The Beginning

M. Rose Flores writes an exciting and fast-paced LGBTQ+ horror book. I actually cried during the book because Flores writes characters that you root and care for. Mind you let's remember I did not read the other books. I know! Freaking awesome.

Now you are probably thinking, “Phoebe has been on a zombie kick lately....” Very true, BUT I did not know this was a zombie book because once again I did not read the synopsis or blurb (laugh). Flores knocked me on my ass with a fantastic horror book.

The horrors are not only as a result of zombies as we have learned throughout history: humans suck. So we have humans versus zombies versus humans.

The Beginning starts off with a single point-of-view of younger sister Cate. Cate gathers a team to rescue her ex-girlfriend (just broke up) across the water in San Francisco. We then watch everything implode. Flores writes gruesome battle scenes with axes, knives, and someone actually brought a gun(?). Apparently he does not watch zombie movies!

Flores has created a world of diverse characters not only in the rainbow category, but in race and physical ability. I'm trying to think if I had just one favorite character and I have to say that I love Mel and Cate equally. Everyone else can go fly a kite except for maybe Delilah. This is not to say that the characters are not likeable (laugh). I don't want to give anything away, BUT don't fall in love with everybody...just saying.

I started The Beginning at about 10:30 p.m., needless to say I read the story straight through because Flores owned me. I cannot believe that this is the last book, because I think Cate could be another Alice. I did not want this story to end.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.