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Red Death

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Red Death, by award-winning author Jeff Altabef of the Chosen Series, is a powerful, sweeping, dark dystopian fantasy that combines medieval lore with magic, betrayal, and unforgettable characters.

Seventeen-year-old Aaliss graduated at the top of her class and now works as a highly trained Guardian. She’s sworn to keep Eden safe from the dangers lingering outside of Eden’s sturdy walls in the land of the Soulless—a medieval world filled with witches, warrior kingdoms, and magic.

Outside Eden, the Red Death reigns over the world. Once infected, no one lives past their early twenties. Wilky, Aaliss’s rather odd younger brother, discovers a cure, but it comes at a cost. The High Priest falsely brands them as traitors, and Aaliss must do what she never expected—run.

Forced to flee the only home they’ve ever known, Aaliss and Wilky plunge into the land of the Soulless. Captured in the wild new world, Aaliss strikes a deal with the surprisingly charming Prince Eamon—the cure for her freedom. Together they search for the ingredients to the cure in a desperate race against time to save the Prince’s brother’s life.

Aaliss is eager to return home and seek revenge against the High Priest, but when her feelings for Prince Eamon tug her deeper into the world of the Soulless, she questions everything she once believed. Are the Soulless so bad? Will she and Wilky fall victim to the Red Death? Or... might Aaliss finally discover, against all odds, what her heart has yearned for all along?

227 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2016

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About the author

Jeff Altabef

26 books263 followers
Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of "telling stories," he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline - The Accidental Writer.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,336 reviews1,611 followers
November 26, 2016
In the city of Eden every child has been raised to fear the Red Death, a plague that came as punishment for ancient sins long forgotten. For centuries the guardians of the city protect those inside from the plague that comes too close.

Seventeen year old Aaliss is a Guardian that has trained to protect Eden but when her younger brother, Wilky, discovers a cure to the plague their world turns upside down and the pair find themselves on the run and outside the boundaries of Eden and into the land of the Soulless where they find themselves navigating a medieval world filled with witches, magic, and warrior kingdoms run by Elders.

Red Death is one of those books that I picked up and immediately had the uh oh moment when opening up to find a glossary of the characters to keep track of during the book. For me when things are that complicated that one of these are needed I often find myself lost and not enjoying a book as much as I would like. However, even though I probably even picked this one up at a pretty bad time, I'd had surgery the week before and my pain pills had my attention span incredibly short, I still ended up enjoying the overall story with this book. Was it a tad confusing? Yes. But with a bit of rereading and the use of the glossary I slowly made my way through the book and was glad that I had.

In the end I would warn that this can be a tad confusing the the changes of POV all throughout and the amount of characters and action going on during the book but it was worth the read. An interesting mix of science fiction, fantasy and dystopian and I do love when things cross over genres and have their own originality involved.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

Profile Image for SnoopyDoo's Book Reviews .
604 reviews336 followers
October 11, 2016
I really didn’t know what to expect or if I would like it going into this book. But I really enjoyed it.
We get a colorful and complex dystopian world that is really well written and easy to dive into.
The characters were great and had a great backstory and were easy to relate to.
Far in the future the world is divided into groups or tribes. One major one is the people in and controlling Eden. A religus group that are govern their people with religion and fear. But they also have secrets. Big Secrets. Secrets they don’t want people to know.

Find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/red-...
Profile Image for Joan.
2,198 reviews
April 1, 2018
DNF after four chapters.

This didnt start well.


The cover is lovely - kudos to the artist - but the second page is a repeat of the cover and the authors name. Then (sigh) several messy pages that looked scrappy and amateurish -The first one had Copyright in bright blue bold font which implied a link, followed by the copyright details and at the bottom of the page the eBook License Notes which were on a separate page, followed by Disclaimer.

THEN the next two pages (depending on the font size on your Kindle I expect) are other books by this author - Please, The bright blue font is garish -- and then four pages of " What Others Are Saying about Jeff Altabef'd Books" Followed by yet another page of 'Bonus Content' (By now I was giving up hope of ever actually REACHING this book!)

My heart sank when I read the Table of Contents.

Each chapter is called after a person: Aaliss, Aaliss, Piers, Aaliss, Eamon,Fintan, P'mina, Viper....

This is so the reader is aware in which pov each chapter is written. Why?? Any half decent writer should be able to make that perfectly obvious from the first line.

And then after the Table of Contents there is the Introduction, all about the cast of characters etc, etc, etc and how we would grow to love them, etc etc and that there was a list of the characters at the back of the book to 'aid you in keeping track of them all'.

Sorry. But if an author needs to give a reader a list of characters so that they are able to 'keep track of them all' they are not doing a very good job of writing.

So even before I started I was not inclined to be generous to this book.

However, the first few pages were interesting and I forgave the dreadful Intro. I read on nicely immersed in the story, only to be jerked out by the bright blue link to the cast of characters at the end !

I guess this is a sneaky way to get readers to go to the end of the book so that KU record more pages as being read and so bump up his royalties.

At that point I dnf'd

MEH. Not touching this author again. I dislike being 'used'
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,762 reviews57 followers
April 9, 2018
Interesting

This book was an interesting one to read. While it felt a little like another take on zombies, I'm just not sure. I quite enjoyed it and found the book hard to put down
Profile Image for Jantine.
683 reviews46 followers
November 28, 2016
I received a free copy through Netgalley, in return for an honest review.

Oh how hard it was to put this book down!

The characters were wonderful; believable, great, mostly likeable, but never perfect. My favourite character was Wilky, the 'strange', smart little brother. He reminded me of my Aspie husband all the time, although the husband is a little more talkative ;-) In the end, Wilky is the real hero of this book, together with Piers, although their sister is the main character.

The worldbuilding was dystopian, but kind of medieval too - mostly like a dystopian King Arthur tale. For me this was just as it should be, and Altabef made it all fit seamlessly together.

Then there was quite a lot of action, enough to keep this book fast-paced, while it slowed down enough to not get crammed. There was just enough romance, without it getting too much. And there were exactly the right amount of characters, although the writer and publisher seemed to think those might be a little much. I never had to use the character sheet though, to me it was all easy enough to follow, even with the different POV's.

Overall conclusion: everyone should read this book!
Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2016
That's what I'm talking about! This is a great epic novel! Masterful world building by Jeff Altabef; the colors, sounds and smells all came to life. In depth character development, from the main characters of Priests, Guardians, Scientists, Kings, Princes, Artist and sister to the Mother, and Red Witches.
The story is fast paced with the action starting at the beginning, grabbing hold of you and not letting you go until the very end.
There a little something for every one... religious heretics trying to take overy the world; proving a little power in the wrong hands is never good. Siblings left without their parents trying to find their place in the world. A king who is come to the age of succumbing to the Red Death. ..one brother wants to save him...the other dreams and conspires about taking his place. A little young love thrown in for good measure.
I really enjoyed this epic tale and can't wait until the next book comes out!

I received this story as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
528 reviews75 followers
July 18, 2017
With all the dystopian books that are out now and authors churning out more every month, it's hard a book in this genre that's worth reading. Not true of this book of Jeff Altabel's Red Death. It's full of twists and turns in the plot and a fight against injustice that keeps readers enthralled. Aaliss must take her brother Wilky and run! These two must save their lives and leave Eden to escape danger because her brother has found a cure for the Red Death. But the High Priest of Eden doesn't want this discovery to get out! So the adventure begins.This story is full of intrigue and action. It's the first book of this series, but now I want to read all of the series. Check it out.
Profile Image for H.
305 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2016
Wow. I have to say that this book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. It's set about 800 years in the future after a virus kills off adults at a certain point. They get red eyes and within a few days die. However there is a small group in a land called Eden where it is virus free and they are lead by priests and worship prophet Jacob who started the group in the beginning.
Aaliss and her younger brother must flee when she overheard the high priest and her uncle, the president, plotting their death. Her brother found the cure for the red death and they wanted to make the people believe Jacob sent a miracle.
Aaliss is a member of the guardian who are the policing forces in Eden and she is exceptional. They escape with a little girl about the same age as Wilky. The outside is a dangerous place with strange vicious animals, witch's woods, tribeless people, and tribes of unknown people.
To add to the danger, the high priest sends out his deadliest assassin, Viper, high priest of the guardians to kill them.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those who like YA sci-fi/ paranormal, dystopian. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jackie Maloney.
86 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2017
Title: Red Death
Author: Jeff Altabef
Rating: 3/5 Stars

I was sent a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Summary:
Everyone who lives in Eden, a small community, fears a disease known as the Red Death, which quickly takes your life. The “creator”, known as Jacob, created this society to protect the people. When a cure for this plague is discovered, the leaders of this community decide this is a perfect chance to show their power and do not want to let anyone get in their way. This sets off a chain of events that might change the fate and balance of this world.

Review:
This story is told through the eyes of many various characters. The perspective of the story changes with each chapter. When I began reading, I was worried that this was going to be incredibly confusing to navigate however it ended up being really easy to understand. The author also includes a “cast of characters” section at the end of the book to keep track of all of the characters and a link to this is included at the end of every chapter. I found this particularly helpful at the beginning when I was not as familiar with the characters. The negative aspect of having such a large cast of characters is I feel as though they were fully developed throughout the story. I hope this is rectified in the sequel, The Ghost King. I also feel this way for the setting of the story. I would have loved a deeper description of the various sights that this story takes us, especially the campsite of the Painted Ones. I would have loved more of their culture. I would be definitely interesting in reading a novel purely about each of the various tribes.

I was a bit confused in the beginning because I feel like the concepts were told to the reader all at once. I think the author created an incredibly interesting concept for this novel. However, it was so complex that I was constantly trying to play catch up. As the story progressed, all of the characters and their various stories came together and it was fun to find all of their connections and understand the importance of each character.

One of my favorite characters was Wilky. Even though he has trouble speaking and expressing himself, I feel like I got to know him much more than other characters. He was also the most consistent. He never did anything out of character, which is what I saw for many of the other characters, especially Piers. I definitely want the author to bring more out of this character in the sequel. I also hope Gemma and Wilky can come together and help each other communicate with the others. There is also some instalove between two characters that I am a little disappointed in. I totally feel that these two characters should be together but it was just so sudden I was taken back a bit.

There are heavy religious elements throughout this novel. Some of the characters have corrupted their religion by assuming that the “creator” would want them to harm others for the bettering of Eden. I found this an interesting view. Even while one of the main characters, Aaliss, was finding out many of the beliefs she was told her entire life were false, she still has these beliefs engrained in her system and would not let them go.

Overall, this is an incredibly entertaining read. It never lost my attention while I was reading. It was also easy to read with an interesting story and short chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick and amusing read for a weekend, especially for those who love crazy societies with corrupt rulers and people trying to make thing right. I would have loved to see this novel spilt into two so more detail could be given for each story.
Profile Image for Chelsies Reading Escape.
631 reviews401 followers
July 5, 2017
Among the land ravaged by the Red Death plague we have a village named Eden which is completely isolated and hidden from the different zones. Eden is run by corrupted and power hungry priests who believe everyone outside their village to be soulless. One of the main characters was trained as a Guardian and patrols the surrounding zones to keep the Soulless from finding Eden. Thats until a deadly secret forces her to run off into the zone with her younger brother and risk the plague.

The story has quite a few main characters but I thought the different perspectives helped the pacing and kept things from getting boring. It also helped me understand both sides of the story and added a lot of depth to the plot. The characters motivation made sense and I rarely got frustrated with their decisions. All the characters were compelling and well developped. Their backstory was woven in without slowing down the plot. Theres a great family element and the little bit of romance that was perfect for this story.

This thrilling dystopian world had some awesome action. There was always something entertaining going on. There was a clear objective but the plot still had some twist I didnt see coming. The concept was fascinating and the story was written really well with all the different threads coming together. This story captivated me within the first couple chapters and the ending wrapped up wonderfully. I cant wait for the sequel. I would recommend this to any dystopian lover. Not to mention the cover is amazing and totally relates to the story.

*Received copy in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,996 reviews144 followers
February 6, 2017
The cover for Red Death by Jeff Altabef is so appropriate for the story inside. There is an Eden, so, of course, there is an apple orchard.

The priests rule Eden and I immediately became suspicious. They hold tightly to the archaic rules. Why is that, do you think? Are they afraid?

The Soulless, well I have my thoughts about them too.

I have so many questions from the start. I am intrigued and I wonder how the characters will grow and change, because I feel it coming.

The writing is so descriptive, it brings the worlds, critters and characters to life on the pages.

We have a huge cast of characters, but by focusing on one in each Tribe, it wasn’t difficult to follow them as they struggle to survive. They all have their place in the story, some good and some bad and some just down right evil. In times of trouble, the best and worst come out. People show their true colors. Some rise to the occasion and some descend into the pits of Hell.

The evil oozed off the pages from the getgo, pissing me off, making me angry at some of the characters for their ignorance and their thirst for power. The suspense never let up.

Betrayal, brutality, loyalty, love…

I fretted, sweated, thinking…it can’t be…can it?

I felt good at the end, but the battle continues in Book II, The Ghost King. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Red Death by Jell Altabef.

To see more visit fundinmental
Profile Image for Adriana Bonilla.
595 reviews47 followers
October 21, 2016
WOW WOW WOW THIS BOOK WAS MIND BLOWING.
It was a freaking rollercoaster!!!!!
I'm soooo happy that I could put my hand on it becuase I just love it!!!!!! This got me since the first page. And now I'm in need of the sequel. Like. NOW.
You guys need to read this book. I mean it.
So, 800 years in the future Earth has change a ton. The center of it, or at least this was what Aaliss thought, was Eden. A city ruled by priest with really hard rules about what is correct and what not. They are the ones blessed, the ones who keep their souls. Aaliss was a guardian. She patrolled the deep and dark forest that surrounds Eden. The land between them and the soulless, where letal creatures live.
Oh and by the way, there's a disease. Called the Red Death. If someone get it, dies. There's no cure. Or at least there wasn't one before Wilky. Aaliss' brother. Now the High Priest wants them death, and their salvation lies on the soulless lands.
And let me tell you something, this book is beyond epic. Firefox, terrahawks and witches. Awesome tribes, this guy called Eamon and more. Trust me, once this book gets you, it will never let you go.
Full review to come.
**ARC kindly provided by the author**
Profile Image for Ami.
1,854 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2016
RED DEATH is an incredible apocalyptic story that kept me up late and turning pages quickly so I could learn more about the perfectly described world and characters that are trying to survive there. I actually would have given a 4.75 rating if that was possible, because I've only read a few books in my life that are completely perfect (88 books so far this year alone). But, this one is close for me.

I am amazed at the many threads that are woven into this tapestry so well. I am even more amazed that the author put so much detail and action into this awesome story without a single zombie! I'm not going to describe the book to you only review how I feel about it.

I love it and am so excited that Book 2 will be published soon (not soon enough, but I think I can wait).

Thank you Jeff for such an exciting and sometimes scary escape from my world to one of yours.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I promise this book really was this good for me. Hopefully it will be for everyone.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
5,545 reviews207 followers
November 23, 2016
Despite not being fully committed in the beginning, I still found this to be an enjoyable read. I like the world that the author built. Very dystopian. This is important for readers who are a fan of this type of genre. Which I am a fan. The world plays a very important part in these books.

Aaliss is a good, strong female heroine. Her brother, Wilky brought a nice element to the story. He had this innocence about him that was refreshing. This was great because the story as a whole and the most of the other characters are dark. Wilky is the light. Yet, I do agree with another reader's comment that there were a lot of characters introduced to me in the beginning and it was hard to keep them all straight. The short chapters also did not help as I the reader would barely get to know one of the characters and then the next chapter would be a different voice. A good book overall with a nice tie into the next as the world and characters have all been set now in this first book.
Profile Image for Henny Penny.
98 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2017
I was sent this book when I offered to read and review The Ghost King, the next book in this series. I have never read anything from this author before, but volunteered to read the Ghost King as the cover looked interesting, I had not read any preamble or heard about either book from anyone, and therefore had no preconceived ideas. In fact I would probably not have offered to read it if I had know what it was about, but I would have missed out on so much.

I got this book three days ago, and apart from working, I just could not put it down. The book is written from several different peoples perspectives, I got to chapter 4 before I found myself peeking at the cast of characters (what an excellent idea) which was really helpful in understanding the relationships and tribes the characters were involved with.

The book was really well written and the visual imagery in the book was fantastic, I could easily imagine this book being made into a film. The plot was fluid whilst moving across different tribes all the chapters were well connected. I note this book was written for the older teenager population, while i am much older (over 40) and I loved it. I would highly recommend this book and now feel prepared and eager to read the Ghost King.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
239 reviews19 followers
November 5, 2018
Great story blending elements of fantasy and sci-fi. Red Death came to my attention recommended in a YA Fantasy group for another reader looking for well-developed dystopian reads. She also said it’s probably not one for slow readers as it has a relatively big cast of characters (If you’re fine with Thrones, Six of Crows, Illuminae, etc, or used to reading more than one book at a time, you’ll have no issues keeping track of who is who but there is a hyperlinked cast list if you do get confused). Sometimes character-heavy books end up slightly two dimensional for some of the cast but here they’re all fleshed out and brilliantly conceived.

The World of Red Death is well developed, from the Eden compound to the various ‘Soulless’ tribes - its an extra touch of genius to have built up such cultural diversity between each group. It’s a gem of a YA dystopian and a real shame it isn’t better known.

Looking forward to getting my paws on the next book, raced through this one!
Profile Image for Gea.
667 reviews
July 17, 2017
Through this book I got to experience what it's like to live in a different era. But not in an annoyingly historical way. More like in an awesome way!

There's suspense, highly contageous disease and fighting. Also witches, high priests and kings. Even a little bit of romance. And of course the search for a cure.

It can be read as a standalone but there are a few loose ends which will be in the sequel.
I'd definitely recommend this!

I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Roopkumar Balachandran.
Author 7 books33 followers
November 13, 2016
A dystopian world 800 or so years from now, divided and ruled by several tribes. The world is affected by Red Death a kind of plague which had wiped majority of human race. Purity, Faith and Strength is the motto of a tribe which is isolated on a peninsula surrounded by a river, a religious group named Eden. The protagonist of the story is Aaliss a highly trained Guardian and she has two brothers one is elder named Piers and the youngest named Wilky. The tribe is ruled by a High Priest and a President. Their religious leader is Jacob. Unlike other tribes Eden is protected from the outside world, other tribes die of Red Death. All other tribes people were called as soulless by Eden.

Wilky is a genius kid, with his vision he finds the cure for Red Death and treats one soulless girl belonging to Butcher tribe. The High Priest who is cunning politician of our time, did not wish to leak the secret. As the High Priest holds the place after the revered Jacob, he thinks by mixing the potion in the wine he can save the people of Eden from Red Death and at the same time he will be regarded as a Prophet. To get the name he tries to kill Wilky, and Aaliss comes to know about this and she escapes from Eden with Wilky and the soulless girl.

The potion is mixture of a particular flower and a mushroom which grows outside of Eden. The High Priest sends his most trusted assassin Viper to kill Aaliss and Wilky. On the way the girl takes them to their tribe. The Butcher tribe is ruled by Dermot a popular king he has two brothers one is wicked Fintan and another is handsome Eamon. King Dermot is having the symptoms of Red Death, Fintan with his aide Cormac conspires to kill Dermot and capture the throne.

But Aaliss, Wilky were held in a prison and they the butcher tribe did not believe a cure for Red Death. Eamon wants to save his brother Dermot from Red Death and makes arrangement to save Aaliss and Wilky from the hold, they travel through a forest to get the mushroom and the flower. The group is hindered by many obstacles ranging from a witch to killing birds.

Same time P'mina a girl belonging to Painted ones tribe (governed by a Tribal mother) tries to meet her mother who is believed to be living in a forest and prove to her tribe that her mother is not a witch. She goes missing and her sister Kalhona comes in search for her. All the above characters I have mentioned meets in the forest.

Did Aaliss and Wilky find the cure for Red Death, did Eamon saves his brother from the evil plans of Fintan, did Kalhona meets her sister who is captured by the Red Witches, did Aaliss and Eamon find their love? Who is Jacob? is he a real God? All these are answered in the remaining chapters of the book.

Every character has their own agenda. Aaliss has to save his brother Wilky, Wilky has to distribute the potion to cure Red death. Eamon wants to save his brother King Dermot, Fintan wants to rule the tribe, Viper the assassin wants to kill Aaliss and Wilky. As their are many characters the author Jeff Altabef has cleverly given the link for cast of characters at the end of each chapters.

All the characters are well developed. The author ends some of the chapters with a cliff hanger, the story is fast paced and an exciting read.

I received this as a free E-book and I am eagerly waiting for the second instalment.

More of book reviews in www.chromaring.com
Profile Image for Jasmine.
999 reviews85 followers
December 16, 2016
When I was offered the chance to read Red Death by Jeff Altabef, I was a little hesitant. While it sounded really good, and I was definitely intrigued, I wasn't sure if A) I would have the time to put in to reading it, and B) Would I even like it? I decided to give it a shot, anyway, and hope for the best. Boy, am I glad I did.

Red Death is a young adult dystopian-esque novel, but to me, it has a very Game of Thrones, epic fantasy, OMG I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS kind of feel to it. I should note that I have not actually read any of the Game of Thrones books, but they are on my "I'll eventually get around to reading these" list. I have, however, binge-watched all six seasons. Managed to get through 60 episodes in 27 days. Pretty proud of that accomplishment.

Anyway, back to my review. The plot is definitely something that will pull you in, mostly out of curiosity, but will hold your attention and keep you hooked because of the fantastic writing, world-building, characters, and overall "feel" of the story. It's definitely one heck of a ride, that's for sure. And once you get closer to the end, that's when, in my opinion, it starts to seem more like a dystopian story rather than an epic fantasy.

Character-wise, you've got those you love and those you hate. There were a couple that I disliked so much, I actually felt an intense rage every time they appeared in a scene. That's a good thing, by the way. I enjoy characters who make me feel strong emotions, whether they're good ones or not so good ones. The main character, Aaliss, is pretty bad-ass. She's strong, fiesty, and protective of her quiet, strange little brother, Wilky. He's a sweet character, and you just kinda want to hug him and take care of him.
On the other end of the spectrum, you've got the High Priest, who, when you first meet him, thinks he is doing good things for Eden. Unfortunately, he's one of those awful characters who made me see red. Another one of those characters is The Viper. He's vicious and lethal. Not a very nice man at all. And in-between, you've got an array of intriguing characters who make the story fun, exciting, and very much enjoyable. They also give the book the Game of Thrones feel.

Red Death has some really awesome settings, too. Eden is the main location where Aaliss, Wilky, and the High Priest live. They seem to be the only ones who are safe from the disease the book is named after. Eden is meant only for the pure, and the "Soulless" people are kept out by the Guardians who patrol the area around Eden. There is also the Kingdom of the Painted Ones, the Kingdom of the Butcher Tribe, and even a place known as the City of Bones. Each location has its own unique features, and you can picture yourself visiting each one based on the imagery derived from the writing. It's wonderful and exhilarating to imagine yourself in these far-off places. I quite liked reading about the various locations in the book.

Overall, Red Death is a thrilling, unique, and crazy story perfect for lovers of young adult dystopian, and even lovers of fantasy. It's a book that will appeal to teens, young adults, and older adults alike. There's magic, mystery, and mayhem abound. It's not something you want to miss out on. By the time you finish, you'll be left eager and anxious for more, with your curiosity piqued and your emotions running amok. It's that good. I highly recommend it! 4.5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Seraphia.
1,894 reviews26 followers
November 28, 2016
Red Death by Jeff Altabef is book 1 of his Red Death Series. In this book we are immediately thrown into a world that is strange and different but still a bit familiar. We are immediately introduced to Aaliss and her two brothers: Piers and Wilky. They live in a place called Eden where Aaliss is a Guardian who helps protect Eden from the Soulless, Piers is a Priest and Wilky is a researcher trying to find a cure for the disease called the Red Death. Aaliss captures or kills those who are called the Soulless who live outside of Eden and brings in some to be experimented on to try and help them find the cure for the Red Death. But one night Aaliss hears the High Priest and her uncle discussing that a cure has been found and that now it is time to get rid of her and her brother Wilky because it was him who discovered the cure. Aaliss knows that if she is going to survive she must run and take her brother. But in doing so they are branded traitors by the High Priest.
Her and Wilky run leaving behind their brother Piers but she knows that for a time that he will be safe. But her and her brother must run and they take a Soulless girl with them because Wilky would not have left without her because he told his sister she was essential. They face many dangers along the way but they also meet new people and make new friends. But the question stands…will they find what they need to make the cure and will they ever be able to return home? Are there more dangers to come and if so…what will they do?
This story in the beginning had me a bit confused as to what was going on. There are three tribes: Eden, The Painted Ones and the Butcher Tribe. I was a bit thrown when the other tribes are described as basically living like medievals but then Eden has electricity and labs. The creatures are new and strange but unique and beautiful just the same. The characters are dynamic, unique and engaging.
In the beginning I will admit that I was disappointed when there was no back story (prologue) to bring us up on what happened to bring about the world as it exists especially when you learn that there is a place called “The City of Bones” where there are old buildings from before everything that happened, but I will say this…the author has done a really good job covering that when the time is right. There are so many characters that add to this storyline and each one is unique and tells the story beautifully. For me once I got engaged in this story it was hard to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Now, this story isn’t fast paced but has a nice steady pace that at times will make you want to jump ahead but just read along, it will be worth it.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this series. There is so much that I want to know more about concerning the characters, the situations that we find them in when the story ends and what will happen next because nothing is ever as it seems and danger is coming quickly. I give this book 5 out 5 stars and two thumbs up. Really enjoyable dystopian book with some fantasy wrapped in in a very unique way.
Profile Image for Nicole Lopez.
162 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2016
Now normally I am not a fan of the multiple viewpoints method of writing. However for this story it absolutely worked. I don't see how else you could have explained t be differences between tribes. I have to say at first I was leery; not sure if I would like this book. I didn't just like it, I loved it! Now I cannot wait to find out what happens next! I plan on getting my teenage daughters to read it as well. Thank you so much for giving me this sneak peek into your work. I have no doubt this book will do very well! As we say in the Renaissance Faire world, HUZZAH!
Profile Image for Kcduchess.
156 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2017
Eden is paradise and Edenites are the chosen people. The few tribes living outside Eden are Soulless, doomed to die the horribly by Red Death. Or that's what the people inside the thick walls of Eden are taught.

Aaliss is highly trained guardian, sworn to protect Eden. Killing the Soulless is justified, they're mere travesty of human beings, only good for research purposes. That's before she starts to doubt. Her brother Wilky is a researcher and because of his breakthrough, the whole future changes, for everyone.

One day Aaliss happens to overhear a conversation, that leaves her no choice. She has to flee with Wilky, leave the safe haven of Eden to save herself and her little brother. And so they enter the great unknown. Their older brother Piers is left behind and as Aaliss and Wilky are accused of being traitors, he has to find out the truth. But not everyone wants the truth to be discovered and the price is high for those who doubt the powers that be.

On their journey, Aaliss and Wilkey meet new people, they gain unexpected friends and make new enemies. Everything they have learned and believed in becomes questionable. Whose truth is genuine?

The other POV's in the book are of those who Aaliss and Wilky meet on their journey and they all play important role in the outcome of the story. So saddle up, sharpen your sword and join the adventure! It's a breathtaking journey, full of magic, deceit, love and thrilling turn of events.

I must admit that I was little skeptical starting this book. A dystopia with multiple POV's... but Jeff Altabef nailed it! The different POV's intertwine beautifully and the flow of the story is seamless. The eternal battle between good and the evil, envy and love between the brothers and the corrupting effect of power... it's all there. It was hard to put this book down, the many layers of the story have a hold of you and that hold is tight until the end. And although the story will continue in books to come, it doesn't end in a annoying cliffhanger but sort of reaches a plateau, leaving the reader smiling.
Profile Image for Parnita Tolia.
107 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2016
I was given a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. After reading this I cannot wait to read the NEXT one!!!!

The story begins, when a young prodigy wilky discovers a cure to red death, a plague with deadly end & no one can escape from it (a virus was unleashed on the world and destroyed the human world.The surviving humans formed tribes but they are not living harmoniously, there were wars, theres is hostility & mistrust & the virus is still a problem. Nobody has survived beyond the age of 21.) It takes a whole new meaning of "live like each day is your last" XD

The religious faction of Eden tries to covert the cure for themselves (typical power hungry mongers) but his sister Aaliss gets a wind of it & the siblings escape beyond the gates, to the world unknown, exposed to the plague, trying to survive as they are hunted.. While their eldest sibling Pier is left behind (poor him)
as they go on in their journey soon she realises that what they were taught in Eden, is all lies & the world is so much more than she thought..

My favorite part is the whole world the author has build. From the whispering woods, to otherworldly creature like firefoxes, terrahawks, to the diverse tribe & their culture.. The details that has in spun into this world is truly magnificent..! Plus the plot is gripping, once u get hooked u cannot let go!
The only minor problem for me was too many detailed characters.. They were very well developed & interesting but too many.
So it was a bit overwhelming in the beginning but as the story progresses you get the hang of whose who..
In the end I'm giving it 4.5 stars..!!
Profile Image for Linda Todd.
307 reviews66 followers
December 31, 2016
Wow an amazing story I thought the characters where fabulously and well thought out. I loved banter between the characters this book is a must read story again & again a truly exquisite story that I hope to read more of I had a sneak peek at the second book The Ghost King and I do like what I see my heart felt thanks to the author Jeff Altabef for the utmost pleasurew and privilege of reading his amazing stories. This book I would be extremely delighted to recommend this story to all my friends and all how read this review so to all happy reading from wee me.
Profile Image for Linda.
3,207 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2016
I freely chose to review this ARC of Red Death on my own and can't wait to continue the story as Mr. Altabef held me spell bound! seventeen year old Aaliss was a Guardian in Eden and she killed her share of the Soulless human outside of the zone as per Jacob law, they were diseased and had red eyes to show their infection and she was told they were not human any more. One day she heard the high priest and her uncle plotting to kill her and her thirteen year old brother and tell the brethren that THEY were traitors! With her oldest brother scarred from and fire that killed their parents she hope to come back and get him soon and hoped as he was a priest that he'd be safe but her and Wilky needed to flee and go into the zone if they wanted to live. Thank goodness for their gas masks as she knew they would die in the zone without them and she had to keep Wilky safe as he was so depended on her...

As chapters are read at a fast pace, Aaliss and Wilky and a soulless girl he stubbornly refused to leave behind fled through the woods fighting monsters and meat eating large birds, they are save but quickly taken hostage by another clan and to make things worse the Viper has orders to kill them...
Profile Image for Shai Williams.
840 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2016


My first thought when I read the blurb for this book is that it is either going to be really good or a complete washout. I am happy to say that it is really good. The characters just seem to come to life off of the pages.



I found myself rooting for Aaliss and her brother Wilky almost from the very beginning. She is so grounded in reality while Wilky is a bit different. He is brilliant but not too good on communicating. He reminds me of some autistic kids I have met.



We also get a chance to meet the people from two different 'Soulless' villages and I am really impressed by how far their culture has grown considering that people tend to die really early from the Red Death.



I did run across some editing errors but they weren't enough to pull me from the story. I do recommend this book to any of my readers who enjoy reading dystopian storylines.



*** I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Marja Coons-Torn.
132 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2016
If you mixed Lord of the Rings with 1984, Red Death might be a bit like what you would get. I'm sure that's not what Jeff Altabef did, but I deeply admire that he could plot and write this complex fantasy. I am absolutely in love with the child genius Wilkie, but it is Aaliss, his sister, who plots and plans and fights for what is right. Worlds intertwine and it is good that Altabef has included a cast of characters and a map of Eden. He has used a few biblical names, like Eden, and Jacob, but this is not about religion per se, but rather about what can go wrong when dogma, greed and power are mixed. I predict that Red Death will become a best seller. Fans of George R. R. Martin will love it. I received an ARC from the author. I am delighted to offer my review as he sends his work out into the world.
Profile Image for KelticKat.
716 reviews30 followers
November 30, 2016
Well crafted dystopian world and characters.

Truly and enjoyable and intriguing read. Aaliss is a brave and determined young woman who believes in family and loyalty. She's no shrinking violet, with crossbow or sword she protects & loves her little brother Wilky.

The are forced to make an unexpected journey from their home in Eden. Wilky has a secret - he has the cure. Along the way on their journey they meet a host of characters (Piers, the Viper, the High Priest, King Dermot, Eamon, Fintan, Gemma, Kalhona, P'mina, the red witches, just to name a few) - that all add their unique talents and story to the weave of the fabric of fate in this world.

Seems like a great start to an epic tale! Looking forward to reading more about the trials, tribulations and victories of these characters.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this e-copy.
Profile Image for Chad Jansma.
41 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2017
Great read

I'm not even sure how I stumbled upon this book but I'm glad that I did. It is an amazing story and I can't wait to start the next book in this series
Profile Image for Isa (Bookishlifetime).
400 reviews32 followers
January 7, 2017
This is a phenomenal novel. It's a mix of Science-Fiction and Midieval Times which is an extremely interesting World to get to know. The worldbuilding itself is also very detailed and well-written. Normally, I hate different POVs but they only made this book better. *Also because of the fact that they split up, it was interesting to know what happened to the different tribes/people* Jeff Altabef is an amazing writer and I'm looking forward to The Ghost King (book 2) because I'm sying to know what happens next!!
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