196 Days Later

In Dog Years

By: Chisto Healy

Narrated by: Paul J McSorley

Life on the streets is tough but it’s going to get a whole lot harder very soon.

When Sam, Rory, Daisy, and Gina, a motley bunch of stray dogs, attempt to rescue Rose from an animal testing centre, they inadvertently unleash a new virus into the world. Facing new threats from the now rabid humans, as well as the changes which Rose has undergone, the group must rely upon each other in order to survive. Food is scarce, danger lies around every corner, nobody can be trusted. 196 Days Later is a unique take on the zombie genre, filled with courage, adventure, love and horror.

Suitable for ages 13+

©2023 Red Cape Publishing (P)2024 Red Cape Publishing

You'll Want To Pet It

(4 on overall for occasional over-explanation in this charming story that suggests what I've often wondered: what would happen to our pets when the shtf)

"If it's been bitten or chewed, don't eat it." That's good advice for humans as well as dogs during a zombie apocalypse. Sam, Rory, Daisy and Gina are making the most of their dog's life since Rose, Sam's mate, was captured for animal experimentation. I guess scientists will never learn to leave well enough alone. Like an ultra-rabid beast, she tears into everyone in her path when the dogs free her. Zombies abound! Hiding from Rose, from the undead, the pals agree on one thing: the new brand of people are an improvement. Now they only want to (understandably) eat you instead of shooting, bullying, and mistreating the furry like before.
Most of us worth our salt love anthropomorphic tales, delighting in fictional animals that behave and think as we do. In truth, following their better nature is easier for them. We're so bad at goodness. Dogs are angels on this earth we can't help but love and I think that's where Chisto Healey's real horror lies in this story. He never shies away from tossing the gentle, the innocent and, most especially, the deliberately obtuse into the path of Satan's flaming lightning bolts. Now he's doing it to dogs. Dude.
196 Days Later, it's a dog's world once more and Paul J. McSorley's narration is endearing. Must be a dog dad, that one. This is a must-read for fans of dark fiction and doomsday. Moreover, it was penned for those who believe the greatest heroes walk on four feet.

Unique take on the genre!

Finally, a different take on a well-mined genre. Listened in a single sitting, and was never bored. Well done by both the author and the narrator!

Fear and Survival

The ending reveals the nature of society, striving for dominance, conversion and the upper hand.