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I, Zombie
I, Zombie
I, Zombie
Ebook258 pages1 hour

I, Zombie

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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It's the end of the world as we know it.

Trixie Collins is a normal teen making her way through high school. One night at a party, a boy comes on to her and won't take no for an answer. As she jerks her arm away, his fingernails cut into her skin.

When she finds her dog's mutilated body and realizes she's to blame, she starts to think maybe the zombie apocalypse they've been screaming about on the news isn't a hoax after all. Worse, she begins to think maybe she's one of the infected.

Now it's a fight for life as she joins together with her brethren to stop the humans intent on destroying them. Are zombies all bad, or is it just a huge misunderstanding?

LanguageEnglish
PublisherJo Michaels
Release dateJul 9, 2014
ISBN9781310087813
I, Zombie
Author

Jo Michaels

Jo Michaels loves writing novels that make readers gasp in horror, surprise, and disbelief. While her browser search history has probably landed her on a list somewhere, she still dives into every plot with gusto, hoping "the man" will realize she's a writer and not a psychopath about to go on a rampage. Her favorite pastimes are reading, watching Investigation Discovery, and helping other authors realize their true potential through mentoring. She's penned the award-winning Pen Pals and Serial Killers series and the best-selling educational book for children, Writing Prompts for Kids, which has rocketed the kids that use it into several awards of their own.Most of Jo's books feature the places she's lived: Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. That's given her a special amount of insight to what makes those locations tick. Her works are immersive and twisty, and she wouldn't want it any other way.

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a fun and creative twist on the Zombie stories of late, coming at it from the perspective of people infected with a weird virus that mimics zombie behavior. I appreciated that the author obviously did some research to come up with a plausible explanation for Zombieism beyond "random unexplained viral outbreak/ voodoo/ witchcraft". That was pretty cool, and the fact that she based it on a mutation of an actual real virus, the Kuru virus, that comes from cannibalism was even cooler! But don't research the disease until after you finish the book. It will take you down a rabbit hole!

    I enjoyed this more than Warm Bodies, despite the eww factor of zombie romance, but there was this niggling in my brain that it felt a bit familiar. I consume way too much Zombie entertainment, so it took me a minute to figure it out...

    The TV show, iZombie... Not sure if it is a zeitgeist thing (the first season of iZombie came out in 2014, and this book was released in 2014. Before the TV series, I had not heard of the comics, and I am not sure most people had either.) But creepy, the similarities. Both girls are infected at a party that they should probably not have been at. One is on a house boat on a lake, the other is a hurricane party. Both are infected by a scratch from a guy who is putting on the moves and they are not interested! Both don't realize that they are turning into Zombies...

    Fortunately, that is the end of the similarities (unless you count the delightful spunk the writers imbue upon the main characters, but each has her own unique flavor, so I won't count it!)

    In a lot of ways, I enjoyed Ms. Michaels' I, Zombie more than iZombie. There was a lot of thought put into not only how one would contract such a virus, but also how that virus would affect humanity.

    Was it perfect? Naw, there is no such thing. There were a few Deus Ex Machina moments, and a couple of points where I felt the story could have gone a less cliche route and been so much better, but on the whole it was a pretty good read that is quite thought-provoking for YA readers.

    Totally passing this off to my teen boys, as I think it will curb their zombie-fervor end of the world hopes and dreams. Really makes one think if "Smash 'em til their all dead" is the best approach in the Zombie Apocalypse.

Book preview

I, Zombie - Jo Michaels

I, Zombie

by Jo Michaels

I, Zombie

by Jo Michaels

Copyright © 2013 Jo Michaels

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 9781310087813

Copyright 2013 Jo Michaels

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Jomichaels

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover design by Jo Michaels

Edited by Tia Silverthorne Bach of INDIE Books Gone Wild

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by fines and federal imprisonment.

To:

Mike – You’re my whole world and everything in it. You help make all this possible. I love you.

Jack – Look! I finally used your name in a book. He’s a hero, too!

Mama – Do I even have to say anything here? I hope you get a kick out of the vivacious mother in this story. She reminds me of you.

My fans – Without you all, why would I even bother writing? You rock in your support of my craft. Keep reading!

My friends – You know who you are. Thanks for being so awesome and showing your support each and every day.

My pals at IBGW – What can I say? I love you ladies!

Contents:

A is for Atrophy

B is for Bacteria

C is for Contagion

D is for Disease

E is for Epidemic

F is for Feral

G is for Gore

H is for Howling

I is for Itchy

J is for Juxtaposition

K is for Kuru

L is for Larynx

M is for Murderer

N is for Nabbed

O is for Obfuscate

P is for Putrefaction

Q is for Quarantine

R is for Rigor

S is for Shuffling

T is for Terrifying

U is for Undead

V is for Violence

W is for Wailing

X is for Xanthic

Y is for Yum

Z is for Zombie

About the Author

A is for Atrophy

Bang, bang, bang!

As the axe struck the thick wooden door, the windows of the deserted house rattled in their frames, sending curls of fear through the forms huddled inside. Unintelligible moans erupted from their mouths as they pressed together.

Trixie sent out a thought: Calm. Don’t let them hear us; maybe they’ll go away.

When the groans died down, they could hear the humans outside walking the perimeter of the structure, looking for an entry point.

Twigs snapped.

Leaves rustled.

They were coming.

Shuffling of the beings increased and a small hand found its way into Trixie’s. She knelt down near the child and put her scabby forehead to his. He seemed to understand her message: We’ll be okay. And she felt the tension leaving his body. They stayed that way for a few minutes until a human shouted out, Here! I found a way in!

Instantly Trixie was upright, willing her brethren to move from their corner, closer to the blacked-out window she intended to smash to make an exit. It was the only route they had. As one, they shuffled toward it.

A prayer was offered up that the humans wouldn’t recognize the window for what it was and avoid it. Prior inhabitants had done a good job of making it blend with the wall.

I can’t get this door open! It came from one of the female hunters.

She sounded like she was in the basement.

Off the kitchen, a doorknob jiggled.

Guttural moans erupted from the group again.

Trixie could barely make out the heads of huge nails protruding from the jamb. Those uninfected would have to have a crowbar to get that entrance open. She sent out another thought: They can’t open it. Be quiet. At once, the low droning stopped.

Her group continued to move slowly.

She hoped they could make it to her jeep. Dragging her numb right leg, she did the best she could to herd the others toward the soon-to-be exit.

When they got to the house, they’d done what they could to fortify it against the humans giving chase. It was sheer luck the earlier inhabitants had already reinforced most of the windows, entrances, and exits. She snickered. Apparently, the threat of zombies caused people to do strange things. With speed she didn’t know her group possessed, they moved to secure the house against the certain death on their heels like the hounds of hell. Couches and La-Z-Boys were stacked against doors, and the fridge was used to reinforce sheets of wood nailed over large, picture windows.

She wished she could speak; but the rot invading her skin had eroded her vocal chords. While she had a strange connection with those who were like her, allowing access to their minds, she couldn’t communicate with humans.

This was supposed to be a rescue mission. It was an easy in and out trip. She’d received contact a few days prior from three members of a family hiding out in a barn. A team of amazing fighters had volunteered to join her to bring the family back to the camp safely.

But, here they were, trapped in a run-down house, about to get their heads squished.

More banging echoed through the house, eliciting gasps and shivers of terror from the group.

It didn’t do to attack humans, and she tried to avoid it whenever possible. But if they were a threat, she felt certain her squad wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever they had to.

"We’ll have to do it. We can’t move fast enough to run and there’s a child here." It wasn’t speech, but she heard it like she would someone speaking out loud to her.

Jack grabbed her hand, his voice still echoing in her mind.

A moment passed between them and her shoulders sagged.

There was no way to avoid it; the humans would have to be killed or assimilated.

Jack lifted a chair and mimed throwing it through the window.

She nodded.

Glass exploded in a whirlwind of tiny sparkles as the momentum of the chair forced it apart. Two of her unit members guided the family of three through the opening and the ones left behind tensed for battle.

B is for Bacteria

About one week prior…

Going to high school in Southern Louisiana during hurricane season is a hit or miss type of thing. Either the students would have to wade through waist-high water to the bus or an adult would show up in a flat-bottom boat to take them to the stop when the roads flooded. Even the six-foot deep ditches on either side of the road weren’t enough to keep the deluge from making a mess. It was miserable.

Warnings of a vicious storm named Claude that was about to make landfall had been blaring all over the news the night before. Trixie crossed her fingers the school board would grow some sense and call a rain day rather than trying to shuffle students through the raging waters. They didn’t usually close school when it flooded; probably because the students’ days in class would be close to nil if that occurred. Instead, they ran the buses as usual and seemed to pretend all was okay.

Sloshing through water was nothing new for her, she’d simply tie her sneakers around her neck, roll up her pants like they do in Hackberry, and slug along. But it was cold out and she didn’t want to wade through chilly water at six in the morning. Sitting up in bed, she grabbed the remote and turned on the news.

A reporter, the aunt of someone Trixie went to school with, had begun to announce which schools would be closing. And here are the parishes that will be closing schools today: Terrebonne, St. Mary, Vermillion, Lafourche, Plaquemines, Jefferson, and Cameron. Iberia parish is delaying their start for two hours. In other news…

Trixie cursed under her breath and pushed the off button as she slid down in bed, pulling the covers up around her chin.

Not long after, Mom was knocking at the door. Honey, they didn’t close school. You gotta get up if you wanna be on time.

Okay, Mom, thanks, Trixie shouted back. She rolled out of bed, started the shower, and trudged to the closet to get something to wear. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and she picked through them carefully as she decided what would hold up against the weather. A pair of jeans and a black t-shirt won the battle. They were the only items on the floor she was sure she hadn’t worn. Besides, they weren’t see-through when wet.

It wasn’t long before hot water was cascading down her body. She took time to enjoy the warmth, knowing once she stepped out the door, she’d be cold as the rain drenched her.

Makeup applied, shoes around her neck with socks stuffed in the openings, and jeans rolled up to her knees, she grabbed her backpack and took a deep breath. Wind buffeted her when she opened the door and she sighed—another day in paradise.

Her little dog, Dinky, accompanied Trixie to the end of the road where they waited until the bus arrived. They stood out of the water on the only part of the street that wasn’t covered. She patted the fluffy dog on the head and told her what a good girl she was before heading through the open door and up the steps.

Trixie settled into a seat and used the towel from her bag to dry off her feet before putting on her socks and shoes. Groaning, the bus made sixteen stops before it got to Jack’s.

He bounded up the steps. Did ya miss me? His arms were open wide and he had his trademark grin plastered on his face.

Snickers rose from the other students.

That’s enough, Jack. Take your seat. Their bus driver wasn’t a woman you wanted to trifle with. She stood barely over five feet tall, but she was built like a wrestler and always had a severe look on her face. When her passengers acted up, she was known to pull the bus over on the side of the road and sit there until it quieted down. This tactic had the most impact on the ride home.

Jack smiled at her and headed to the back to join Trixie. Being the first stop had many benefits; one of which was having your pick of seats. She always saved him a spot.

Hey, kid, lookin’ good. He laughed and shook the water out of his chin-length hair.

Stop that, you buffoon! It’s already wet in here. Why you gotta make it worse?

He leaned his shoulder into hers. Oh, come on. You know you wuv me.

She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. You’re a bad influence and a troublemaker.

That’s why we go so well together!

Shut up. Can’t you be serious for even a moment?

No way. Life’s too short to be serious, he answered.

You got that right. Did you finish that assignment for math class?

Nope. Sorry, my brain was waterlogged from all this rain.

Jack was one of the smartest boys in the junior class at Sam Houston High School. He pretended to be dumb so people would like him, but Trixie had seen him do impossible algebra in his head and never get the answer wrong. He was also great at science, but never did his homework. She couldn’t understand why he wasn’t serious about school. It was paramount so they could have a shot at success in life. His lack of drive was one of the reasons they’d broken up.

They’d dated briefly back in middle school; but decided quickly they were better off as friends. Even holding hands had seemed strange, and she couldn’t imagine kissing him. He’d ended up being the one person she knew she could always count on. While she had girlfriends, none of them knew the things about her Jack did. It was easy to talk to him because he never judged, always listened, and seemed to always know what to say and when to say it.

You’re such a dork, she chided.

Takes one to know one.

Shut up.

They shared a glance and grinned.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, she pulled it out, and he read the text over her shoulder. Since they had no secrets from one another, this was their norm.

It was a message from Cindy. Hurricane partay 2nite! @Sams.

Trixie curled her lip. Ugh.

What? Don’t you wanna go? Sam is uber hot. Jack wiggled his eyebrows.

No. She can’t stand me and I don’t care for her. Maybe if she were nicer. But she’s such a mean girl. I’ve seen her make fun of underclassmen because she can. No one ever stands up to her because she’s a prep. It’s ridiculous.

Cindy’s gonna be pissed. You really wanna face that wrath? She’s been tryin’ to get in with that crowd for years. No way will she go by herself.

I know.

So…?

An evil thought entered Trixie’s mind. Hmmmm. I guess I’m gonna have to suck it up and go then. I wonder who’ll be there. She said the last part in a way she hoped suggested she thought Matt would show up; someone Jack hated with a passion and insisted was only trying to get with her for what she might give.

He readjusted his body and lifted his eyebrows. I can go, too; if you want.

Nah, that’s okay. I think we’ll be fine by ourselves. I’ll just send her a message and let her know I can pick her up around seven. It was obvious he was falling for the bait and she wanted to watch him squirm some more before she agreed.

Besides, who says I can’t go? I’ll show up on my own. I know Sam pretty well.

Quasi-datin’ someone for two days doesn’t mean you know them. You never even talked to her. No way will she let you stay without Cindy. She grinned.

"Okay. You obviously want me to beg, so I will. Please let me go with you so I can keep an eye on you two? Purdy pweese?" He stuck out his lower lip and widened his eyes.

Trixie laughed. Okay, okay! Don’t do the puppy thing; you know I can’t resist it. Relief flooded her body, and she hoped it didn’t show on her face. You’re such a baby.

Takes one to know one.

Stop saying that.

He gave her a wide grin.

School passed without much to think about until lunch when Cindy ran up, squealing. Can you believe I got an invitation? Sam sent it to me herself!

Yeah. Greaaaaaat. I get to hang out with snobby preps all night, Trixie grumbled.

Cindy rolled her eyes. Shut up. You know you wanna go. She leaned over. Besides, Matt might be there.

I have zero interest in Matt; which you’d know if you ever listened to me.

I listen to you. But he’s a super hunky guy and I figured you were only sayin’ that in case he rejected you or somethin’. Cindy plopped down on the concrete and crossed her legs. You really don’t like him?

I told you I don’t like him. A million times I’ve said, ‘I don’t like Matt.’ How much more clear can I be? When I like a guy, I tell you. We’ve been friends since second grade, doofus. I’d hope you know me better than that by now. Trixie gave Cindy’s leg a push.

She laughed. I guess I figured since I thought he was hot, you would, too.

I never said he wasn’t hot; just that I’m not interested.

"Right? How gorgeous can one human be? It’s not natural."

They broke into giggles as Jack walked up. What’s so funny?

Nothin’, Trixie answered.

We were talkin’ about how funny you look with your hair in a ponytail. Cindy nudged Trixie, but she didn’t say a word.

He sat down in front of them. "It’s

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