These are zombie stories for folks who don't ordinarily read zombie stories. I know that sounds like I'm writing for a very restrictive reader base, but there are a heck of a lot of folks that don't read zombie fiction. The hard part is in convincing them that it's worth a try.
This story line grew out of research done by one of the characters in the Black Ships series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. It explores the results of longevity research run amok.
Even though this series of novellas will impact the main, Black Ships story line, it isn't necessarily a prerequisite for those who wish to go straight on to the next, full-length title, The Orphan Alliance (going out to beta readers next week). I don't want to force anyone to read zombie fiction so I've written the next main story with that in mind.
Here's the blurb for the freebie:
ORBITAL DECAY
A Black Ships Novella - Fourth in the series - First in the Orbital Decay series
Detective Sergeant Ben Mark's life is falling apart. It's been a long, painful process for years but the pace has just accelerated dramatically. A suicide turns into the case from Hell as Ben realises that Dr. Mortensen was the victim of foul play.
And he may not be the last.
Ben's own life is in danger as he struggles desperately to uncover what Gaia Biodesign is doing on their orbital lab, and why they are willing to kill to keep it quiet. As he races to uncover the truth, he learns that the entire species may be the next victim.
Just as humanity is finally reaching for the stars, a terrible mistake may knock us back into the Stone Age.
If anyone is left alive...
(approx 18,000 words)
Get it for free on May 9, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Remember to check the price before clicking the download button! (links below)
Here's the blurb for the second in the series.
KILL OR CURE
An Orbital Decay Novella – Second in the series
Even the simplest of plans can go horribly wrong.
Ben and his small group were only hours away from their destination. Just three more hours and he could have handed the four researchers over to government personnel, but an unfortunate military operation leaves them stranded in South Carolina.
Three more hours and the burden of responsibility would have been lifted from his shoulders.
The dead are dangerous enough, but the living are proving to be an even greater threat. As banks and distribution networks collapse, ordinary citizens resort to desperate measures and Ben’s group make a tempting target. As they fight their way forward, they are faced with a hard decision. Do they stop where they are and try to build a new life out of the chaos or do they push on?
Our species is ultimately doomed, but a new one will take its place, if it can survive the fall of its predecessor.
(approx 24,000 words)