told even when she wanted to rebel. The ability to keep one's mouth shut is actually, in my book, an incredibly good asset. Throughout the plot, she is trying to keep her family safe and together so when they end up in a worse place from where they left, she has to collect her courage and do her best to save her family. However, after she meets Colt, she seems to go into silly mode around him; I wanted to shake her a few times and point her towards Will since she was so blind towards him. Like you could see that attraction from a mile away, but she wasn't having it. Sigh.

I liked Will, he was there for her at all times, he even left his own mother behind to go with them (not that said mother was much of a mother, but still his mother, capisce?). I could see that he had strong feelings for her and he was willing to walk with her to the end of the world to keep her happy and safe, but that did not make him a loser. He was also dead funny and wicked, and I liked him a lot. On the other hand, Colt, besides the fact that he was strong and handsome I do not know more about him and because he kinda forced himself into the story, I did not really like him. Yes, he proves himself to her, but I was just not with him (maybe because I really don't like love triangles). Team Will!

The villain aka The General wasn't that terrifying to me and did not care much about him. I would've liked his character to be explored a little bit more. We only meet him on a handful of occasions so his motivations for being an assholes felt a little bit meh. I am hoping that in the next instalment we will find out more about what makes him really tick. 

THE WRITING…

The writing was in tune with the tone of the book, it was easy to read because the story flowed nicely. There were a few cliches here and there (Eg.: hot girl is hot but doesn't know she's hot until she wears tight clothes to show curves she didn't know she had...), but overall it was a good reading experience. 

THE ENJOYMENT…

I really enjoyed this book. I think I read it 2-3 days and I do recommend it especially if you want something dystopian to read quickly, but also with some romance.

A great start for a debut author! I've read a lot of zombie fiction, and this definitely fits in well - though in truth the zombies themselves don't earn a lot of focus. Instead, it's the family our protagonist builds for herself that's front and center - providing a real sense of heart for the story.

There were a couple of issues that could have used an editors attention - particularly in the first half, there's an overly enthusiastic use of exclamation marks in particular - but overall this was well worth the read.