TRAPPED IN A SAVAGE DYSPOPIA, THE ZOMBIES PREPARE Amid betrayal and easy death in the dystopia that is now the City of London, millions watch channel 4704 as the reality show Game Hunter pitches zombie against human.Teenagers, Tremayne and Red are half-turned zombies. He has the unwanted ability to drain or feed life, she has the careless courage of the condemned. Together they are forced into … Together they are forced into the almost impossible task of saving their zombie cousins.
Tensions ramp up as the teenagers prepare to play the first of three shows against Game Hunter’s most ferocious killers until the siren sounds victory or death.
The end result will determine more than anyone can possibly guess.
Hold on for a breathless trilogy that turns zombie stories on their heads.
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I dislike sport hunting and generally avoid zombies, but Half Turned by Mark Kloss is a PG13 readable zombie book with engaging characters that took a LONG day to read keeping me up well past my bedtime. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
“I bared a single ironic laugh; what I’d give to be bored now.”
Mark Kloss is a brand new author to me and I am so glad that I have stumbled upon his books. I normally have not been one in the past to choose a zombie book, ok more like NEVER. However, this one just really jumped at me with the overall packaging. The cover was pulling me in and the blurb had me having to open it up and see what could possibly be a new twist to the whole zombie up-sweep we see in our entertainment culture now. I have to say, THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL ZOMBIE BOOK! It is so much more. Kloss has interwoven elements of science fiction, drama, romance, zombies, and human relations together to create this new look at what a future that could quite possibly be just that, possible. I have found in the past that I just couldn’t vibe with the ‘science’ or ‘explanation’ of the zombie apocalypse and how it came to in the novels that I have read including zombies, etc. This one covers all its basis and makes so much sense. Prepare to jump into the world that could be in a faraway future London City. Watch how the premise of survival of the fittest is introduced in a ‘Hunger Games’ way, and mainly, expect to be taken on the adventure right along with the main characters. Especially, Tremayne and Red!
“These days only rats and maggots were able to thrive on the ready supply of dead human meat inside the City of London’s large buildings and over its ancient streets.”
Tremayne is a zombie, but not your typical zombie. He is only quarter, part-zombie. We see things in this different view, through the eyes of an actual zombie. Quarter or full, he still has feelings, they are not animals and simply are a new human breed trying to survive in a world that was destroyed by fellow humans. Red by his side makes for a great team, and budding romance that is fun to read, as well as some much needed comedic relief when necessary.
“We are not animals.” Red’s voice choked with emotion. “We are exactly the same as you, only sick with the chemicals blown into the air by the irresponsibility of others who are no doubt now living peacefully in the countryside somewhere.”
The Game Hunter is where we see some of that Hunger Games type stuff incorporated. It is a TV show that gives full humans a chance to pay to step into the quarantined area that the Zombies have been put in in London. They are also paying to basically get to hunt zombies. Tremayne, Red, and his fellow “cousins” (what other zombies use to refer to their kind.) find themselves in the middle of a massive battle for their lives. Will they be able to make it, or will they even stand a chance against the strong and fully stocked opponents, the Normals?
““Game Hunters.” I spat the two words onto the carpet and trod it in like it was a hunter’s beaten-up face.”
“I gave a slow sigh and watched my condensed breath in the increasingly cold air. This kind of tenseness was because this new world, just across the water and beyond the all imprisoning net, had become alien to me. I kept a careful eye on a small boat passing and thought how vigilance and suspicion- and death- had become such a major part of my everyday half-life that it had become normal. Normal! So there was no way I could just easily and instantly adapt and relax to enjoy this surrounding abundance of freedom. In fact, being so close to how things once were, was now bringing back unwanted memories from a ridiculously simple life, when the biggest “danger” was my tendency to get bored in a hurry. Bored with school; bored with playing the guitar; bored with a girlfriend. Bored with life.”
I loved the fast paced and unique spin on things that are brought to life in this novel and find myself anxiously ready to devour the second book in the series, Showtime.
“I knew the future looked stacked against us. However, for the moment, with Red by my side, life didn’t seem so bad.”
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is the first in the Game Hunter series. It tells the story of a teenage half-zombie called Tremayne who is trying to survive in the City of London after it has been turned into a zombie- and rat-infested hell. He teams up with Red, another half-zombie, to rescue his sister, get revenge on the game hunters who treat zombie killing as a sport and generally save the day.
Tremayne is a great character. He doesn’t particularly want to be a hero but when the circumstances call for it he proves himself brave and capable. With special powers and strength that sets him apart from the other zombies, he’s got a bit of a Chosen One feel to him and the story does more or less follow the Hero’s Journey narrative. He’s got a soft, caring side which comes across throughout the story.
The description is very vivid, making it not necessarily a great book to read while you’re eating but otherwise totally engrossing! I really felt like I was there. I loved how the London setting allowed Kloss to reference and draw on previous London plagues, which really enhanced the world of the story.
It’s a fast-paced, action-packed story with an air of mystery as flashbacks gradually fill in the background and events that led to the whole zombie situation (a post-apocalyptic trope I particularly like!).
For me, this is a five-star book. I enjoyed reading it, more than I expected as I’m not usually a huge fan of zombies. Would definitely recommend it to young adult fans of dystopias and zombies!
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss attracted me from the blurb, although I don’t like zombie books as a rule, it ticked all my other boxes: dystopian, teenagers fighting a game to the death, so I thought id give it a try. It was full of action from page one and the zombie description was not too much to put me off. I really liked the idea that the characters could be part zombie and remain that way and not fully zombify. I liked the idea that Tremayne had a back up team of part-zombies to help him out too.
I think the premise behind this book is really good, the characters are well-developed, and the excitement was pretty much non-stop. I liked the fact that it was set in a post apocalypse London rather than a nameless American city as they normally are. It also had humour in it which appealed to me and telling the zombie story from the zombie point of view made a refreshing change. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the story next in part 2. A good 4 star fantasy read.
Game Hunter- Mark Kloss
4-star review
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is an incredibly original zombie dystopian read! I stepped out of my comfort zone with this one and I’m sure glad I did! It’s the first book in the Game Hunter series, it’s also my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to continuing with the series. This storyline is fast paced, action packed, intense and so detailed. It’s also surprisingly funny and quirky so it was a really well-rounded story. Plus, all of the detail, both big and small, made it so easy to picture everything playing out in my mind, which really added to my reading experience.
These characters took me on an unforgettable journey, one that had me sitting on the edge of my seat many times. I found myself captivated by the storyline from the very beginning until the very end since it was unlike anything I had ever read. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a fun read. At first I was hesitant because I thought the Zombie genre had been done to death with them being brain dead, shuffling, rotting corpses but Mark has done a good job of putting a new spin on things and his writing lets you have a laugh. Thinking and intelligent Zombies, who would have thunk it possible. This book is fast paced and there is full steam ahead non-stop action throughout most of the book and at times it was a little repetitive but it keeps you intrigued. The story is definitely an easy to read and entertaining and most of the characters are well written, others seem a little over the top. Just when you think you have everyone and everything figured out, Mark throws in another little twist.
Looking for a fun read? Grab a copy of Game Hunter.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss
4 out of 5 stars
This book is not my normal genre but my goodness what a book. Non-stop movement, action and friction from the moment I started. The characters are both adorably awkward and yet, entirely complex. The author has built an incredible world in a dystopian London with zombies, teenagers, and family drama. This story has a hunger games and the walking dead mashup kind of feel which I found both refreshing and intriguing. Reading this from the viewpoint of the half-turned zombies, both the external and internal dialogue was quick witted and humorous. This is a very quick and smooth read and one story that you can easily fall into.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a unique twist on the usual zombie stories.
Tremayne and Red are teenage Zombies. Living in a dystopian London in which Zombies are pitted against them in a bid to survive.
They each have special abilities to help them try to fight and save their friends and family. But with the top human killers out there hunting them down they don’t know if it will be enough to survive.
When the games begin only the klaxon at the end will reveal just how bad things can get.
This is the first book that I have read by Mark Kloss and I am glad I did. The blurb intrigued me – a twist on zombies, a familiar feel of The Hunger Games style I knew this book would be good. It did not disappoint. It hooks you in from the beginning and doesn’t let up. I loved he characters of Red and Tremayne, they worked so well together and made the story what it is. The author has a writing style that makes you want to read more. I am very glad that there are more books to come!
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss
Four Star
Game Hunter is a dystopian/action/adventure by Mark Kloss. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I loved it. This fast paced book put a different spin on zombie books. I love the way the book follows like a game. This book flowed from beginning to end, and I ended up reading it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. The characters were detailed and world building gave us enough details to know what it is like to live in this world with zombies.
Tremayne and Red are teenage half zombies trying to save their cousins. In order to do this they have to play the game, which is life and death.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, with all the twists and turns. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Zombies are not my usual choice in book subject. However this book was very well written and extremely engaging. It captured my attention immediately and held my interest through each page. This was a first introduction to this author and I look forward to reading more in this series. Very interesting dystopian fiction.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a dystopian action, adventure story for the young adult reader. Mark Kloss does an amazing job with a subject matter that is really exploded in popularity. The setting is in London and the characters are zombies, half-zombies, and humans. I never thought I would like a zombie book, but I must admit Mark Kloss is a master storyteller. Tremanye and Red are the main characters in the books. These two are tasked with saving their zombie cousins. Will there be enough time or will the two not succeed in their mission?
Game Hunter (Game Hunter #1) by Mark Kloss was a action packed, fun thrill ride, full of zombies, that aren’t all that bad.
I’m not big into the zombie genera, but this had a bit of a Warm Bodies feel, so I gave it a shot. So happy I did. Because this was one of those action-dark-light-hearted sort of comedies that made you giggle and had your heart racing at the same time. It’s one of those quirky books that you can’t help but love. The writing had this off beatness to it that seemed to switched around depending on the scene. Once the action got going it was hard to tell that our MC’s where the zombies fighting the normals. It was a nice switch.
I have to not that the action is this book was choreographed beautifully. It was like a action moving playing in my head.
Our MC Tremayne is quick witted, a romantic, and not afraid to show it. He is also the main reason why I love this book so much, his narration was almost child like, showing us that he was stuck in time. But, under all that, when he got determined, mad, or backed into a corner he was a machine. Red had some kick to her, and at times I did support the ship, but with the fast moving and the dangerous plot, I’m not fully on board yet. When I get my hands on the next book, I see where these two go.
Overall this book was a delight to read, I highly recommend you get yours hands on the unique, engaging story that will having you looking as zombies in a different light.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Game Hunter (Game Hunter #1)
By Mark Kloss
Rated 5 stars
I really enjoyed this look at “life” on the other side. I really have never read a zombie book so this is my first go at one. It sounded interesting and I liked the whole “survivor type game”. This story is full of adventure, loss and friendship. I enjoyed the attention to detail and the descriptions the author wrote. I could easily see the people, places and “ other “ things in my head. Great world building and character base. The writing was engaging and kept me interested. The characters are smart, quick-witted (shockingly for zombies) and gun wielding. I enjoyed this insight into the zombie world and look forward to reading the next in the series.
There were some cute moments between the two main characters. Red was smart and more of the weapons guru. Tremayne is a quick-thinker, kind and a good shot. Both are half zombies. Together they have some fierce and lovely moments between them. It was kinda cute watching these two practice trying to act like a “normal” so they could fit in. I also liked how they joke around about their zombie side. They often say “activate your brain side” and get thinking. Haha.
The others characters in the story complimented the main characters perfectly. Some were kind some were brash and some were just downright mean. A few hung around to help them along the way. The camaraderie between some of them was great and made me smile or just shake my head.
Throughly enjoyable book! This is my first Mark Kloss story and as said previously I will be reading the next book.
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a very interesting take on the post apocalyptic genre. I love reading different versions of the post apocalyptic world we live in. This book fits in a unique way. We follow a coming of age tale where the characters just happen to be half zombies in London. This was such a fun book! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!
I’m into Zombie movies and shows, yet I never really got into Zombie books, although I am so glad that I decided to take the chance on Mark Kloss’ Game Hunter. The apocalyptic world he created is truly one of a kind. It is a completely different take on Zombies than I have read or watched before.
The story was engaging from the start and carried through the entirety of the book.
The Charecters were well developed and detailed.
I think this is a great read for any YA or lover of YA fiction.
I give Game Hunter by Mark Kloss, 5 stars.
What a great idea for a book! I am not a huge zombie book reader for they tend to be similar. But this one peaked my interest. And I was so pleasantly surprised at just how good and unique it was. It put me in mind of the movies The Running Man, Mad Max, and Escape from New York, but with zombies.
Tremayne and Red are half zombies thrown together in a world that hates all zombies. Not only do they have to survive, they are put on a seemingly impossible mission. Along the way, they have to avoid the cameras, the zombie hunters, and other creatures all trying to just survive.
This was such an original idea to me and it seemed like a throwback to the older cult classics that I love. The main characters are 17 and 18, so this is probably technically a YA book. But really, it is for all ages. There really isn’t any teenager polarization, which is so refreshing.
The characters were great, both the main ones and the ones they meet along the way. There are some surprises along the way and much suspense as they try to complete their mission.
It is a wonderful story that I highly recommend and cannot wait to read more about these wonderful characters.
a great read about making the best of a bad situation. Tremayne is a quarter zombie living his life in the City as best he can. When a fellow zombie gives him cryptic instructions to find a rogue zombie named Glink to help save them all, Tremaynes life is turned upside down. with the help of a new friend named Red, he faces dangers and darkness and enemies, but will they be able to find Glink in time?
a great read. I usually don’t read this kind of book but this one captivated me with quick action and fast paced events in a plot of twists and turns I just couldn’t put down with relatable characters struggling in a hard world. the use of humour was brillaint, creating a sense of optimism and worked well with the dark world around them.
I loved the visual detail of the destruction and dust of the city that was full of life was emotive. I also loved the detail of the church standing against time. the use of running against time and the watch was a nice touch.I also loved the twist in adding to the zombie genre by using a perspective from a zombies point of view . Overall, a brillaint book and I would give it five stars
Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a dystopian, action, adventure story that will keep you reading until the end. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. This book reads like a game in a sort of way. This author created a story that is creative and engaging. His characters are connectable and relatable. They will take you on a journey of zombies and adventure. Tremanye and Red are two young adults who are half zombies. They each have their own power sort to speak. Tremanye the ability to drain and feed life. Red has the ability of careless bravery of someone who is condemned. They are tasked with saving their zombie cousins. The twist comes in with them doing this on a TV game show. They will play against the Game Hunter’s toughest players for three shows. What will the end result be? Will they be winners or losers? Will they be able to save their cousins before it is too late? There is a lot of characters in this book. They are all enjoyable and make the story flow. Tremanye and Red are two tough characters that work well together. They are cute together on top of it. I found it interesting that the characters were zombies which I don’t normally see when reading paranormal. All of the characters make this story interesting and made me want to read this book. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens as these two play a game of life and death. Can there be a winner?
4 Stars
Game Hunter is the first book in the Game Hunter series by Mark Kloss. This is an intriguing Dystopian/paranormal Zombie story- with some sci-fi elements, action, drama, and more. The story is very original- it’s definitely not your typical zombie story. It has a fun, ‘Hunger Games’ meets ‘The Running Man’ meets ‘Warm Bodies’ feel to it that quickly grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen.
Mr. Kloss is a new-to-me author and I am really pleased that I took a chance on this book. The blurb was intriguing, and the story promised to take me on an action-packed adventure which lured me into purchasing it, and the author certainly delivered the goods. Mr. Kloss takes zombie lore and gives us his own spin on it. He weaves a great story, easily holding my attention from the beginning, till the end. He has crafted interesting and well-developed characters that really made this story even better.
The book has a great pace and a smooth flow, although the story did seem to lag in the middle for a while, before picking up again for a strong finish.
Overall, it’s a great read and I look forward to book two!
Thank you, Mr. Kloss!
Game Hunter
By: Mark Kloss
5 out of 5 stars
The story Game Hunter by Mark Kloss is a YA/Dystopian book. This is a story that has action, danger, and zombies. This is a book that has a different and interesting take on them. The City of London has become both the residence and a prison for zombies. A live TV show called Game Hunter is played in the city. It pits humans against zombies. The city is a ruthless and deadly place in which other strange mutant creatures roam free. It is in this city that we meet Tremayne and Red. They are both teenage zombies who have a dangerous task to complete. They gain assistance and help from some who they meet along the way. Others hunt them and want only to end their existence. Will Tremayne and Red be able to successfully complete their task? This is a book that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Both Tremayne and Red constantly find themselves in situations of danger and must use their wits and all the tools that they have available. I was rooting for them to overcome all the odds that are against them and succeed in the task they have been sent on. Not everything is what it seems to be. Tremayne and Red must quickly discover who is on their side and who is not. This is the first book that I have read by the author and I found that he has created an amazing story with wonderful characters. This is the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one.