Travis Atkins, Twilight of the Dead

Released through Permuted Press, Travis Adkins' first novel "Twilight Of The Dead" has become widely talked about within the post-apocalyptic zombie subgenre. The special edition re-release published on the 1st October 2006 runs for a total of 269 pages. This includes an additional 78 pages detailing three bonus short stories of important moments in the lives of other survivors. There is an additional three page introduction by the author of the "Autumn" zombie series David Moody. The book also includes new cover artwork by Noel Hill.

From the start, the reader is thrown straight in to the post-apocalyptic world where we follow the survivor Courtney Colvin as she struggles with the dramatic events of this new world. The storyline soon reflects back on earlier events, allowing the reader to explore the character of Courtney better, and developing on her characterization.

The storyline never lets up on its fast and tension building pace, with new plot developments emerging throughout the novel. The tale eventually builds to a dramatic conclusion that leaves the novel on somewhat of a cliff hanger for the next book "Walking With The Dead."

The novel uses a character-driven storyline full of action-packed pages rather than setting down a creepy and unnerving atmosphere. This works well for this book, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as we follow the dramatic events that happen around the character Courtney Colvin.

All in all I found the book a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish, packed with nail-biting action and gritty zombie gore. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good zombie novel.

Twilight of the Dead

Travis Atkins

Permuted Press, October 2006

ISBN: 0976555964

The world as humans has known it no longer exists. Flesh eating zombies are in control; once bitten a person becomes deathly ill immediately, but twenty-four hours later is reanimated. In Florida, Courtney Calvin's mother has been bitten; her spouse will not leave her, but the National Guard arrives to take them to safety. Only Courtney goes. The group is attacked with everyone left dead except her, as a soldier rescues her and brings her to Camp Rigero near Carson City.

While at the post, a Black Beret teaches Courtney how to survive, and supplies her with equipment to fight the creatures. When the camp is overrun, Courtney is the only survivor. She follows the signs that normals write directing her to the walled in city of East Pointe, along with six Black Berets. When Dane, a scientist, arrives after working on the cure for five years, he announces he has found the Cure. He gets the Berets to accompany him to a ship where he can obtain the Cure to save the people of the city. However, Dane is not quite what he seems to be, placing Courtney back in danger.

Zombie lovers will want to read TWILIGHT OF THE DEAD, a tale somewhat similar to the Romero mythos, but containing a few surprises from the Atkins diet. The protagonist keeps to herself until she is needed, for instance to help get the cure. At those moments she does not hesitate, which explains her survivability rate when everyone in her circle seems to get converted. Travis Atkins provides a refreshing spin to the Zombie movement.