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Moody's Guestbook

 

I just want to say again, your book was amazing, it blew me away how you built the characters with so much emotion, most typical stories start with a tragedy, and the characters suffer for a bit, and almost dawn a hero like mentality and never really experience their emotions of what happened again, and if they do, it would be more of a small paragraph emotion and it would be over. But your characters would continue to suffer emotionally throughout the story, (and without overdoing it at all) which ultimatly gave incredible life to the characters, that otherwise would not have been there.

And as well, the way you built up the Zombies, from laying dead for much of the story, to getting up and just walking, to minor agression, to all out insanity, I cannot tell you enough how crazy it made the book, completly caught me off guard, it was a brilliant way to build up the story.

You raised the bar for me on the zombie/end of world genre, the book was definitely refreshing new angle on a 'dead comming to life' style of story.

And too be honest, I would love to give you any creative criticism about the book, but there wasn't anything that I disliked at all, it was an incredible ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading your other material.

Received by email - April 2005


I'd like to congratulate you on such brilliant books, it's so great to read a good zombie book based in the UK, while also adding it's own twist to the genre; one that doesn't complicate the dead, but gives them a fresh lick of paint.

Received by email - February 2005


Thank you so much for Purification, The City and Autumn, the story and the world that you have created are fantastic, and I border on "fanboyism" when I speak of your works with others.

Received by email - February 2005


I just wanted to write and say "Thank you". I can honestly say I have never felt as compelled to read novels as I have yours. I stumbled across your site by accident and am glad I did. After reading the start of your "Autumn" novel online I just had to order all three in paper form. I've ploughed my through the first two already and have just started the third. I almost don't want to finish it as I don't want the story to end...

Your novels are the perfect zombie story. Like my favourite zombie stories "Dawn of the Dead, "28 Days later" and "I am legend" (although not technically a zombie story it contains a lot of similarities) you understand that the best zombie stories are not about the blood and gore but about the people. Exploring how real people cope with extreme situations where everything has been lost and struggling to find a glimmer of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

I have been hooked from the first page. The series is wonderfully apocalyptic, with moments of tremendous tensions and excitement as well as moments of genuine grief. I feel for every single one of the characters even the bodies.

So again, thank you for writing these novels. I will be recommending them to as many people as possible. I look forward to reading "Echoes" once I have finished this 3rd part.

Received by email - December 2004


I think your book Autumn was one of the best books Ive ever read. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't walk away from it. It scared me to death...can't wait to read the others! Thanks so much!

Received by email - September 2004


I've spent the past 2 days reading Autumn, completely engulfed in the story. I am going to buy everything you write, that I promise. I thrived for a "zombie" story, (be it book or movie) that triggered all the same thoughts I figured I'd be plagued with in that very horrific situation. Never have I seen such development in characters that were so convincing. Yesterday night I spent summarizing the story to a number of my friends, (whom normally I'd have spent watching some cheesy horror flick with) and they were so excited about the story they can't wait for me to buy it so they can read it.

I wasn't much of a reader, until now.

Received by email - July 2004


Well, thanks for shattering my nerves.

That was a ripping good read. I love zombie and apocalyptic stories and yours was one of the best I've ever come across. I especially enjoyed the "slow boil" tactic of having the zombies slowly mature from harmless, ambulatory newborns into the ferocious, cunning hordes of the genre standard. I couldn't stop myself from reading this cover to e-cover and now it's 3 am and I've to get to work in a few hours. I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep now anyway. I'll probably be buying the sequel and destroying any hope of a peaceful night's sleep for months to come.

Received by email - March 2004


As a fan of zombie/dead walk movies I was thrilled to happen upon your site and the free download of Autumn. This is the kind of story that allows the reader to assume the role of one the characters. Great book, looking forward to getting The City next!

Received by email - March 2004


I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much I am enjoying your book Autumn.

I am blind reader (if that makes sense!), I have downloaded the book into my portable 'VoiceNote' computer, which reads the test to me. (thank goodness for technology).

Anyway the mental images I visualise are very powerful, and exceed anything I used to see in movies when I used to be able to see.

I've always loved the 'Zombie Genre' and of course Romero is a favourite, however even in that trilogy I felt that more could have been explored (like the empty city at the start of Day of the Dead) Your book lets me experience and fulfil that curiosity - thank you.

Received by email - February 2004


Without a doubt, nothing written in the genre has grabbed me the way The Autumn series has.

First and foremost, it was, to me, the most realistic depiction of how zombies could outnumber survivors. It also had a very great angle on the progression from normal life to hell on earth that was certainly more believable than anything I have read or watched on the subject.

I also love the way the whole scenario changes in the first couple of days. It just kept me on edge.

I felt the writing style was solid and the characters real. The actions fans may feel this drags a little in the beginning of each book, but I kind of liked the build-up and solid characters.

The negative to me was in the second book (Autumn: The City) with the military angle that I just wasn't grooving on. Also, the characters from the second book don't seem as sharply written as the first. The fact that there were more survivors makes it easy to guess why there was less detail, but all the same I missed the real depth the first book had.

Over all a huge plus and I am anxiously awaiting the third. In the meantime the author has been kind enough to feed us hungry readers some morsels in the echos section. I STRONGLY suggest that you do not read these until you read the first books, because it may ruin a few surprises.

Also I guess I should note that the first book is downloadable free! SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????

Posted on rottentomatoes.com - February 2004


I first heard about the Autumn series from Rue Morgue (an awesome mag for horror enthusiasts). It interested me enough to check out the site where I found the free download for the first book. The writing style and concepts were so fresh that I was hooked almost immediately.

Guestbook - February 2004


Wonderful stories, great writing style, can't wait until the next in the AUTUMN series is available!

Guestbook - January 2004


I have just finished reading Autumn, the first e-book I've ever read and thoroughly enjoyed it, from page one I was hooked. I cant wait to read the next two now, an excellent read!

Guestbook - January 2004


I loved Autumn and can't wait to read Autumn: The City. Like another of your readers, I cannot help but compare the movie 28 Days Later to Autumn.

Guestbook - December 2003


I started reading Autumn and by the second chapter I was hooked on it. I downloaded Autumn the City from BookAds last week and I finished it two days ago. Now you tell me I have to wait until late 2004 for Purifacation. I am like one of your walking dead now, waiting for it to be released. Fantastic reads they are. Do I smell a movie someday?

Guestbook - December 2003


I've read both "Autumn" and "Autumn-The City" and enjoyed both of them very much! I know a book is very good and has truly captured my imagination when I find myself lying in bed in the morning thinking about it. With the "Autumn" stories, I've found myself devoting WAY more time than can possibly be healthy thinking about how *I* would take care of the zombie problem! I think I've got it all figured out. When the zombies do come, I'm going to be ready for them.

Guestbook - November 2003


I downloaded Autumn 2 days ago and I haven't been able to put it down since. A fantastic read, which throws you head first into a world, which one can only really find in the deepest and darkest reaches of the imagination. This is a book which I will read again and probably be just as hooked as the first time.

Guestbook - November 2003


Autumn is a fantastic read. it takes the living dead premise to the next level!

Guestbook - October 2003


I have been a zombie fan since Dawn of the Dead, and an 'end of the world' fan as well. I used to work in a video store and I made an entire section of titles that dealt with the end of the world. (my favs: 'On the Beach' aussie remake - ultra depressing, and 'Dawn of the Dead' )

Anyways... the best part of these type of stories is definitely the everyday schmoe that is caught in the middle. Autumn has it all. I read the 'Book of the Dead' series as well, but found the stories to be too fantasy ridden.

Autumn cuts right to the meat... I know you didnt wanna give out a specific reason of WHY they all died... It's nice to hear it from your characters... because they dont know... they can only guess. Brilliant!

The Autumn: Echoes stories... (I havent read yet. after The City) reminds me of a Stephen King short story that took place in his 'The Stand' world. Far and away from the actions in the novel. i think it was called 'The Beach'?

I agree with everything you did in the first Autumn... I just purchased The city. Will read tonight!

One small frustrating moment... when they went to the cliff and overlooked the ocean. My first response was... these characters are gunna get a yacht. and sail off shore. The fact they didn't doesnt matter... what was cool was it made ME think about what it would be like to have to stay on a boat... going on-shore for supplies... following the coastline. How creepy would that be? Eventually sailing by a big city... seeing the destruction... the endless bodies... running across a cruise liner... scary stuff!

I like that you decided to make a realistic zombie world.

I'm reading your stuff at work... big office complex... lots of shadows and strange creaks... I come in after work and read... but I don't when it gets dark. It's just too big and dark here. One night im gunna hear some shuffling or a dull thump against the window and shit my friggin jockeys!

Thanks for some great work!!

Received by email - October 2003


I just finished reading Autumn, and I'm still simply in awe. If it's possible to get hooked on an author from just one book, it just happened to me, and I can't wait to read the latest part of the saga.

Guestbook - October 2003


Just had to write and say, "Excellent stories!!!!!!!!!!". I just finished reading Autumn for the 7th time. Sorry, only read Autumn: The City five times. Guess I'll have to try and catch up. Also, Autumn: Echoes is fantastic. I now "patiently" await Autumn: Purification. Hurry, hurry!! Don't even bother reading this, write, write like the wind!!!!!!!!! Seriously, the Autumn series is just great. It is on par with Romero's Night Of The Living Dead and surpasses the Resident Evil books.

Received by email - September 2003


A while ago a friend of mine mentioned this website, then I saw the banner ad, so I checked it out. Absolutely awesome. My type of story. I can't wait until the whole thing is available.

Guestbook - September 2003


I randomly found Autumn through a search for free books online (work can get pretty dull). Compared to the rest of the free books out there one about zombies peaked my interest, but I didn't expect much. I have been blown away. I read Autumn and immediately after finishing purchased The City. Cannot wait for the next book, you're killing me! when does it come out! Truly impressive stuff, I'm gonna take a look at your other works and hope that they can match or exceed Autumn.

Guestbook - September 2003


Like the others before me, incredible stories! Every last one of them that could be devoured.

Thank you for sharing your work in this sort of forum, otherwise, some of us might never have stumbled over you. (s'cuse me, s'cuse me..) I'm eagerly awaiting the continuance of Autumn!

I'm curious, has anyone ever commented about the recent film "28 Days Later" in comparison to your stories? ((Personally, I like your stories better thus far...))

Guestbook - September 2003


I read about this in an issue of Rue Morgue magazine and, intrigued, decided to check it out. Having read a bit of it I'm pretty damn impressed and thought I'd let my fellow horror loving schmoes know about it. If you like the zombie movies of George Romero or enjoyed 28 Days Later then I urge you to check this out. The first part of what is to be a series of books following the tales of various survivors of a virus epedemic that kills off the majority of mankind only for them to return from the dead as zombies and prey on the survivors (who are few) is available for free download. The second part, Autumn: The City, is now available to buy from the official site for a measly £3.25 in e-book format. I think some of y'all schmoes are gonna enjoy this.

Posted on JoBlo's Movie Club forums - August 2003


I have just finished reading Autumn, and I'm absolutely amazed that such a talented writer would release a book as good as that for people to download for free. I would not have considered myself a fan of horror fiction but I was completely engrossed in this book for days, and will recommend this site to everyone I know.

Guestbook - June 2003


Autumn is an amazing book. I've showed it to 15 people that don't read and I see them the next day with it on their palm pilot, walking into walls while trying to read (a day I'll never forget!)

Posted on Relic Forums - June 2003


Autumn was wonderful! Your characters are real and the emotions are intense. Every time I thought there would be a lull in the tension, something new would happen to make my heart race again. Wonderful writing. I can hardly wait to read Autumn: The City! You have a new fan.

Guestbook - June 2003


I absolutely loved Autumn and Autumn: The City. I've read both of them over the last two days. Couldn't stop, couldn't leave the computer!

Please keep up the great writing!

Guestbook - June 2003


Rotting corpses coming back to life. The walking dead. There must be hundreds of B-list movies and badly written novels that have done this subject to death. In my opinion the greatest weakness of most zombie books and films is the habit of the plot revolving around some scientific gibberish that can be proved wrong a million different ways. It spoils the atmosphere. "Autumn" is quite different. There's no in-depth scientific mumble about weird chemicals bringing dead people back to life. One day a gust of wind just kills millions of people and leaves a handful of unaffected survivors. It's very 1950's in the way that there's no explanation. But remember Alfred Hitchcock's great film "Crows" - there was absolutely no explanation why every thing was happening either.

The novel starts off with most of the UK's population dropping dead. The few remaining survivors scramble together in a town hall to make sense of what's happened. Then the trouble starts. The dead bodies that have been littering the streets gradually come back to life. First of all one or two begin crawling about. A few days later a significant part of the dead bodies are tramping slowly through the streets. Then the trouble begins, as they transform from almost dazed creatures into vicious attackers.

Unlike most other zombie novels, rapid-fire guns and over the top explosions aren't the best ways to deal with this problem. The zombies are attracted by noise. Firing a gun would only usher a few hundred of them your way. Realising the danger they are in the survivors consider leaving the city. Paralysed with grief most of the survivors decide to stay at the town hall, while some elect to skip town and head to the countryside where there are less dead bodies. That's the theory anyway. Once they are far away from the chaos of the urban areas the survivors find a nice out of the way country house and begin to wait until the dead bodies have disappeared. Unfortunately the zombies are beginning to fan out across the country and a large group hang around the country house, attracted to the noise of the survivors.

"Autumn" is a very interesting story. It's hardly the most original idea, but it does give a new breath of life to the zombie genre. Best of all - its FREE. The sequel to this now popular story has just been released - "Autumn: The City". Unlike the first novel this follow up isn't free, it costs a few pounds. If you liked "Autumn" you might consider shelling out some change for this title - it's about half the price of a regular book.

Review by Michael Dunlop - May 2003


Autumn was without a doubt the best zombie book I've ever read. Although it doesn't do anything new to the "walking-dead" topic I feel that it is the best written and plot-based story out there. No over-the-top scientific mumble that can be proved wrong a million ways. Just chaos and no explanations. Very 50's horror style in that respect. It was also very fast paced, read it in four days.

Received by email - April 2003


Autumn is just superb! I am an amateur writer and I must confess Autumn is the kind of book one is always seeking to get inspired by. Thanks Mr. Moody for this great depiction of hope among total horror.

Guestbook - January 2003


Autumn...ROCKED!! I could not stop reading it... In fact my son was late to school 2 days running cause of that book!! If I had a CC I'd have EVERY other book you've written... and I am AVIDLY waiting the sequel to Autumn.

Great book... Made me think. Can there be any higher praise than that? Keep up the GREAT work!!!!

Guestbook - January 2003


I was riveted throughout the entire book. I could see everything that was going on and I was terrified. I stumbled across this book as I had read the last of my paper books and am waiting for the arrival of two new ones. I love reading late at night, and this book had me hooked. I was wondering how it would end, wondering if there would be an answer to the illness, but I guess there just isn't an answer to everything. Things just happen and you go on.

Received by email - February 2003


I am a long time fan of the George Romero `dead` films and have just appeared as a zombie extra in a sci/fi/survival/horror movie (for free `cos I love `em!). I also live fairly close to some of the locations in Autumn.

In brief what I`m trying to say as a fan of the genre and being familliar with the areas that you describe I feel quite justified in telling you that you definately make the grade (and then some!) I can't wait for the sequel.

Guestbook - September 2002


I have just finished reading the absolutely excellent Autumn (I got through the whole ebook in three days!) and was wondering just how late in 2002 we will be waiting for Autumn: The City? If it is anywhere near as good as its predecessor then Steven King has one hell of a rival.

Received by email - October 2002


God damn, that was fantastic.

I am meant to be finishing my project tonight but hey, I've not read a good yarn in ages. Even scarier than Day of the Triffids. The survivors should try and get a boat or something - or arm themselves with swords - that'll sort out those pesky corpses. Cheers for a cracking evening although my eyes hurt now.

All the best and keep it up. Look forward to the next part.

Received by email - August 2002


Never since Dawn of the Dead has a storyteller spent so much time fleshing out the details, the characters, the lives. The reader must remember that this new environment is a complete alien and desolate one. The pacing is tremendous. I found myself at times wanting to stop reading. I am accustomed to people being eaten by the within the first few chapters. But at the same time, I had this relentless feeling that the action would start.

And it has.

So, Mr. Moody, I just wanted to shoot you an email to let you know that I think you've done a great job so far.

Received by email - October 2002


I have quite an expansive library of zombie fiction. I can honestly say that this is the best zombie story I have ever read in novel form. Again I will praise you for the story's pacing. It was consistent, and a welcome change to the "blow your load mentality" of most works of this genre. An example of the quality pacing was the relationship between Emma and Michael. Very noteworthy. Overall, the book was excellent. I would gladly have shelled out 10-15 dollars(us) to have read it hardcopy.

Received by email - October 2002


Just finished Autumn and I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed reading it a hell of a lot. The story is very thrilling and has a lot of oppressing suspension. It works perfectly nice without any unneccessary huge zombie slaughtering scenes, only those that can hardly be avoided and that sort of naturally arise from the story. I might be wrong, but you seem to have made a point of the characters not really being interested in fighting. Also, the zombies are not really walking killers. In my opinion, all the fighting and the peaks of action are often very staged in other stories and only part of the story for the sake of having a lot of gore and massacre, which a lot of people seem to be only waiting for. Just like a lot of people only being interested in car races for the crashes. I really enjoyed the natural and logical flow of the whole story. I found myself sitting at the screen and thinking about where I'd go for shelter if something like this happened.

Received by email - July 2002


Oh my God - best book in the world, I'm totally hooked!!! Congrats, your style and ideas are fab!

Guestbook - June 2002


Your book is so great. I'm a professional reader and I love it too much. It's one of the best books I've ever read. I'm eagerly waiting for your other books in the near future.

Guestbook - June 2002


I read your book and loved it. My husband showed me this great ebook he was reading. I read a few lines and left him reading. The next night I started reading and did not stop until the end. Only go to bed at 4am. It was worth it. I will babysit anytime so you can write some more! Thanks for a great book. Please let us have more of Autumn soon.

Guestbook - June 2002


Thoroughly enjoyed Autumn! just wish there was more of it! Excellent read! Leaves one hungry for more!

Guestbook - May 2002


I would just like to say that I have finished your book Autumn and I am looking forward to receiving the next two you have forthcoming. This book was not really my style but the way in which you wrote the book it captured my imagination from the start! I applaud you!

Guestbook - May 2002


I just started reading Autumn, and so far, I have to say, it's an excellent book! I love your site, and I hope to see more new stuff soon!

Guestbook - May 2002


I just finished reading Autumn. It was exhilarating reading! As a matter of fact I stayed up all night and read it straight thru. Just having finished reading it, I decided to drop you a short note to tell you how much I enjoyed it.... and I am awaiting the next installment. I just happened across your book when I was searching for a marketing book and I am so pleased that I did.

Admiringly yours...

Received by email - April 2002


I'm a longtime zombie movie watcher. I downloaded and read Autumn. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've gotten tired of reading zombie survivor stories because they get so derivative (zombies break loose, hell breaks loose, civilization crashes, some people live, they reunite, they find a house and live in it or they travel around the countryside etc.), however, Autumn brings a new perspective or a little more intelligence to a lot of those ideas. The asphyxiating virus is a nice touch; the opening part of the book has a beautifully unique apocalyptic feel to it... That virus, in fact, is perhaps one of the best genesis of zombies that I've seen, period.

Received by email - April 2002


Wow. I just read Autumn. I love it. It is the best story of its kind I've ever read. Not even Stephen King's attempt at a zombie story compares with Autumn. I'm a young filmmaker currently getting prepared to start work on my first film, which will be a zombie flick. Is there any chance that Autumn will be a film someday? I'm sure that it would go down in history as a classic, right there with Night of the Living Dead and White Zombie. Wow. I loved it. Will there be a part 2? I'd pay money for it. Very good read, man, thanks.

...I just can't get over your story though, it's great. I just love the sickness and everything, and the slow gradual buildup of the zombies. I'll spread the word! Thanks!

Received by email - November 2001


I’m just wondering when the sequels to Autumn are to be released.

I’ve now spent the better part of a day reading Autumn, and I have to say it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read!

Received by email - February 2002


Loved the book! Can't wait for the sequel. Where can I buy it in hard copy? It was that good!

Received by email - February 2002


Thank you for making your story available online, I really enjoyed it. It is a wonderful story and I can't wait to see the next installment.

Received by email - February 2002


Awesome!!! I enjoyed reading Autumn very much! Just couldn't tear myself away. My phone went unanswered, the front door went unanswered, I tell you, I got lost in your dead universe. Can't wait for Autumn 2.

Received by email - January 2002


I never watch horror movies and I never even considered reading a horror book. But as the saying goes: "never say never" I just finished reading Autumn - a horror eBook recently converted into .lit by the author on my suggestion.

I just felt I have to check it out since it was me that suggested the book would be a welcome addition to the .lit library. From the summary on the authors page you can't get the exact idea what's going to happen - not even close. If I'd known what I know now before I started reading I would never even start.

But as it is with horror movies once you catch a glimpse you can't forget it and you keep switching back to that channel. It got interesting enough to keep me reading on inspite of the fact that already dead people started roaming the streets. It's terrible, I know, but it kept me turning pages right till the end.

Peter Osterversnik - www.ojster.com - November 2001


I have been a long-time fan of the 'Living Dead' series by George Romero. I downloaded this e-book with excitement knowing the storyline presented.

Mr. Moody did a fine job creating a world that could only be imagined for the horror and immense, dizzy like, unknowing! I could feel the characters pain and enjoyed the continued spiral towards madness in each personality presented.

I would have liked Mr. Moody to stay away from the 'old farm house and siege mentality' that so closely mirrors The Night of the Living Dead book. His use of spooky natural elements (wind, creaking wooden floors, darkly clouded skies, and approaching storms), the shadows of unknowing, and the personal demons rising to reclaim childhood fears (I had some of my own reading this book) reclaimed my focus from drifting too far towards the 'Living Dead' series.

I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next two installments. I hope he takes a brave stand and breaks new ground with his future zombie stories. There are many great possibilities to explore with this storyline and Mr. Moody is capable of setting the scene very effectively, now lets hope he creates something truly original.

Posted on www.ojster.com - December 2001


Just a few minutes ago, I finished reading your e-book Autumn. I found it to be quite disturbing (in a good way of course). I especially liked how the story wound up to a great finish, and the way you handled the gradual re-animation of the dead to be unnerving and horrific (the image of the dead boy under the table in the diner still makes me shudder).

Overall, the story was quite a page-turner (I read through it during my lunch breaks over 3 days), and I will probably read it again in the near future. All and all, a great addition to the LIVING DEAD UNIVERSE as a whole...

Thank you

Received by email - January 2002