Review & Giveaway: Survive to Dawn by PJ Schnyder

Survive to Dawn
Author: PJ Schnyder
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: A-

What I’m Talking About:

London was ground zero for the zombie plague, and it is now home to the few survivors, a wolf shifter pack, and the various tourists and hunters that come for a shot at the world’s deadliest game. In Survive to Dawn, a team of scientists want to gain entrance into the quarantined zone to capture and study a zombie, hoping to test an inoculation. Danny, pack medic and advisor to its alpha, is immediately attracted to one of the scientists, Deanna. Seth, the alpha of the ruling wolf pack, will not allow cages into the town and refuses to grant the team pack protection. However, sensing Danny’s immediate attachment to Deanna, he allows Danny to watch over and protect only her.

Survive to Dawn is the enjoyable third tale from PJ Schnyder’s London Undead series. I found it to be very entertaining and a fun love story. Danny and Deanna share an immediate attraction, and it is enhanced by the fact that both are very rational and logical. Both freely admits attraction–there are no games–and watching each evaluate his/her emotions and reactions to the attraction is a lot of fun. I appreciate that both characters are open and honest, never laying blame and always taking responsibility for their actions. Both are independent and strong, but respectful and recognize when compromise is best. I just loved how the story focused on external conflict, such as the fight with zombies and other paranormals, rather than creating it within the couple.

Danny recognizes that Deanne is more than she appears on the surface, and that is when Deanne entrusts Danny with the “whole truth” of who she is and why she’s in London. Just in case you don’t know what that “truth” is, I won’t share any spoilers; however, this leads to an exciting journey through London, and it involves some nasty vampires. And wow! is there a wonderful twist that pops up when I least expected it. Not only is the story itself a good one, but Ms. Schnyder is able to wrap up some open-ended pieces of the overall mythology. I enjoyed this quite a bit.

Another thing for which I want to applaud the author is how she addresses the fact that Danny is a shifter, with a long life span, and Deanne is a human. What I appreciate, and simultaneously pulls at my heart strings, is that it’s not perfect… He will outlive her. I admire that the author didn’t feel the need to ensure that Deanna, too, would live long. I admire that it’s okay. Bravo!

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. The story was exciting and well-written. I enjoyed the twists and fullness of the tale, especially for a shorter book. I also really liked the couple. They felt an immediate attraction, both willing to accept things and move forward. I like that there wasn’t a rush to I love you, and especially appreciate he acknowledgement that she’s going to die well before him. Sweet story and fun world. I hope to see more, but I think this was the final story.

Rating:  A- Enjoyed A Lot

About the Book:

The zombie epidemic in London has been contained, but that’s all the werewolf pack that protects the city has been able to manage. Danny, as pack medic, is concerned the epidemic isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. And that the pack’s Alpha is too focused on eliminating the deadly threat to consider working toward a cure. When a team of American scientists arrive, talking of a vaccine, Danny is quietly hopeful.

Deanna thought she was prepared for anything. But an argument with the London pack leaves her research team exposed and alone, on their own against countless hordes of the walking dead. Within hours, her colleagues are slaughtered…and it’s only because of Danny that she manages to get out alive.

Deanna unhinges Danny in every way, tempting him beyond reason. She also pushes him to face the one thing he’d been avoiding: his Alpha is wrong. Simply surviving isn’t the answer…it can’t be.

Release Date: April 21, 2014
Publisher: Carina Press
Series: London Undead #3
ASIN: B00GKBIRNU
Genre: Paranormal Romance, novella
Format(s): e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley

Purchase Info:
Survive to Dawn (London Undead #3)

Reviews in the Series:
Bite Me by PJ Schnyder (London Undead #1)
Sing for the Dead by PJ Schnyder (London Undead #2)

Giveaway

PJ is generously donating a digital set of all three London Undead books to give to one (1) lucky commenter. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form The giveaway is open during the time specified on the Rafflecopter form. Winner(s) chosen at random from all eligible entries. This contest is open internationally where not prohibited by law. Open to participants, 18 years or older, who are legally allowed to participate in such a contest as allowed by their local laws. All federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. By participating in the contest, participants agree to be bound by the decisions of the contest sponsor. Prize will be delivered by the author. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. By entering this giveaway, participants agree to abide by these terms.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.