What do you think?
Rate this book
Zombie Gentlemen
Stung
--- If you want honey, prepare to get stung. ---
October 1907, Honeyhill
Twenty years into the zombie Plague
Victor is a man of delicate sensibilities, not fit to do backbreaking labour on a farm ran by the mob. Upon arrival in Honeyhill, he decides he needs an anchor, an alliance with one of the guards, if he wants to survive. That anchor comes in the form of Crunch, a hunky ex-sailor with a pair of tight leather trousers and a ruggedly handsome face.
But from day one, Victor knows he won’t last long with the hard physical work assigned to him and the torment he suffers at the hands of a sadistic guard. He needs to run, and his new alliance might prove to be a burden instead of solace.
If Crunch wants Honeyhill liberated, he needs to focus on his job, not on protecting Victor, one of many new arrivals on the farm. Distraction is the last thing he needs after months of undercover work. But it’s hard not to get seduced by Victor's big brown eyes and fingertips that don’t know work. Hundreds of people depend on Crunch keeping his identity a secret, revealing it could be fatal for both him and Victor, and a failure of his mission. Thankfully, Victor would never be dumb enough to try and escape through a forest that's swarming with zombies. Would he?
“Stung” is a standalone book and a part of the “Zombie Gentlemen” universe.
Themes (may contain SPOILERS): zombies, prisoner/guard, beekeeping, gore, deception, undercover agent, captivity, romance, brutality, forced labour camp, murder, farm, torment, forbidden romance, Victorian
Erotic content: explicit m/m sexual scenes (including dubious consent)
Genre: dystopian homoerotic thriller
Length: ~50,000words
October 1907, Honeyhill
Twenty years into the zombie Plague
Victor is a man of delicate sensibilities, not fit to do backbreaking labour on a farm ran by the mob. Upon arrival in Honeyhill, he decides he needs an anchor, an alliance with one of the guards, if he wants to survive. That anchor comes in the form of Crunch, a hunky ex-sailor with a pair of tight leather trousers and a ruggedly handsome face.
But from day one, Victor knows he won’t last long with the hard physical work assigned to him and the torment he suffers at the hands of a sadistic guard. He needs to run, and his new alliance might prove to be a burden instead of solace.
If Crunch wants Honeyhill liberated, he needs to focus on his job, not on protecting Victor, one of many new arrivals on the farm. Distraction is the last thing he needs after months of undercover work. But it’s hard not to get seduced by Victor's big brown eyes and fingertips that don’t know work. Hundreds of people depend on Crunch keeping his identity a secret, revealing it could be fatal for both him and Victor, and a failure of his mission. Thankfully, Victor would never be dumb enough to try and escape through a forest that's swarming with zombies. Would he?
“Stung” is a standalone book and a part of the “Zombie Gentlemen” universe.
Themes (may contain SPOILERS): zombies, prisoner/guard, beekeeping, gore, deception, undercover agent, captivity, romance, brutality, forced labour camp, murder, farm, torment, forbidden romance, Victorian
Erotic content: explicit m/m sexual scenes (including dubious consent)
Genre: dystopian homoerotic thriller
Length: ~50,000words
149 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2013
20 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
127 books2,918 followers(카지노싸이트 profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page:
Patreon:
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page:
Patreon:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 4, 2017
Cross-posted at and at
So much promise, so disappointing.
London in the early 20th century, zombies, a prisoner/guard romance, a labor camp ruled by a powerful family, and sweet, sweet honey. What’s not to love?
The story starts out with Victor, a young singer, and other prisoners being transported by cattle car to the Dal family’s work camp, known as Honeyhill, where they will serve their sentences. Since Victor is blindfolded and hands bound behind his back, he has no idea where he is going.
Besides the wrong word usage here, how in the world did Victor manage to clutch at someone’s skirt while his hands were tied behind his back?
Sadly, there were many instances of odd word choices and awkward sentences which distracted me from the story.
Right off the bat, Victor is a very unlikable character. Before he’s even out of his bonds, he’s already making eyes at an attractive guard named Crunch. He’s desperate, lonely and hungry and wants to ally himself with someone who has influence and control over others. Unfortunately, he has not given any thought whatsoever to his dire circumstances, which suddenly don’t seem so dire now that he’s found a love interest. Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m reading a prison story, I’d like for the incarcerated character to suffer a little and endure some hardship. Instead, Victor comes off as needy, manipulative, and immature.
Crunch was a far more interesting character. Unlike the other prison guards, he has an agenda of his own. While working to bring his own plans to fruition, he is also very protective of Victor and is charming when showing a bit of vulnerability and insecurity. Crunch feels lucky to have Victor, as Victor would likely not be interested in a man like him in the real world.
The best moments in the story for me were the creepy, tense scenes involving the evil guard, Sharp, the zombies, and the bees.
Considering that the story took place in 1907, there was little here that made the setting, clothing, mannerisms and dialogue feel authentic. Perhaps, with more world building, this could have been effective as a steampunk novel or alternate history. As it is, the background is flat and the romance unconvincing. I am happy that the authors ended the story realistically, without a schmoopy epilogue.
*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
So much promise, so disappointing.
London in the early 20th century, zombies, a prisoner/guard romance, a labor camp ruled by a powerful family, and sweet, sweet honey. What’s not to love?
The story starts out with Victor, a young singer, and other prisoners being transported by cattle car to the Dal family’s work camp, known as Honeyhill, where they will serve their sentences. Since Victor is blindfolded and hands bound behind his back, he has no idea where he is going.
“Suddenly, the struggle to raise above the others was gone as the wagon filled with cool air and the crowd moved, carrying Victor with it. He frantically clutched at the fabric of someone’s skirt, but the stream of people came to an abrupt stop with a loud bang that made Victor’s ears ring. The air filled with a new smell, smoky, a bit like fireworks.”
Besides the wrong word usage here, how in the world did Victor manage to clutch at someone’s skirt while his hands were tied behind his back?
Sadly, there were many instances of odd word choices and awkward sentences which distracted me from the story.
Right off the bat, Victor is a very unlikable character. Before he’s even out of his bonds, he’s already making eyes at an attractive guard named Crunch. He’s desperate, lonely and hungry and wants to ally himself with someone who has influence and control over others. Unfortunately, he has not given any thought whatsoever to his dire circumstances, which suddenly don’t seem so dire now that he’s found a love interest. Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m reading a prison story, I’d like for the incarcerated character to suffer a little and endure some hardship. Instead, Victor comes off as needy, manipulative, and immature.
Crunch was a far more interesting character. Unlike the other prison guards, he has an agenda of his own. While working to bring his own plans to fruition, he is also very protective of Victor and is charming when showing a bit of vulnerability and insecurity. Crunch feels lucky to have Victor, as Victor would likely not be interested in a man like him in the real world.
The best moments in the story for me were the creepy, tense scenes involving the evil guard, Sharp, the zombies, and the bees.
Considering that the story took place in 1907, there was little here that made the setting, clothing, mannerisms and dialogue feel authentic. Perhaps, with more world building, this could have been effective as a steampunk novel or alternate history. As it is, the background is flat and the romance unconvincing. I am happy that the authors ended the story realistically, without a schmoopy epilogue.
*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2017
4.5 Stars.
I don't know why I waited so long to read this.For fans of this is a highly recommend read.Part of the Zombie Gentlemen World but can definitely be read as a standalone.
October 1907
Victor is a beautiful young man,used to the finer things in life.Captured for an indiscretion he's been sent to Honeyhill farm run by the ruthless Dal family.He soon realizes that in order to survive this nightmare he must come up with a plan....so when he catches the eye of one of the guards he goes into a seemingly innocent seduction mode.
Crunch is immediately captivated by Victor but his role in Honeyhill is not what it appears and he struggles with keeping Victor safe without revealing his real reason for being there.
Victor's motive might have one of self preservation at the beginning but these two men are highly attracted to each other and the sexy times are just delicious.
It's most definitely insta lust with the promise of,maybe,strong feelings to come.I'll definitely be reading soon to get more of these two.
I don't know why I waited so long to read this.For fans of this is a highly recommend read.Part of the Zombie Gentlemen World but can definitely be read as a standalone.
October 1907
Victor is a beautiful young man,used to the finer things in life.Captured for an indiscretion he's been sent to Honeyhill farm run by the ruthless Dal family.He soon realizes that in order to survive this nightmare he must come up with a plan....so when he catches the eye of one of the guards he goes into a seemingly innocent seduction mode.
"And for the record I'm not a whore,even though my morals are loose.There are things I won't do,even for food."
Crunch is immediately captivated by Victor but his role in Honeyhill is not what it appears and he struggles with keeping Victor safe without revealing his real reason for being there.
Victor's motive might have one of self preservation at the beginning but these two men are highly attracted to each other and the sexy times are just delicious.
It's most definitely insta lust with the promise of,maybe,strong feelings to come.I'll definitely be reading soon to get more of these two.
March 9, 2017
**4.5 stars**
I can never look at honey the same way again...Or bees...
Stung is set in the Zombie Gentlemen universe , and runs parallel to The Copper Horse: Love , I believe. I was so happy to be in this world again!
This is a love story between a slave and his guard. Or so I thought, because really, it's more than that. But I won't spoil it for you.
Victor finds himself captive in Honeyhill (and holy shit this is how the Dals make their honey! EWW!!!). But soon things will heat up between him and his cruel guard, Crunch.
Despite the setting and the circumstances under which the MCs meet, this is a surprisingly sweet (no pun intended), gentle romance. Even the heartbreaking scene toward the end is wrapped in tenderness. So amazing!
The sex is scorching hot, the action intense, and the zombies...GROSS! Seriously, I applaud the authors for the creativity, but the zombies and the bees and...everything that's going on in Honeyhill is so.damn.gross!
This is turning out to be my favorite alternate universe. This is important because I very rarely read paranormal. I can count on one hand the non-contemporary books I 've loved. Actually, it's just two: this one and Darien Cox's The Village.
Every book in the Zombie Gentlemen series has something different to say, and new things to explore, but the ongoing theme is pretty awesome, original, and imaginative.
As for the ending, it's very realistic, satisfying enough, but I would call it a tentative HFN. I expect things to get settled in Stung: Winter Special which I'm planning on reading very soon, as well as the rest of the books in the Zombie Gentlemen series.
Prepare to get Stung!
*Review posted on .*
January 8, 2015
4 Stars especially for that realistic ending!
was set in a Victorian Dystopia world whereby a zombie plague has created an oppressed society struggling to co-exist with the undead. This story is actually part of the Zombie Gentlemen series by which consist of a pair of talented authors, Kat and Agnes Merikan. Eventhough I have yet to read the rest of the series, I did not encounter any problem following this standalone story.
Basically Stung was about Victor a pretty boy from the city latching on to Crunch a sting operative tough guy who was masquerading as a guard at a mob ran prison camp where Victor was wrongfully incarcerated due to a flash of his own stupidity. Crunch was there to carry out out a dangerous secret mission to liberate the abused captives from the camp which was actually a large farm where prisoners were forced to perform hard labour. The prisoners were cruelly worked till they wither away. Needless to say the environment was a harsh one. Best pray for a short life than to struggle each day at Honeyhill farm. Victor is smart enough to know he wouldn't survive a day without a protector.
Luckily for us and Victor himself that he isn't some air-head people might think he is due to his outward appearance. He may look like a delicate flower, beautiful, all helpless and clueless, yet he is about to prove to everyone he isn't all that simple. He is to me, quite like the alluring ; unsuspecting victims would find themselves lured in by its compelling scent and once ensnared it's a road of no return. Even so, it is a road willingly traveled by Crunch to partake in the comely sweetness of this little lost lamb who had so brazenly sought him as an anchor with his honeyed lips and delectable body. Make no mistakes, this lamb bites deep and would trample bad guys mercilessly when provoked. Have no fear though because kisses and cuddles are lavished upon his saviour and protector. When Victor is sweet, he has a cat-like demeanor; he will be all affectionate, snuggly, and would sniff Crunch all over stealing his manly scents for comfort. I do suspect he has a scent fetish.
“But you wouldn’t ‘crunch’ my bones, would you?” muttered Victor, pressing a soft kiss to the underside of his jaw. Accompanying it were a quiet sound and a rush of air. Victor was sniffing him. For a moment, Crunch felt self conscious, but since Victor wasn’t moving away, it had to be a pleasant scent for him.
So what about the sex then?
I'll say it was nicely done. It was sexy and exciting and I am glad it wasn't overly done unlike many other books of this genre which tends to fail on finding the right balance between the sex and the story. There's a touch of light manhandling during the sexy times that I quite enjoy in my books. Apart from that, the romance was also very realistic. I totally buy it. What they had is a slow burn kind of romance.
I wish to share here a sample of their flirty banter...
“What is it, Mr. Crunch?” Victor bit his lip, slowly rubbing his calf over Crunch’s knee.
Crunch pulled down his trousers and finally set his cock free. It was dying to get between Victor’s juicy lips. “Ya ready for dessert?” he grunted, slouching over the other man.
“I thought I just ate some cake and fruit.” Victor's face was tense with attempts to stop a smile, but it wasn't working and soon, he was beaming in the semi-darkness.
“Now ya gonna get some cream,” Crunch panted and kneeled closer above Victor’s face. His stiff prick looked like it belonged there.
Victor exhaled, licking his lips with eyes focused on the cock that was now inches above him. Slowly, he spread his arms, revealing his full naked glory. With his legs slightly bent at the knees, his stomach trembling with each breath, he looked like a human sacrifice, one that Crunch was willing to devour.
They both flirts with each other a-lot. And I liked it very much. It's fun to read and lightens up the atmosphere.
And hey! what about those bees and the zombays?
No worries there, we certainly get a steady feed on the insects and the rotters - it was aptly peppered along the story as we read on. They even get to play more in the main parts of the story especially at the ending. All I could say was Victor was ever so glad for their assistance.
The morbid ones would be happy to know that they wouldn't be missing out on zombay nom-nommy scenes. It was very nicely done, I didn't even have any urge to spray-paint my stomach content on my desk. Truthfully Stung did have some icky parts but it wasn't over the top kind.
The unique 'gardening' everyone mentioned in their review reminds me much of... ( HEY DON'T 'CLICK' IT! IT'S A GODDAMN SPOILER FOR GOD'S SAKE!)
The next questions is: Will this story be alright for those faint-hearted? My answer is... GO FOR IT! Even a chicken-shit like me could survive this book without a scratch. Frankly, due to the cover, the blurb, the reviews and my past experience with , a bizarre and morbid book by the these two brilliant authors, I had mentally prepared myself for some sort of fright affair with this book. I really can't do gore very well so I was quite apprehensive initially to read it. But that beautiful and hyper erotic cover was screaming at me to read it. I knew I just had to, and I am glad I did. So no regrets whatsoever. It has been a wonderful experience.
Lastly, I must applaud the authors for an ending that stays true with the story and its characters. I was surprised the ending has taken such an unexpected twist than what I have imagined it would be... you know those skull numbing, boring, formulaic forced HEAs? I thought it would focus on... Blargh, thank god that DID NOT happen and I am forever grateful for that. Disney-ish ending begone! *throws confetti in celebration* Mind you, I am not saying there is no happy ending kay. It's just a much better and believable version that's what I mean.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title:
Author:
Publication Date: October 28th, 2013
Type: Novel, 50,000 words (approximate)
Genre: Dystopian homoerotic thriller, M/M, Gay, Erotica, Consensual, Romance
Tags/Keywords: zombies, prisoner/guard, beekeeping, gore, deception, undercover agent, captivity, romance, brutality, forced labour camp, murder, farm, torment, forbidden romance, Victorian, dystopian, horror, loving-adoring-partner, mafia-mobster-crime-boss, manipulative character, murder-killing, cheeky-impish-character, oral sex, prisoner, slavery, slaves, profound-physical-size-difference, realistic, restricted freedom, revenge, corporal punishment, sensual-erotic-sexy, stubborn character, thriller, violence, defenseless protagonist, whipping, willing partner, consensual, zombies, undead
Description:
--- If you want honey, prepare to get stung. ---
October 1907, Honeyhill
Twenty years into the zombie Plague
Victor is a man of delicate sensibilities, not fit to do backbreaking labour on a farm ran by the mob. Upon arrival in Honeyhill, he decides he needs an anchor, an alliance with one of the guards, if he wants to survive. That anchor comes in the form of Crunch, a hunky ex-sailor with a pair of tight leather trousers and a ruggedly handsome face.
But from day one, Victor knows he won’t last long with the hard physical work assigned to him and the torment he suffers at the hands of a sadistic guard. He needs to run, and his new alliance might prove to be a burden instead of solace.
If Crunch wants Honeyhill liberated, he needs to focus on his job, not on protecting Victor, one of many new arrivals on the farm. Distraction is the last thing he needs after months of undercover work. But it’s hard not to get seduced by Victor's big brown eyes and fingertips that don’t know work. Hundreds of people depend on Crunch keeping his identity a secret, revealing it could be fatal for both him and Victor, and a failure of his mission. Thankfully, Victor would never be dumb enough to try and escape through a forest that's swarming with zombies. Would he?
“Stung” is a standalone book and a part of the “Zombie Gentlemen” universe.
Themes (may contain SPOILERS): zombies, prisoner/guard, beekeeping, gore, deception, undercover agent, captivity, romance, brutality, forced labour camp, murder, farm, torment, forbidden romance, Victorian
Erotic content: explicit m/m sexual scenes (including dubious consent)
Genre: dystopian homoerotic thriller
Length: ~50,000words
WHERE TO BUY:
__________________________________________
NOTE: This is an ARC extended to me by the author.
Comment on November 22nd, 2013: (click to expand - nothing spoilerish)
This review has also been cross-posted at:
* Reviewed on December 3rd, 2013
October 26, 2013
THIS BOOK IS SWEET!
No pun intended. Okay, some pun intended.
Generally spoiler free because you gotta read this.
This book was generously given to me as an ARc by Kat who comprises 50% of the tag team duo, K.A. Kerikan. I was really looking forward to this book because, well, I this kinda book is right up my alley. M/M, thriller/horror, and weird. All three elements that I love in books, but you don't see too often. If you like those kinds of books, pick this badboy up.
I really enjoyed the writing. I like the style of writing that treats me like I'm smart, because it's smart, without completely losing me. It was engaging and IMO very well done. It was on the edge of my seat quite frequently. Sweet.
The world? Man. So cool. So basically it's 20 years post plague. Zombay plague and set in 1907 outside of London. There's this kind of camp where people are pretty much enslaved for some pretty rude dudes, if I do say so myself. The place is called Honeyhill and it's pretty much a honey harvesting camp. But there's more going on. *makes spooky noises* Have you ever read a book about some man love in a zombie-infested world set in a honey farm? No. And that in itself is totally cool. There's some gross shit going on, FYI. I will spoiler tag something.... now:
Man, Vic was such a little tart. Can I say that? Too bad, I did. What a little baby. I liked him, but god, sometimes I was like "You're such a little bratface!". He's like the annoying, cute little brother that gets everything he wants but he can't help that he's adorable
Crunch was totally, by far, the coolest. I love books where the characters have memorable nicknames (it's a weird thing I like, whatever), and I'm also a sucker for characters that are portrayed as gentle giants, and god, he was the king of gentle giants. But secretly smart and also totally badass.
Favorite scene: Crunch is so totally awesome.
The ending? UH. MORE. PLS? I didn't see it ending like that. I saw it ending in a way that lead to insta-rainbows and sunshine and boners. Alas, it didn't end the way I saw it going, and that's AWESOME because now I need more. Need. Still a HEA, but not the way I thought.
Final thoughts.
This book wasn't nearly as weird as I thought it would be, or as gross, which will allow lots more of you friends of mine read this. Don't be scared. *pets*
It was still totally awesome, a really fun, exciting read that caused me a my fair share of anxiety.
Zombies, manlove, really hot sex, scary shit, gross things, and a completely unique world.
Need I say more?
P.S. My bf made a PB and honey sandwich today and the thought of eating honey contorted my face in the least attractive way.
No pun intended. Okay, some pun intended.
Generally spoiler free because you gotta read this.
This book was generously given to me as an ARc by Kat who comprises 50% of the tag team duo, K.A. Kerikan. I was really looking forward to this book because, well, I this kinda book is right up my alley. M/M, thriller/horror, and weird. All three elements that I love in books, but you don't see too often. If you like those kinds of books, pick this badboy up.
I really enjoyed the writing. I like the style of writing that treats me like I'm smart, because it's smart, without completely losing me. It was engaging and IMO very well done. It was on the edge of my seat quite frequently. Sweet.
The world? Man. So cool. So basically it's 20 years post plague. Zombay plague and set in 1907 outside of London. There's this kind of camp where people are pretty much enslaved for some pretty rude dudes, if I do say so myself. The place is called Honeyhill and it's pretty much a honey harvesting camp. But there's more going on. *makes spooky noises* Have you ever read a book about some man love in a zombie-infested world set in a honey farm? No. And that in itself is totally cool. There's some gross shit going on, FYI. I will spoiler tag something.... now:
Man, Vic was such a little tart. Can I say that? Too bad, I did. What a little baby. I liked him, but god, sometimes I was like "You're such a little bratface!". He's like the annoying, cute little brother that gets everything he wants but he can't help that he's adorable
Crunch was totally, by far, the coolest. I love books where the characters have memorable nicknames (it's a weird thing I like, whatever), and I'm also a sucker for characters that are portrayed as gentle giants, and god, he was the king of gentle giants. But secretly smart and also totally badass.
Favorite scene: Crunch is so totally awesome.
Covered with mud, with muscles hurting from the long run, he couldn’t stop crying. “Will I die?”
“Yes, ya fucker! I’m gonna fuckin’ skin ya when we get back!” Crunch spat on the ground and without a second warning, he dropped to one knee and knotted up Victor’s ankles.
“Don’t say a fuckin’ word, ya dumb fuck. Got it?”
The ending? UH. MORE. PLS? I didn't see it ending like that. I saw it ending in a way that lead to insta-rainbows and sunshine and boners. Alas, it didn't end the way I saw it going, and that's AWESOME because now I need more. Need. Still a HEA, but not the way I thought.
Final thoughts.
This book wasn't nearly as weird as I thought it would be, or as gross, which will allow lots more of you friends of mine read this. Don't be scared. *pets*
It was still totally awesome, a really fun, exciting read that caused me a my fair share of anxiety.
Zombies, manlove, really hot sex, scary shit, gross things, and a completely unique world.
Need I say more?
P.S. My bf made a PB and honey sandwich today and the thought of eating honey contorted my face in the least attractive way.
January 16, 2014
Unexpected. If there's one thing I've come to expect from Merikan is that wherever you think you're going, you're not. All of the stories have these bizarre twists that have you spinning around going, "Wait...weren't we?"
Crunch, boy do I love any guard with a moniker like that, is a hoot. Not going to say much because I really feel that experiencing this story without to much foreknowledge is a plus. Victor, well he has some skills and enough panache to pull you along. And Honeyhill, it's unique with some old-fashion attractions:
For a zombie apocalypse you get your assorted gore and whatnot, but I have to say that the special surprise regarding that is...well, creepy and more than a little gross. Add in some topsy-turvy dynamics and enough violence to get you into the proper dystopian spirit and voila! One sweet, disgusting and always just one step ahead of you tale of love in the most unusual of places. Trust me; it's unusual.
Recommended for zombie aficionados and bee lovers
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for ~~~
Crunch, boy do I love any guard with a moniker like that, is a hoot. Not going to say much because I really feel that experiencing this story without to much foreknowledge is a plus. Victor, well he has some skills and enough panache to pull you along. And Honeyhill, it's unique with some old-fashion attractions:
That Jacob man only spent a month here, and already looked rugged, his manly charms gone like the knocked out teeth.
For a zombie apocalypse you get your assorted gore and whatnot, but I have to say that the special surprise regarding that is...well, creepy and more than a little gross. Add in some topsy-turvy dynamics and enough violence to get you into the proper dystopian spirit and voila! One sweet, disgusting and always just one step ahead of you tale of love in the most unusual of places. Trust me; it's unusual.
Recommended for zombie aficionados and bee lovers
Favorite quote:
Crunch knew that look all too well. Was this whole fucking army full of eager boy arses?
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for ~~~
August 25, 2016
4.5 stars
Honeyhill, such an evocative name for this bucolic setting-- grass-covered hills, apple orchards baking in the sun, busy bees gently buzzing on the warm breeze… pollinating, fertilizing…
But, when the train spits the unfortunate Victor, and his fellow prisoners out, it’s into a place of nightmare, torture, and death. This lovely prison, Honeyhill farm, fenced off to keep out the slavering zombies that surround it, hides all sorts of evil and danger.
“… he could still sense the earthy, somewhat wet smell of the ground, mixing with the sweet aroma of the apples… so alien and new that he wasn’t yet sure whether he liked it or not.”
Victor lives in a Victorian dystopia, a world where one thuggish family has the power to ruin lives. Owned by the mysterious and elusive Dal family, Honeyhill is policed by vicious guards who take joy in punishing the prisoners, starving them and working them like slaves, with grueling work in its fields and apiaries. Mr. Crunch (a great name!), is a man on a mission, and alone among the the guards, seems to have a heart. He takes the beautiful, succulent, Victor under his protection.
With benefits attached.
This was pure, nonstop fun. Down and dirty and sensual… there are orchards of apples, the brutish guards seem to be constantly crunching on them while the emaciated prisoners are denied. And there is honey… Mr. Crunch, a hedonist at heart, feeds the starving Victor on it, secreting him pots of the sweet, drippy stuff.
“Victor… opened the pot, digging his finger in the golden liquid. He then sucked it into his mouth with a groan, his soft, plump lips closing over the digit.”
And Crunch dips into the honeypot that is Victor… Victor, spoiled, seductive, a sexpot who knows how to make good use of his looks to garner favors. He holds Crunch prisoner to his charms.
“‘Then fuck me, Mr. Crunch,’ he rasped, clutching his fingers on the thick grass and inhaling its fresh scent. With the cool air caressing his back, it was almost surreal.”
Everywhere, there is the constant hum of those bees, huge and voracious, feeding on nectar and… other festering, oozing sources… Victor and his fellow prisoners tend the orchards and the apiaries and try to avoid getting stung.
Crunch and Victor are fueled by their lust, but there is something else between them, a sweet exchange. But that ‘sweet something’ is fed by need, dependency, and greed which gives the situation a disturbing edge. Secret trysts, whispered naughtiness, sex in watchtowers and grassy ditches, all composed to the hum of insects and the groans of the circling zombie hoard-- this is a different kind of romance.
I have a small disappointment…
Stung is wickedly great storytelling, well-paced and gorily descriptive. It is a great read anytime, but perfect as we approach that bewitching night… All Hallows’ Eve. Watch out for the slavering masses!
(LoVe the cover!!!)
For this review, give-aways, author interviews, and much more:
June 5, 2018
Oh, my... I loved Ira and James from but Crunch and Victor are also a great pair!
This instalment of Zombie Gentlemen was very different from the previous books.
First of all, it was set in a prison camp outside of London - a sort of undead-fed farm producing the famous Dal family's honey.
Second of all, the relationship between Crunch and Victor was a short one, a somewhat forced one (lean, delicate Victor needed Crunch's protection in prison) but also a very... sweet one!
Crunch - the seemingly boorish and bulky brute, ex-sailor - was a guard but also an undercover Humanists soldier working from the inside on freeing the whole camp.
Victor - the beautiful, pale, brown-haired singer - found himself in the zombie surrounded prison by... mistake... :( But who cares about a boy who offended one of the powerful Dal family, right?
Well, Crunch cares and he is so... honest, so decent and endearing in his care of Victor... My heart was melting, big time! The big guy is so tender and gentle and selfless... *sigh*
Anyway, I still have one more meeting with the boys in , so off I go! ;)
My Victor:
My "Crunch":
This instalment of Zombie Gentlemen was very different from the previous books.
First of all, it was set in a prison camp outside of London - a sort of undead-fed farm producing the famous Dal family's honey.
Second of all, the relationship between Crunch and Victor was a short one, a somewhat forced one (lean, delicate Victor needed Crunch's protection in prison) but also a very... sweet one!
Crunch - the seemingly boorish and bulky brute, ex-sailor - was a guard but also an undercover Humanists soldier working from the inside on freeing the whole camp.
Victor - the beautiful, pale, brown-haired singer - found himself in the zombie surrounded prison by... mistake... :( But who cares about a boy who offended one of the powerful Dal family, right?
Well, Crunch cares and he is so... honest, so decent and endearing in his care of Victor... My heart was melting, big time! The big guy is so tender and gentle and selfless... *sigh*
Anyway, I still have one more meeting with the boys in , so off I go! ;)
My Victor:
My "Crunch":
June 15, 2014
What a wonderful surprise this book was. Not having read any zombie books before I wasn't really sure what to expect but it certainly wasn't this. I loved Crunch, the gentle giant prison guard who wasn't all he pretended to be. Crunch had a job to do but but underneath it all he he had a tender side to him as well which was such a contrast to life on the camp, surrounded by zombies. From the beginning Crunch was drawn to Victor, a pretty boy, newly arrived to the camp and the moments they shared were really touching and special and offered Victor time away from the harshness of life at the camp, which he really needed.
I liked all the little sinister surprises in the book, the honey and how it's produced. 'shiver' I'll ever feel the same about it again!
I've just noticed there is a short book after this one. which I'll certainly read.
I liked all the little sinister surprises in the book, the honey and how it's produced. 'shiver' I'll ever feel the same about it again!
I've just noticed there is a short book after this one. which I'll certainly read.
March 11, 2016
Un Merikan de pura cepa. Original, crudo, grotesco y elegante. Con ese estilo tan particular que tienen los mejores ejemplares de su colección, y que yo adoro. Ya el arte de tapa solo se merece este puntaje.
April 22, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
It's 1907, twenty years after a zombie plague has altered the course of history, and Victor, a singer from a good family, has just been enslaved by the mob at a remote farm surrounded by zombies. What's a pretty boy to do? Find a protector and get the hell out of there ASAP, of course! However, things don't go quite as expected for Victor…
Upon arriving at the Honeyhill farm, Victor meets Crunch. Crunch is a pleasant surprise. Heed the themes listed in the blurb - there's brutality and dubious consent going on here - but the book is actually surprisingly sweet a lot of the time. I liked Victor and Crunch together a lot. Crunch looks and talks tough, but is really sweet on Victor and very earnest in his pursuit. I really liked the way both characters acknowledged the issues of consent in their relationship and tried to make it work, while occasionally stumbling over their perceptions of each other. Each of them is a bit stronger or more complex than they first appear.
This book has good world building. It's not too much that it's overwhelming but not too little that it is confusing either. I haven't read any other books set in this universe, but I wasn't confused at all. I am definitely curious to read more after reading this one. Also, this doesn't really read like a historical, it's more of an alternate universe, which I thought suited the story well. There's some gory and gross parts, but it's a zombie book - that's expected! I thought it fit well in the world and wasn't over the top. Also it was balanced out nicely by the sweetness of the romantic plot line.
There were a few things about the writing that pulled me out of the story a little bit. Every so often the tense would shift and I got a bit distracted by those sentences. Occasionally some phrases used felt a bit awkward to me (e.g. "He missed being close with another person. Nothing could compare to it, and he didn't have a chance for a lover since he joined the Dal mob a year ago."). There were also a few sentences with unnecessary extra commas (e.g. "Soon, slippery fingers, parted Victor's arsecheeks."). However, I am much more likely to notice these types of things than some readers, so not everyone will be bothered by this.
Overall I found this a surprisingly sweet and unique read. There's a free short story that follows it, , which I am off to read immediately!
It's 1907, twenty years after a zombie plague has altered the course of history, and Victor, a singer from a good family, has just been enslaved by the mob at a remote farm surrounded by zombies. What's a pretty boy to do? Find a protector and get the hell out of there ASAP, of course! However, things don't go quite as expected for Victor…
Upon arriving at the Honeyhill farm, Victor meets Crunch. Crunch is a pleasant surprise. Heed the themes listed in the blurb - there's brutality and dubious consent going on here - but the book is actually surprisingly sweet a lot of the time. I liked Victor and Crunch together a lot. Crunch looks and talks tough, but is really sweet on Victor and very earnest in his pursuit. I really liked the way both characters acknowledged the issues of consent in their relationship and tried to make it work, while occasionally stumbling over their perceptions of each other. Each of them is a bit stronger or more complex than they first appear.
This book has good world building. It's not too much that it's overwhelming but not too little that it is confusing either. I haven't read any other books set in this universe, but I wasn't confused at all. I am definitely curious to read more after reading this one. Also, this doesn't really read like a historical, it's more of an alternate universe, which I thought suited the story well. There's some gory and gross parts, but it's a zombie book - that's expected! I thought it fit well in the world and wasn't over the top. Also it was balanced out nicely by the sweetness of the romantic plot line.
There were a few things about the writing that pulled me out of the story a little bit. Every so often the tense would shift and I got a bit distracted by those sentences. Occasionally some phrases used felt a bit awkward to me (e.g. "He missed being close with another person. Nothing could compare to it, and he didn't have a chance for a lover since he joined the Dal mob a year ago."). There were also a few sentences with unnecessary extra commas (e.g. "Soon, slippery fingers, parted Victor's arsecheeks."). However, I am much more likely to notice these types of things than some readers, so not everyone will be bothered by this.
Overall I found this a surprisingly sweet and unique read. There's a free short story that follows it, , which I am off to read immediately!
March 22, 2020
—-3.5 Stars—-
A dark tale, but what else do you expect from KA Merikan?
This fits right in with the Copper Horse trilogy and explains what this Farm is all about.
Trust me when I say you DON’T want to know where the honey comes from!!
I want more of Crunch—the undercover guard made this story for me!
My rec? Beware of zombies!
A dark tale, but what else do you expect from KA Merikan?
This fits right in with the Copper Horse trilogy and explains what this Farm is all about.
Trust me when I say you DON’T want to know where the honey comes from!!
I want more of Crunch—the undercover guard made this story for me!
My rec? Beware of zombies!
Read
December 4, 2013Stung is now unleashed! :)
Here's more info about giveaways, reviews and where to buy:
A whole first chapter as a sample (teaser?:))
Meet Crunch.
Here's more info about giveaways, reviews and where to buy:
A whole first chapter as a sample (teaser?:))
Meet Crunch.
August 13, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for letting me review your book.
Before I start this review let me tell you a bit about how I came across this one. As most books do..this one popped up on my radar by a fellow goodreads friend. Instantly the Theme and Erotic content warning grab my attention. But, do you know what seals the deal? That cover. Yup. It's AMAZING! But, it's set in 1907. I give a pretty wide girth to Historical or in the case Victorian Era books. So onto the TBR list it went, eventually I would get to it. Of course it came sooner than I thought. It was picked for a reading challenge. Finally I have the push I needed.
Boy, am I glad I got that push. Not only was this book everything the warnings said but it had an unexpected softness in all the zombies, bees and horror. The disruption in the book are so vivid!
Crunch was my favorite part of this entire book. He was so unexpected and complex. He had the gentle giant thing going on. While Victor was a twerp. He complemented the story. He brought all the characters around full circle.
The unexpected softness that Crunch gives Victor was a beautiful contrast to the hell they were in. While their rolls as guard and prisoner were clearly defined, it was nice to see that other side.
So now that I have painted you this flowery picture of sunshines and rainbows. Here's your reality check. Adhear to the warnings. The book follows through with them. Here's a pretty picture for you!
Yup. This authors descriptions take you straight there. Close your eyes. I bet you can picture it. I know I can.
So 1907. The reason I almost stayed away. I felt like the customs and dialogue of that era weren't very pronounced in this book. It was not set modern day. But, it's Victorian era wasn't thrown in my face, which made it more enjoyable. I can't decide on the dialogue between Crunch and Victor. Crunch's slang when he talked made him seem simpler than the undercover agent he was.
Personally, I wish there was an epilogue. Because, well I'm greedy and want more. although, I like of liked that it ended the way it did. It fit the story and the characters perfectly.
I have to be honest I was expecting some erotic bee play. I was expecting a harshness to the story. I was expecting to be cringing and loving every nasty moment. I let the warnings and my imagination get the better of me.
This book doesn't need that at all. It was a great read!
Before I start this review let me tell you a bit about how I came across this one. As most books do..this one popped up on my radar by a fellow goodreads friend. Instantly the Theme and Erotic content warning grab my attention. But, do you know what seals the deal? That cover. Yup. It's AMAZING! But, it's set in 1907. I give a pretty wide girth to Historical or in the case Victorian Era books. So onto the TBR list it went, eventually I would get to it. Of course it came sooner than I thought. It was picked for a reading challenge. Finally I have the push I needed.
Boy, am I glad I got that push. Not only was this book everything the warnings said but it had an unexpected softness in all the zombies, bees and horror. The disruption in the book are so vivid!
Crunch was my favorite part of this entire book. He was so unexpected and complex. He had the gentle giant thing going on. While Victor was a twerp. He complemented the story. He brought all the characters around full circle.
The unexpected softness that Crunch gives Victor was a beautiful contrast to the hell they were in. While their rolls as guard and prisoner were clearly defined, it was nice to see that other side.
So now that I have painted you this flowery picture of sunshines and rainbows. Here's your reality check. Adhear to the warnings. The book follows through with them. Here's a pretty picture for you!
Yup. This authors descriptions take you straight there. Close your eyes. I bet you can picture it. I know I can.
So 1907. The reason I almost stayed away. I felt like the customs and dialogue of that era weren't very pronounced in this book. It was not set modern day. But, it's Victorian era wasn't thrown in my face, which made it more enjoyable. I can't decide on the dialogue between Crunch and Victor. Crunch's slang when he talked made him seem simpler than the undercover agent he was.
Personally, I wish there was an epilogue. Because, well I'm greedy and want more. although, I like of liked that it ended the way it did. It fit the story and the characters perfectly.
I have to be honest I was expecting some erotic bee play. I was expecting a harshness to the story. I was expecting to be cringing and loving every nasty moment. I let the warnings and my imagination get the better of me.
This book doesn't need that at all. It was a great read!
April 23, 2014
I received a review copy of this book via 카지노싸이트' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
STUNG is set in an alternate Victorian era--one where there has been a plague that turned humans to zombies. In this world, debtors have been rounded up and sent to work camps in order to pay off their debts.
Victor isn't a debtor, he's a singer. One who made a pass at his patron and has been sent to the Honeyhill work camp as a punishment. Victor is immediately intrigued by the frank looks he receives from the camp's chief security officer, Mr. Crunch. Crunch isn't the actual name for this behemoth, but it is the sound made when Crunch cuts down zombies with his machete.
Crunch could avail himself of any of the prisoners on the work camp, but he's not interested in rape. Something about the pretty Victor really turns his head however. He believes if he makes a special effort to keep Victor safe the man may reciprocate with some affection.
In fact, both men are harboring secrets other than their sexuality. Upon his arrival, Victor falls in with a group of captives planning an escape attempt. Meanwhile, Crunch is an operative, a soldier in the Humanist army who want to take down the work camp.
After a few secret trysts, suspicions are raised. Sharpe, a former inmate turned guard, begins spying on Crunch to see if there are any activities he can unearth to topple Crunch's authority. He even brutalizes Victor in order to get cooperation, to no avail.
A botched escape attempt infuriates Crunch, who not only must rescue Victor from the zombies outside the camp, he must now punish the man for whom he has affection. Who could have guessed that their alliance would be he necessary ingredient to take down the work camp for the Humanists?
I really enjoyed the world-building here. And the Zombie garden with the zombified bees was truly creepy. The interactions between Crunch and Victor were brief, but powerful. I kinda felt like they took too many risks, however. That seemed a bit unrealistic, considering the homophobia of the period.
It was a solid, interesting read, however. The language was beautiful and evocative. I could almost smell the sweet-rot of the apiary.
STUNG is set in an alternate Victorian era--one where there has been a plague that turned humans to zombies. In this world, debtors have been rounded up and sent to work camps in order to pay off their debts.
Victor isn't a debtor, he's a singer. One who made a pass at his patron and has been sent to the Honeyhill work camp as a punishment. Victor is immediately intrigued by the frank looks he receives from the camp's chief security officer, Mr. Crunch. Crunch isn't the actual name for this behemoth, but it is the sound made when Crunch cuts down zombies with his machete.
Crunch could avail himself of any of the prisoners on the work camp, but he's not interested in rape. Something about the pretty Victor really turns his head however. He believes if he makes a special effort to keep Victor safe the man may reciprocate with some affection.
In fact, both men are harboring secrets other than their sexuality. Upon his arrival, Victor falls in with a group of captives planning an escape attempt. Meanwhile, Crunch is an operative, a soldier in the Humanist army who want to take down the work camp.
After a few secret trysts, suspicions are raised. Sharpe, a former inmate turned guard, begins spying on Crunch to see if there are any activities he can unearth to topple Crunch's authority. He even brutalizes Victor in order to get cooperation, to no avail.
A botched escape attempt infuriates Crunch, who not only must rescue Victor from the zombies outside the camp, he must now punish the man for whom he has affection. Who could have guessed that their alliance would be he necessary ingredient to take down the work camp for the Humanists?
I really enjoyed the world-building here. And the Zombie garden with the zombified bees was truly creepy. The interactions between Crunch and Victor were brief, but powerful. I kinda felt like they took too many risks, however. That seemed a bit unrealistic, considering the homophobia of the period.
It was a solid, interesting read, however. The language was beautiful and evocative. I could almost smell the sweet-rot of the apiary.
July 11, 2016
This could have been darker. I feel like it should have been, with the guard/prisoner relationship, Victor shouldnt have found it so easy to fall for Crunch. Also, I think the the Winter special is necessary. Be sure to read it as well because this feels incomplete without it. It should have just been the epilogue instead of released separately.
August 25, 2020
Not as dark as i expected
With zombies and slavery going on, this book wasn't as dark as Ive expected.
About the plot... I like how it's about slavery and revolution. The zombie part was quite disappointing and felt very unnecessary. Yet, their presence did give out the doomsday vibe at the end.
Character development was a three stars for me. Something about the romance and the characters just three me off. Everything happened in such a short time span that I can't feel that genuine love thing. But then in that kind of doomsday era environment, time is of the essence I guess.
With zombies and slavery going on, this book wasn't as dark as Ive expected.
About the plot... I like how it's about slavery and revolution. The zombie part was quite disappointing and felt very unnecessary. Yet, their presence did give out the doomsday vibe at the end.
Character development was a three stars for me. Something about the romance and the characters just three me off. Everything happened in such a short time span that I can't feel that genuine love thing. But then in that kind of doomsday era environment, time is of the essence I guess.
October 31, 2013
I can honestly say that more than half of the appeal to read this story was because I absolutely love the cover. It's one of the best book covers I have ever seen and since I'm getting close to having read six hundred books this year, so far, I know what I'm talking about. The description intrigued me because I like zombie stories and this is the first gay romance I've read that features them. K.A. Merikan is a new author, to me, and I enjoy delving into a writing style that I am not familiar with, plus the world building here was fantastic.
Victor was rousted out of his home by two thugs working for the Dal mob and put in a train car stuffed with other people who all share one thing. They've done an injustice against the Dal family. Except, Victor has only had contact with Frey Dal one time and that was to give him a compliment, or so he thought. Victor ends up at HoneyHill, a gated property to keep the zombies out and forced to work slave labor at the farm. Victor's father owns a business and has money, so Victor is decidedly unprepared for this kind of life. On the first day he meets Crunch, a guard, and figures he can make an ally and perhaps have someone for some protection and a little help.
Crunch is a member of the Humanists and has spent six months undercover at the farm and he only has one week left. Then, the arrests can be made, the farm shut down, and the prisoners liberated. Crunch spots Victor the instant he steps off the train and he's never seen anyone so beautiful. Crunch is amazed when Victor is sizing him up because it's been a long six months since Crunch won't stoop to rape as the other guards do. Their first night in a secluded guard tower reminds Crunch how long it's been since he got tenderness from anyone.
The work at the farm is hard, the guards are sadistic, and the prisoners that have been there awhile are starving and weak. This is not how Victor wants to spend the rest of his life. He begins talking to the other recent arrivals about banding together and escaping through the forest, even though it's full of zombies, or rotters as they call them. Crunch can't reveal his true nature to Victor, he can only keep encouraging him to keep his head down, do the work, and not cause trouble. Crunch also can't help his doubts that Victor is only flirting and having sex with him to get the extra food and privileges even though Victor says it isn't so. Crunch knows that if they had run into each other back in London, Victor wouldn't have looked twice at Crunch.
This was a very interesting book and definitely kept my attention throughout. I liked the way the author mingled the love story within the intrigue and secrecy of the camp. I would have loved some more backstory on the Humanists and the revolution they were planning, but perhaps there will be another book? Since 'Stung' ended with some unresolved drama, I'm certainly hoping this isn't the last of Crunch and Victor that I see. A very good, intense, and sexy drama.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on .
Victor was rousted out of his home by two thugs working for the Dal mob and put in a train car stuffed with other people who all share one thing. They've done an injustice against the Dal family. Except, Victor has only had contact with Frey Dal one time and that was to give him a compliment, or so he thought. Victor ends up at HoneyHill, a gated property to keep the zombies out and forced to work slave labor at the farm. Victor's father owns a business and has money, so Victor is decidedly unprepared for this kind of life. On the first day he meets Crunch, a guard, and figures he can make an ally and perhaps have someone for some protection and a little help.
Crunch is a member of the Humanists and has spent six months undercover at the farm and he only has one week left. Then, the arrests can be made, the farm shut down, and the prisoners liberated. Crunch spots Victor the instant he steps off the train and he's never seen anyone so beautiful. Crunch is amazed when Victor is sizing him up because it's been a long six months since Crunch won't stoop to rape as the other guards do. Their first night in a secluded guard tower reminds Crunch how long it's been since he got tenderness from anyone.
The work at the farm is hard, the guards are sadistic, and the prisoners that have been there awhile are starving and weak. This is not how Victor wants to spend the rest of his life. He begins talking to the other recent arrivals about banding together and escaping through the forest, even though it's full of zombies, or rotters as they call them. Crunch can't reveal his true nature to Victor, he can only keep encouraging him to keep his head down, do the work, and not cause trouble. Crunch also can't help his doubts that Victor is only flirting and having sex with him to get the extra food and privileges even though Victor says it isn't so. Crunch knows that if they had run into each other back in London, Victor wouldn't have looked twice at Crunch.
This was a very interesting book and definitely kept my attention throughout. I liked the way the author mingled the love story within the intrigue and secrecy of the camp. I would have loved some more backstory on the Humanists and the revolution they were planning, but perhaps there will be another book? Since 'Stung' ended with some unresolved drama, I'm certainly hoping this isn't the last of Crunch and Victor that I see. A very good, intense, and sexy drama.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on .
July 27, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars really almost 4
This story had me from the start, then it waned a little for me but by the end I was like wow not bad at all.
The story begins with Victor being taken to a prison/work camp run by the mob and the only reason he is there is because he made a pass at the wrong man. Quickly after Victor arrives at the work camp he catches the eye of the head guard Crunch and Victor is ready to use this to his advantage. Which you really can't blame him for the camp is surrounded by zombies on the outside and one very sadistic guard on the inside not to mention the living conditions. Crunch isn't just a guard he has bigger plans which his interest in Victor almost derail. And Victor wants out of the camp but at the same time he wants Crunch. The fear of the sadistic guard, Sharp, pushes his hand and dang if that didn't put my nerves on end.
Reading this book I kept getting nervous because of all the risk Victor and Crunch took to be together. When they were together I, like them, forgot about the crappy conditions they were surrounded by...
Some have said this can be read as a stand alone but I disagree and that may because I need all the info. I haven't read any of the other books but I think I will because I need to know how this plague happened that created the zombies, how did they figure out how to keep the zombies from certain areas, the background with the bees and the honey (which let me tell you those dang bees scared me more than the zombies). I don't know if the other books will answer these questions for me but I'm going to give them a try to find out.
Also I can't wait to read the short story that is the follow up to this one.
3.5 stars really almost 4
This story had me from the start, then it waned a little for me but by the end I was like wow not bad at all.
The story begins with Victor being taken to a prison/work camp run by the mob and the only reason he is there is because he made a pass at the wrong man. Quickly after Victor arrives at the work camp he catches the eye of the head guard Crunch and Victor is ready to use this to his advantage. Which you really can't blame him for the camp is surrounded by zombies on the outside and one very sadistic guard on the inside not to mention the living conditions. Crunch isn't just a guard he has bigger plans which his interest in Victor almost derail. And Victor wants out of the camp but at the same time he wants Crunch. The fear of the sadistic guard, Sharp, pushes his hand and dang if that didn't put my nerves on end.
Reading this book I kept getting nervous because of all the risk Victor and Crunch took to be together. When they were together I, like them, forgot about the crappy conditions they were surrounded by...
Some have said this can be read as a stand alone but I disagree and that may because I need all the info. I haven't read any of the other books but I think I will because I need to know how this plague happened that created the zombies, how did they figure out how to keep the zombies from certain areas, the background with the bees and the honey (which let me tell you those dang bees scared me more than the zombies). I don't know if the other books will answer these questions for me but I'm going to give them a try to find out.
Also I can't wait to read the short story that is the follow up to this one.
November 9, 2013
You don’t have to be a horror devotee or a zombie enthusiast to read Stung. Though I admit I am (the scary/squickier, the better), the zombies really only play a secondary role in this storyline. This is not a book that centers about the moaning and ambling undead who want to eat brains; this is a story that centers about a man, Victor, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for a mistake he made which ultimately revealed his sexuality to the wrong man, a powerful man who runs a penal colony that produces honey in a most unusual and licktastical fashion.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach:
See the entire review at The Novel Approach:
May 4, 2014
I received a review copy of this book via 카지노싸이트' "Don't Buy My Love" program in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a great premise -- zombies in Edwardian England, with a mob-run prison camp and an undercover Good Guy as the cherry on top. Who could ask for more? And just look at that striking cover! Unfortunately, the execution of the story was not nearly as good as either the premise or the cover.
For one thing, this story could have been set just about anywhere, at any time. Readers are given virtually zero cultural flavor. We are told -- several times -- that MC Victor comes from London and MC Crunch comes from Bylondon -- but what does that mean, exactly? How has the culture been impacted by the zombies? What is the level of technology? Heck, what are the clothing styles like? And why would a whole prison camp be built around the production of honey? Why is that particular honey better or more important than any honey that any farmer could produce? (And yes, there must still be plenty of farms and farmers, or the civilization would already have died out completely.) We only know this world has trains, bathtubs, and domes -- and very little else. Sure, some of these questions might have been addressed in other books of the series -- but I was given this book to review rather than being given the entire series, so I can only evaluate what I see. And what I see is the barest veneer of worldbuilding slapped over an excuse for a prison romance.
And then we have the writing itself. When even the first sentence of the book's blurb contains a stupid grammatical error (that should be "run by the mob", folks, not "ran by the mob"), you know you're in trouble. And, indeed, the entire book was rife with problems like wildly wandering tenses, among other things. The authors could never seem to decide whether they were telling the story in past tense or present -- for instance,
And then there's the characters.
Literally the moment Victor is herded off the transport train to this prison camp -- keep in mind that he's been blindfolded and bound for more than a day, and he has little idea what's going to happen to him -- he sees a handsome guard in the crowd facing him. And instantly,
So anyway -- you get the picture. Great premise, and a few good ideas scattered around (the honey production is totally creepy), but lots and lots of problems to go with it. I could never really feel for these characters -- they had too much cardboard and inconsistency about them, especially Victor -- and we never knew how serious they were about each other, anyway (heck, Crunch was -- he can't be all that attached). And without a firm romance to engage with, what's the point of reading romance, anyway?
2 stars.
This book had a great premise -- zombies in Edwardian England, with a mob-run prison camp and an undercover Good Guy as the cherry on top. Who could ask for more? And just look at that striking cover! Unfortunately, the execution of the story was not nearly as good as either the premise or the cover.
For one thing, this story could have been set just about anywhere, at any time. Readers are given virtually zero cultural flavor. We are told -- several times -- that MC Victor comes from London and MC Crunch comes from Bylondon -- but what does that mean, exactly? How has the culture been impacted by the zombies? What is the level of technology? Heck, what are the clothing styles like? And why would a whole prison camp be built around the production of honey? Why is that particular honey better or more important than any honey that any farmer could produce? (And yes, there must still be plenty of farms and farmers, or the civilization would already have died out completely.) We only know this world has trains, bathtubs, and domes -- and very little else. Sure, some of these questions might have been addressed in other books of the series -- but I was given this book to review rather than being given the entire series, so I can only evaluate what I see. And what I see is the barest veneer of worldbuilding slapped over an excuse for a prison romance.
And then we have the writing itself. When even the first sentence of the book's blurb contains a stupid grammatical error (that should be "run by the mob", folks, not "ran by the mob"), you know you're in trouble. And, indeed, the entire book was rife with problems like wildly wandering tenses, among other things. The authors could never seem to decide whether they were telling the story in past tense or present -- for instance,
"It seemed like it’s been ages since his team started working in the orchard, and they haven't been given any water so far."Try instead
"It seemed like it had been ages since his team started working in the orchard, and they hadn't been given any water so far."And then you have the homophones (that's "tracing his muscled planes", folks, not "plains") and odd word constructions ("the buzz dawned on him"?? Seriously? How does a buzz dawn on someone?) and plural/singular noun mixups ("There was a dozen of armed men" should obviously be "There were a dozen armed men") and multiple other problems that any half-competent editor could have dealt with before publication. I could include many many more such glaring examples, but you get the picture.
And then there's the characters.
Literally the moment Victor is herded off the transport train to this prison camp -- keep in mind that he's been blindfolded and bound for more than a day, and he has little idea what's going to happen to him -- he sees a handsome guard in the crowd facing him. And instantly,
"Victor’s mouth stretched into a seductive smile before he even thought about it".No time for looking around, no time for calculation, no time for thinking "Oh my God what am I gonna do now?" -- nope, his first impulse is to seduce without even thinking about it. Really?? And he's winking and licking his lips at this guard while his hands are still bound?? And that same day, the first day he's been in the camp, he's chuckling with the guy. How are readers supposed to feel the horrors of the prison camp when our MC is instantly and busily seducing and feeling free to wink and chuckle with a lover instead of being properly shocked/alarmed/despondent/horrified/desperate/pick-an-adjective about life in the camp? Readers are left with the impression that this guy is either totally oblivious or completely self-absorbed and cold-blooded -- neither one of which helps us to empathize with him or to believe in the romance that follows.
So anyway -- you get the picture. Great premise, and a few good ideas scattered around (the honey production is totally creepy), but lots and lots of problems to go with it. I could never really feel for these characters -- they had too much cardboard and inconsistency about them, especially Victor -- and we never knew how serious they were about each other, anyway (heck, Crunch was -- he can't be all that attached). And without a firm romance to engage with, what's the point of reading romance, anyway?
2 stars.
February 14, 2014
A review.
4.5 stars
Stung is a standalone book in K.A. Merikan’s Zombie Gentlemen series. I have read a couple of the other stories set in this world and this is definitely my favorite. While the story takes place after the zombie plague changes the world, the zombies are actually not a big part of the story. They threaten outside the gates, and even horrifyingly inside we later learn, but mostly this is a captive story focusing on the relationship between Victor and Crunch in the camp.
I really liked these guys together. Victor is softer and more delicate, a beautiful man who has lived a fairly easy life so far. I appreciated that Victor is strong inside though. He finds himself in this horrible situation and immediately begins working on how he can make it better. He faces awful circumstances and manages to survive. Crunch, on the other hand, is all big power and strength. Yet inside he is sweet and gentle. He could abuse his power as a guard and take what he wants. But he is incredibly careful to be sure that any interaction with Victor is truly wanted. He is so caring with Victor, looking out for him and trying to protect him. And of course, Crunch harbors secrets about what is really going on with the camp and his own role there. I loved that these guys are such an unusual match. I also like how both men are much more than first impressions and have some interesting layers to their personality.
Read Jay's review in its entirety .
4.5 stars
Stung is a standalone book in K.A. Merikan’s Zombie Gentlemen series. I have read a couple of the other stories set in this world and this is definitely my favorite. While the story takes place after the zombie plague changes the world, the zombies are actually not a big part of the story. They threaten outside the gates, and even horrifyingly inside we later learn, but mostly this is a captive story focusing on the relationship between Victor and Crunch in the camp.
I really liked these guys together. Victor is softer and more delicate, a beautiful man who has lived a fairly easy life so far. I appreciated that Victor is strong inside though. He finds himself in this horrible situation and immediately begins working on how he can make it better. He faces awful circumstances and manages to survive. Crunch, on the other hand, is all big power and strength. Yet inside he is sweet and gentle. He could abuse his power as a guard and take what he wants. But he is incredibly careful to be sure that any interaction with Victor is truly wanted. He is so caring with Victor, looking out for him and trying to protect him. And of course, Crunch harbors secrets about what is really going on with the camp and his own role there. I loved that these guys are such an unusual match. I also like how both men are much more than first impressions and have some interesting layers to their personality.
Read Jay's review in its entirety .
April 29, 2014
(This book was received free in return for an honest review)
While I freely admit that zombie books are just not my cup of tea, I was surprised that I enjoyed the story. This was probably because the zombie aspect in this particular book (in the series) didn't dwell on the actual plague and/or have constant zombie attacks.
The story spans approximately one week in time in 1907, 20 years after the emergence of the Plague. The setting is England, in a work camp established by the Dahl family to hold those gentles who have become indebted to them.
Victor, however, becomes a victim to Frey Dahl, when he makes an unwanted advance of a sexual nature. At the camp, aptly named Honeyhill for its production of honey, Victor spies and captures the attention of Crunch, one of the guards. Hoping for special treatment, they arrange a tryst. Unknown to Victor, Crunch is actually a soldier that has infiltrated the camp and is working to liberate it. The two fall for each other under these most unusual of circumstances.
The dual authors did a great job of making the story believable and with enough description to bring it to life. If zombie and apocalyptic stories are your thing, then this book is for you. Please don't let my rating be a factor for you.
While I freely admit that zombie books are just not my cup of tea, I was surprised that I enjoyed the story. This was probably because the zombie aspect in this particular book (in the series) didn't dwell on the actual plague and/or have constant zombie attacks.
The story spans approximately one week in time in 1907, 20 years after the emergence of the Plague. The setting is England, in a work camp established by the Dahl family to hold those gentles who have become indebted to them.
Victor, however, becomes a victim to Frey Dahl, when he makes an unwanted advance of a sexual nature. At the camp, aptly named Honeyhill for its production of honey, Victor spies and captures the attention of Crunch, one of the guards. Hoping for special treatment, they arrange a tryst. Unknown to Victor, Crunch is actually a soldier that has infiltrated the camp and is working to liberate it. The two fall for each other under these most unusual of circumstances.
The dual authors did a great job of making the story believable and with enough description to bring it to life. If zombie and apocalyptic stories are your thing, then this book is for you. Please don't let my rating be a factor for you.
December 2, 2014
3.75 stars
That was interesting. I thought the story was well done. The world building pulled me and grossed me out. The MC's needed a couple swift kicks to the arse throughout this story but I still managed to like them both. Im usually a fan of prison/slavery stories and I thought this covered the life very well without being too hardcore. For example. there system is tucked up but there isn't an over abundance of cruelty or savagery. I'm a bit indesisve about the end of this book.
That was interesting. I thought the story was well done. The world building pulled me and grossed me out. The MC's needed a couple swift kicks to the arse throughout this story but I still managed to like them both. Im usually a fan of prison/slavery stories and I thought this covered the life very well without being too hardcore. For example. there system is tucked up but there isn't an over abundance of cruelty or savagery. I'm a bit indesisve about the end of this book.
Want to read
October 26, 2013Now this looks like my flavor of crazy - thanks Natasha!
January 12, 2022
I've had this on my Kindle for, likely, years and finally decided to get around to it this year. I don't think this was a bad book, nor poorly written; I just don't think it was for me, and that's fine. That being said, I really enjoyed the one location capsule feeling of the narrative, with the plot taking place solely on one farm.
January 25, 2019
Wow, that was...different.
At first, I wasn't sure I liked it. (cuz it's kinda creepy!)
But then, I couldn't stop reading. (cuz it's done really well!)
As soon as it was over....
I ran to check for more. (cuz it ends with a cliffy!)
btw...zombies freak me out!
At first, I wasn't sure I liked it. (cuz it's kinda creepy!)
But then, I couldn't stop reading. (cuz it's done really well!)
As soon as it was over....
I ran to check for more. (cuz it ends with a cliffy!)
btw...zombies freak me out!
dnf
February 6, 2018DNF.... the story just could NOT keep my interest. Unusual for a Merikan book.
May 16, 2023
Bonkers as per usual. Only a Merikan book can include the line “maybe you should try how my peach butt tastes like” and still be sweet.
November 3, 2013
4 Stars
First up - the cover of this book is amazing! I would put it up there with some of my favourite covers. Ever. It is sweet and enticing, and the story was too!
The world in this book is dystopian London, after the Plague - which I am guessing was Zombies not rats. I haven't read the Zombie series by Merikan so am not sure on all the world building details, but you don't really need to know - this book is billed as being a standalone and it worked as such. It tells the story of Victor and Crunch, and switches POV accordingly. I am curious as to how the writing duo split the writing as, in my opinion, the two POVs had quite a distinctive difference in writing style and therefore "voice". Anyway, on with the review .....
Victor is a posh boy from London, and he made a mistake. A big mistake. He dropped to his knees for the wrong guy - Frey Dal. :-P Now, having "offended" Frey Dal, he has been sent to Honeyhill, a prison camp/farm owned by the Dal family. The prisoners are set to work on the farm - looking after pigs, picking apples in the orchard annnnd looking after the bees in the apiary. Honeyhill and the Dal family are known for their sweet honey. :shiver: (you need to read the book to see how they get that added sweetness!)
Conditions for the prisoners are tough. Really tough. On day one, literally just off the train, Victor makes eye contact with one of the guards that has both guys feeling a connection. Victor thinks it could benefit him if he strikes up a friendship with the guard, but he is here because he made a move on the wrong guy, is he going to misread the signals again?
The guard whose eye Victor caught is called Crunch, and seriously how cool a name is that for a guard? He was an absolute diamond in the rough!! A guy from Bylondon totally outclassed by Victor, and yet what a charmer! He really was adorable! Fully aware that he was batting out of his league, "knowing" Victor just wants protection. Or could there be more? As the blurb alludes to, there is a lot more than meets the eye regarding Crunch and his plans. He begs Victor to stay out of trouble and to trust him, but of course their friendship doesn't go unnoticed and when a fellow guard starts asking questions Victor does what he thinks he has to in order to keep Crunch safe.
This was quite a cute story with two great characters. At times it read like a fairytale to me, which I really liked. Crunch was the beast and Victor the beauty. :-P I steer clear of Zombie books as a rule, but the Zombies were not that big a part to put me off what is really a very sweet story. Yes, I said sweet again. There was a point in the book where a punishment has to be meted out, and for a second I was scared/curious/anxious that the authors were going to take the story into a different direction and add an element of BDSM. And you know what? They probably could have pulled it off!
First up - the cover of this book is amazing! I would put it up there with some of my favourite covers. Ever. It is sweet and enticing, and the story was too!
The world in this book is dystopian London, after the Plague - which I am guessing was Zombies not rats. I haven't read the Zombie series by Merikan so am not sure on all the world building details, but you don't really need to know - this book is billed as being a standalone and it worked as such. It tells the story of Victor and Crunch, and switches POV accordingly. I am curious as to how the writing duo split the writing as, in my opinion, the two POVs had quite a distinctive difference in writing style and therefore "voice". Anyway, on with the review .....
Victor is a posh boy from London, and he made a mistake. A big mistake. He dropped to his knees for the wrong guy - Frey Dal. :-P Now, having "offended" Frey Dal, he has been sent to Honeyhill, a prison camp/farm owned by the Dal family. The prisoners are set to work on the farm - looking after pigs, picking apples in the orchard annnnd looking after the bees in the apiary. Honeyhill and the Dal family are known for their sweet honey. :shiver: (you need to read the book to see how they get that added sweetness!)
Conditions for the prisoners are tough. Really tough. On day one, literally just off the train, Victor makes eye contact with one of the guards that has both guys feeling a connection. Victor thinks it could benefit him if he strikes up a friendship with the guard, but he is here because he made a move on the wrong guy, is he going to misread the signals again?
The guard whose eye Victor caught is called Crunch, and seriously how cool a name is that for a guard? He was an absolute diamond in the rough!! A guy from Bylondon totally outclassed by Victor, and yet what a charmer! He really was adorable! Fully aware that he was batting out of his league, "knowing" Victor just wants protection. Or could there be more? As the blurb alludes to, there is a lot more than meets the eye regarding Crunch and his plans. He begs Victor to stay out of trouble and to trust him, but of course their friendship doesn't go unnoticed and when a fellow guard starts asking questions Victor does what he thinks he has to in order to keep Crunch safe.
This was quite a cute story with two great characters. At times it read like a fairytale to me, which I really liked. Crunch was the beast and Victor the beauty. :-P I steer clear of Zombie books as a rule, but the Zombies were not that big a part to put me off what is really a very sweet story. Yes, I said sweet again. There was a point in the book where a punishment has to be meted out, and for a second I was scared/curious/anxious that the authors were going to take the story into a different direction and add an element of BDSM. And you know what? They probably could have pulled it off!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.