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The Scattered and the Dead (Book 0.5) Kindle Edition

by Tim McBain (Author), L.T. Vargus (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 844 ratings
"All my friends are dead. Everyone I've ever cared about is dead."

Loneliness drives an introvert to write a letter to the girl in the apartment across the hall. He is anxious. Reclusive. Desperate for a friend. The apocalypse interrupts this attempt at human contact.

Now he watches out the window as the world gets cut to pieces by plague and riots. Buildings burn. Pedestrians vomit blood.

Soon the bodies line the streets. Rumors of zombies spread. And then the power goes out.

Getting to know someone could be harder than he thought, let alone surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

He might even need to leave the apartment.
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    The Scattered and the Dead
  2. Print length
    129 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 2, 2016
  6. File size
    913 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BFFJSR4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smarmy Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 2, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 913 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 129 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 7 ‏ : ‎ The Scattered and the Dead
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 844 ratings

About the authors

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  1. L.T. Vargus

    L.T. Vargus

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    L.T. Vargus grew up in Hell, Michigan, which is a lot smaller, quieter, and less fiery than one might imagine. When not click-clacking away at the keyboard, she can be found sewing, fantasizing about food, and rotting her brain in front of the TV.

    L.T. Vargus now lives in New Mexico with her special man friend/writing partner, Tim McBain.

    She likes YouTube videos of cute animals, mystery novels, punk rock, and pizza.

    http://ltvargus.com

    See more on the author's page
  2. Tim McBain

    Tim McBain

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    People say your author bio should tell the world why you write. I write because life is short, and I want to make something awesome before I die.

    http://timmcbain.com

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
844 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this post-apocalyptic story engaging with exciting plot twists and a different approach to the genre. The writing is vividly descriptive and creative, with one customer noting it's told in an epistolary format. They appreciate the character development, humor, and quick pace, with one review highlighting its dark comedic take on the apocalypse. The book's style receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a unique look at a familiar genre.

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64 customers mention "Story quality"60 positive4 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging and appreciate its different take on the apocalyptic genre, featuring exciting plot twists.

"...It really is a great story. The production values are excellent. There are no extraneous noises. No background music or sound effects...." Read more

"...I liked the story... but overall I would call it a good first draft." Read more

"...All in all, the story really held my attention and surprised me a few times...." Read more

"...I also thought the authors did a great job of opening this series. They were great at capturing the very human feelings of fear and loneliness...." Read more

52 customers mention "Readability"52 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and engaging, with one customer noting it's good for a longer read.

"...Enjoyable read, but a bit too many errors for my taste...." Read more

"...It's still good for a longer read as well, but it's always nice to have something to fit into a break at work without leaving yourself hanging." Read more

"...If for nothing else, this book is worth reading just for the feeling that someone understands this very human experience...." Read more

"...I certainly enjoyed the read and the weirdness vibe. I say go Gor it; give it a read. It's short and very unsweet." Read more

52 customers mention "Writing quality"48 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its vivid descriptions and creative storytelling, with one customer highlighting how the intimate narration brings horrific events to life.

"...No background music or sound effects. Just the clear strong voice of the narrator, who happens to be one of the authors...." Read more

"This story is written as a journal-like series of entries in a letter written by a recluse to the cute girl in the apartment across the hall...." Read more

"The writing is good, and i liked the approach to an otherwise overly covered theme... virus, decimated population, lone survivor, blah blah blah...." Read more

"...about this novella is that the way it is written makes it easy to read one or two days then put it down if you're short on time...." Read more

18 customers mention "Storytelling"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, describing it as extraordinary and captivating, with one customer noting it's a classic Bildungsroman told in an epistolary format.

"...Tim McBain did a fantastic job narrating the book. Perhaps having helped create it helped...." Read more

"...While that may seem like a gimmick, it actually serves as a nice platform for storytelling...." Read more

"...Finding new Authors is exciting and these two don't disappoint. :)" Read more

"...What a great way to develop this individuals stories through their telling you about it and after reading the first two books I can't wait for my..." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...As the world ends, Decker comes to life. He is a fully fleshed-out character (he's the only one in the book) and we know him pretty well by the..." Read more

"...This book really isn't about that. It just serves as a backdrop to watching a character who changes and grows as the world around him falls apart...." Read more

"...There was a decent amount of character development for such a short story but knowing so little about the character faulted the story...." Read more

"...The writing is little scenes and jumps from character to character. Good character development. Actually care what happens to them...." Read more

9 customers mention "Humor"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one review noting its dark comedic take on the apocalypse.

"...Their writing is sharp, pointed, efficient, filled with dark humor, introspective characters, and exciting plot twists. &#..." Read more

"...I certainly enjoyed the read and the weirdness vibe. I say go Gor it; give it a read. It's short and very unsweet." Read more

"...Authors because in every dark situation they write with a unique sense of humor . It's a part of their books...." Read more

"...Decker is funny, sarcastic, shy and sweet. This is an awesome look into life after a massive viral event, from one man's perspective...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, finding it engaging and different from typical apocalyptic stories, with exciting plot twists that make it a great start to an interesting series.

"I love this book. It's grim, dark, and visceral...." Read more

"...This strikes me as perfectly believable, even painfully personal...." Read more

"...It kept my attention the whole time and was a pretty quick read. I'm excited to see what the next book is like!" Read more

"The book takes a minute to get into. The story is good and will leave you guessing what the character will do next. I love the authors...." Read more

5 customers mention "Style"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, with one noting its unique take on a familiar genre, while another describes it as colorful and realistic.

"...as what's going on outside as the main character does and this creates a really nice, steady tension...." Read more

"...This story took me on Decker's eerie and lonely journey, filled with colorful and extremely descriptive observations...." Read more

"The Scattered Dead is morbidly gripping, narrated in a creative and dynamic style that leaves you wondering (and fearing) what's going to happen..." Read more

"Seemed realistic. Characters evolved, cared what happened to them. Want to see what happens next! Give it a read! Go!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • NH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Narrator not reading it as much as telling it, as one survivor sharing their story with another, a very intimate narration.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The Scattered and the Dead, Book 0.5
    Written by: Tim McBain, L.T. Vargus
    Narrated by: Tim McBain
    Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
    Unabridged Audiobook
    Release Date:02-04-16
    Publisher: Smarmy Press

    The Scattered and the Dead, Book 0.5 had been on my Kindle radar for a few days. I liked the description. The prices was right, less than a dollar, but I just had not made that commitment click yet. Earlier today I was offered a free copy of the Audible version in exchange for a fair review. I immediately committed to it. I thought I would start listening to it tonight and finish tomorrow since it is only two and a half hours long. That did not happen. I sat in my chair totally lost in the book. Other than pausing to tell my family to fend for themselves for dinner (all over eighteen so it is not abuse, it is character building), I got lost in a new universe.

    The Scattered and the Dead begins twenty-one days before. Before what is something the reader has to discover for themselves. In the dwindling days of “before”, Decker, the main character watches the world slip away. Very important to note, that he watches; other than one event he does not participate. Once the countdown of “before” ends and the count begins to go up for “after”, Decker finds he cannot wait this catastrophe out. When he does venture out and participate, the story was not predictable. I would be neglectful if I did not mention Decker’s reliance on Tang for vitamin C. I feel compelled to share that my plumber advises us to use Tang once a week to keep our sink from clogging. Drink at your own risk. When I finished, I sat for a few minutes wishing it continued. It really is a great story.

    The production values are excellent. There are no extraneous noises. No background music or sound effects. Just the clear strong voice of the narrator, who happens to be one of the authors. Tim McBain did a fantastic job narrating the book. Perhaps having helped create it helped. He did not seem to be reading it as much as telling it, as one survivor sharing their story with another. It makes for a very intimate narration.

    I truly enjoyed The Scattered and the Dead, Book 0.5. I am looking forward to the sequel coming out in the next month. The authors have created a post apocalyptic universe that feels different than many of the other I have read (and I have read many). I cannot quite put my finger on it yet to say definitively what is different but I look forward to the sequel to discover exactly what it is that makes this universe different.

    Story (Plot) 5
    Performance 5
    Production Quality 5
    Attention Holding 5
    ​
    I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair review. I purchased the Kindle version myself.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • M. Cooney
    4.0 out of 5 stars Story Outside the Ordinary + Odd Protagonist = An Enjoyable Read. Recommended!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This story is written as a journal-like series of entries in a letter written by a recluse to the cute girl in the apartment across the hall. While that may seem like a gimmick, it actually serves as a nice platform for storytelling. As the end of the world unfolds, we see it from our main character's perspective, without the omniscient narrator that is in 3rd person storytelling. We know as little or as much as what's going on outside as the main character does and this creates a really nice, steady tension. It also serves to keep the pacing steady and my interest did not flag for a second. I read it through in a single sitting.

    I fully enjoyed this one and will be exploring the rest of the body of work by these two authors. The only things that kept me from giving it an enthusiastic 5 stars was a few proofreading errors (e.g. the front "site" vs "sight" of a rifle) and a bit of incredulity about how our housebound, self admitted recluse suddenly was able to, for example, use a weapon and move like a trained soldier. It required a tiny bit more of suspension of disbelief (of which I have a lot for a well-written post-apocalyptic story) and could have been sewn up with a short paragraph early on about, for example, paintball, airsoft hobbies and video games in his youth.

    Please don't let the preceding paragraph make you think I didn't like the book. I really, really did and am looking forward to the next installment and reading other works by this writing team. If you like a protagonist who's not the caricature of a hero, enjoy reading Hugh Howey & a bit of William Gibson, and are interested in the idea of what happens when the world (and the people in it) goes to hell in a hand-basket, I imagine you'll find reading this book to be time well spent. BUY IT. READ IT. REVIEW IT.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Gustavo Restrepo
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good first draft.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The writing is good, and i liked the approach to an otherwise overly covered theme... virus, decimated population, lone survivor, blah blah blah. Enjoyable read, but a bit too many errors for my taste. Clearly the author doesn't know how many things work, didn't do enough research, or didn't think things all the way through. I liked the story... but overall I would call it a good first draft.
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  • Jennifer Weiner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining, not your normal end of the world, read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Though not a fan of post apoplectic fiction in many cases, I throughly enjoyed this novella.
    The book is written as a long letter broken up by date headings. The protagonist is a mid-twenties man who has agoraphobia at the least from reading his letter.
    He is writing to the girl in the apartment across the hall who he's never had the confidence to even speak to. Unfortunately, before he can gather his courage, the world's already terrible situation gets much worse.
    It appears he is the last human on earth, yet he continues writing his crush while building courage to venture out of his apartment to investigate what's happened.
    All in all, the story really held my attention and surprised me a few times. However, as a fan of King and even darker indy authors, I didn't find this book all that dark or gritty. It was realistic but not overly descriptive nor gory for the sake of gore- which I highly respect. It's harder to build horror and suspense without over emphasizing gore and so forth.
    My favorite thing about this novella is that the way it is written makes it easy to read one or two days then put it down if you're short on time. It's still good for a longer read as well, but it's always nice to have something to fit into a break at work without leaving yourself hanging.
    17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Cheryl E
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Fall Of Society Through A Window
    Reviewed in Australia on February 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is a 4.5 star read.

    What happens to an agoraphobic with social anxiety and panic disorder during and post an Apocalypse? Read the written ramblings of Decker, an apartment bound 25 year old serious introvert as he views the fall of society from an apocalyptic event, all through the window of his high rise building. The novelette is written in first person POV as a series of letters to his secret crush, a girl in an apartment opposite, who he can't bring himself to contact.(and is most likely dead)
    The character of Decker SO spoke to me (hellooo social anxiety and agoraphobia! ) especially the wanting to connect but being unable to and the inherent loneliness. Decker's loneliness is made all the more real by wanting to connect but now having no one to connect with - everybody's dead! Well, nearly everybody.
    The tale divulges his preparation and coping with the actual apocalypse, (no real zombies here - except in Florida) the death of his mother, the disintegration of society while viewing from his apartment window and Decker's eventual courage in going out into what is left of the world in order to survive and to try to connect with another person. The story also shows Decker's evolution into the man he must become in order to survive. Man!! I mourned the old Decker. 😭
    A gritty, hard hitting look at a person's coping mechanisms during a life altering event, it's one of the few zombie-less apocalyptic stories I've read and so seemed a lot fresher. I HIGHLY recommend this book to lovers of dystopian apocalyptics (is there any other?) but p.s. to self - DO NOT read 3x dystopian/apocalypse books at the same time - SO depressing!
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  • david wright
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing New Series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I love this novella!

    I was not sure what to expect from a post apocalyptic story, would it be atypical or would it surprise? Thankfully, the latter.

    The main character Decker is an instantly believable 25 year old with confidence issues. His evolving perspective on what is going on around him, written from a journal format is a nice touch. The psychological aspect is a nice twist as the evolving problems incurred from a breakdown in civilization sets the perfect backdrop for things to come in later novels. The timing is excellent, easy to get into and leaves you crying out for more. The 'just one more chapter' syndrome sets in quickly.
    I personally cannot wait for book one, I have now downloaded all of the LT Vargus and Tim McBain novels to get my next fix before the rest of the series is released :-)
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  • Amazon Customer JK
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm impressed
    Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Not sure what I was expecting (considering the title )but what I got was definitely more and better than I had expected. A rather thoughtful and empathetic first person journal of the end of "life as we know it , with all the thoughts and fears and musings that any of us might experience. The story progresses in unexpected ways (no way I'm giving spoilers!) You Need to Read this, and then check out "The Scattered and the Dead 1.5" cause that's where I'm heading, see you there. .!
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  • G. Parlee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quick
    Reviewed in Canada on October 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting little intro story. Has me wondering just what went wrong. Hope this character shows up in the next book.
    Well, guess I'll go find out right now.
    Report
  • Jo
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Australia on July 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good read
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