The One and Only (The ELI Chronicles) by Julia Ash
I'm not the type to read books about zombies. It's never been my go-to horror genre. In fact, you might recall from my previous blog post review of Peripheral Vision by Timothy Hammer and Courtney Zito that horror isn't a genre I subscribe to at all. As I've gotten older, I've shied away from post-apocalyptic worlds, dystopians, and most fantasy or sci-fi novels. I've gotten into a reading rut that features self-help, WWII, poetry, and mysteries.
Therefore, I've cultivated some lovely new author friends such as Riley Sager, Joy Harjo, Claire Buss, Truman Capote, Carrie Goldberg, Thomas Erickson, and more. This doesn't mean that I'll never go back to reading other genres, like I have before, but it feels as if I'm taking a break from them to some degree.
So, when looking for some new books, and more importantly, some new Indie Authors to support, I tumbled across this author: Julia Ash. She has a series - The ELI Chronicles, which popped out at me, and I looked further into them. Her first novel in the series has a great cover, and curious, I looked at the book blurb on Amazon. The first thing it stated at the top of the synopsis was how this book mirrored World War Z, but it had a "strong female lead."
I hesitated. A book about zombies? Man. That's not what I expected. Looking more closely at the cover, I can see the lone figure is standing on a mound of skulls. Well, that made me think twice. Zombies and skulls. Hmm, I'm not sure this is the book for me. I've been in the midst of psychological thrillers, and this is a wee off the grid. After reading The Hunger Games, most of the Divergent series, the 5th Wave, and watching all of the accompanying movies, including those of Maze Runner over the past several years, I felt myself running out of steam with this type of world.
And yeah, I have watched Warm Bodies which was based off the book by Isaac Marion. I never read the book because, again, zombies. It isn't a type of read, movie experience, or television event that I gravitate toward. I know all you Walking Dead fans are saddened by this, but please, there's only so many times the group of survivors can be attacked by zombies and live to tell the tale. Even if you get philosophical, you can just beat that world recognition card too many times.
Anyway, I stared at the book cover. I stared at that first line. I scrolled down to the categories, and yep, "dark fantasy" and "dark fantasy horror" are listed. Right here, in black and white.
Heading to the reviews, I saw a few that gave me pause, and it made me think of some times past when I wasn't really happy about my book choices. Or when it turned out that I was wrong.
In fact, I recalled my pre-judgement of Timothy Hammer's horror book Peripheral Vision. It started out as the chance to read and support a fellow Indie Author, and I mistakenly supposed the book was a mystery thriller. I didn't look at the categories until I was already a few chapters into the book, and I realized my mistake. It was a HORROR book. I NEVER read those. However, I kept reading. By then, I was hooked. Plus, don't they say something about not judging a book by its cover? Well, maybe I shouldn't judge a book by its categories.
I mean, I ended up really liking Peripheral Vision, and it led me to read Mary Downing Hahn, which had been recommended by my friend and fellow writer, Dorian Tsukioka. So, I suppose it can't be that bad. Maybe I'll gain a new author to love. Perhaps I'll find a book and character that will enthrall me and change my life. There's a chance that this story won't annoy me, and therefore, I must seize the opportunity to step out of my reading comfort zone and give this book a try.
I held back my skepticism, and I opened to the first page. With some trepidation, I began reading The One and Only. In a moment, I felt a spurt of anticipation.
Now, I'm about to breakdown this book and let you know - Did I love it or hate it? Is it good to read outside of your categories? I guess we'll find out!
Therefore, I've cultivated some lovely new author friends such as Riley Sager, Joy Harjo, Claire Buss, Truman Capote, Carrie Goldberg, Thomas Erickson, and more. This doesn't mean that I'll never go back to reading other genres, like I have before, but it feels as if I'm taking a break from them to some degree.
So, when looking for some new books, and more importantly, some new Indie Authors to support, I tumbled across this author: Julia Ash. She has a series - The ELI Chronicles, which popped out at me, and I looked further into them. Her first novel in the series has a great cover, and curious, I looked at the book blurb on Amazon. The first thing it stated at the top of the synopsis was how this book mirrored World War Z, but it had a "strong female lead."
And yeah, I have watched Warm Bodies which was based off the book by Isaac Marion. I never read the book because, again, zombies. It isn't a type of read, movie experience, or television event that I gravitate toward. I know all you Walking Dead fans are saddened by this, but please, there's only so many times the group of survivors can be attacked by zombies and live to tell the tale. Even if you get philosophical, you can just beat that world recognition card too many times.
Anyway, I stared at the book cover. I stared at that first line. I scrolled down to the categories, and yep, "dark fantasy" and "dark fantasy horror" are listed. Right here, in black and white.
Heading to the reviews, I saw a few that gave me pause, and it made me think of some times past when I wasn't really happy about my book choices. Or when it turned out that I was wrong.
In fact, I recalled my pre-judgement of Timothy Hammer's horror book Peripheral Vision. It started out as the chance to read and support a fellow Indie Author, and I mistakenly supposed the book was a mystery thriller. I didn't look at the categories until I was already a few chapters into the book, and I realized my mistake. It was a HORROR book. I NEVER read those. However, I kept reading. By then, I was hooked. Plus, don't they say something about not judging a book by its cover? Well, maybe I shouldn't judge a book by its categories.
I mean, I ended up really liking Peripheral Vision, and it led me to read Mary Downing Hahn, which had been recommended by my friend and fellow writer, Dorian Tsukioka. So, I suppose it can't be that bad. Maybe I'll gain a new author to love. Perhaps I'll find a book and character that will enthrall me and change my life. There's a chance that this story won't annoy me, and therefore, I must seize the opportunity to step out of my reading comfort zone and give this book a try.
I held back my skepticism, and I opened to the first page. With some trepidation, I began reading The One and Only. In a moment, I felt a spurt of anticipation.
Now, I'm about to breakdown this book and let you know - Did I love it or hate it? Is it good to read outside of your categories? I guess we'll find out!
Numeric Breakdown:
1: didn't like it
2: it was okay
3. liked it
4. really liked it
5. it was amazing
1. Writing Style: 5/5
The author opens our story with the Special Warfare Council meeting, and it sets up the story for that post-apocalyptic feel at once. In third person format, our author introduces us to Ruby Spencer, who becomes our main protagonist. Soon, we get a sprinkling of names that make up the council as well as her husband, Clay. Ash simultaneously brings us into her world with the worries of an "escalating bacterial threat" being discussed, and Ruby's motherly concern for her baby, Gabby.
Instantly, Ash brings readers into the conflict and sets us up with a lot of background information within the first chapter. Part of this information download does serve as prep for what's happening in the continuation of the story. So the narrative, exposition, and dialogue serve their purpose.
I like when an author shares multiple points of view or takes us from past to present; so, this was a great way to utilize the narrative. Instead of falling back completely on exposition bursts, this author does allow for narrative discourse through dialogue, descriptive changes, and protagonist versus antagonist pov.
In fact, she uses revolving chapters between protagonist Ruby Spencer and antagonist Lieutenant Colonel Quinton Oxford. Other points of view include Ruby's husband, Clay, the POTUS Ava Marie Newton, Seaman "Eyes" Frank Davis, Russian President Vladimir Volkov, and a few others. It gives the story texture and depth by giving us multiple points of view, and it allows the reader to never get bored.
The author's writing style does a beautiful job of establishing her voice through essential world-building. Her well-researched knowledge of the government, armed services, and medical jargon is impressive and extensive. This lends the book even more authenticity and believability.
On top of the paramount foundation of world-building, Ash gives us the opportunity to find her characters in different settings. Although the story begins in America, the readers are taken to Taiwan and Russia as part of the undercover operations forming and merging. Giving us tangible locations helps establish realism throughout the scope of a dark fantasy world being played out. The different settings also give us tension construction, awkwardness and apprehension for the characters, and continued changes of place and expectations. We, also, get to see the language additions of the Russian language and its spelling, which just adds another layer of fidelity to her work.
Julia Ash utilizes foreshadowing quite liberally throughout the book, and in some cases it hits its mark beautifully, and other times, it's a little too helpful. However, she pairs this well with several scary plot moves that drive the narrative along consistently with red-herrings, problem-solving skills that adapt to the situation at hand, and characters who know their world and limitations.
2. Overall Content: 5/5
Shut. The. Front. Door.
I'm not sure how to begin this discourse over the content making up Julia Ash's first book in the ELI Chronicles. If you've already read my slight overview on her writing style, you might already be clued in on the fact that I've found her multiple points of view, red herrings, climaxes, and complete methodology of character and plot to be extraordinary.
There's so much to unpack in this story's overall content, I don't even know where to begin. The covert missions within covert missions, the traitors popping out of the woodwork, the manipulated plans from several fronts, and the endless strength of the main character, Ruby, are only a few reasons why this book is on point. So, as always, be prepared for *SPOILERS* within my breakdown.
First, we're introduced to a meeting happening within the White House with the new POTUS Ava Marie Newton. It's 2032, and a lot of craziness has gone down in the last several years. She and the Special Warfare Council, which Ruby and her husband are a part of, are discussing the evolution of a WWIV. A microbiologist, Ruby is there to help figure out how to end another world virus that China's President Huo Zhu Zheng had started during WWIII. His bioweapon, F8, had mutated creating a pathogen called Zoonosis Mutated Bacteria or ZOM-B. If you assume this means we're talking about zombies now, you'd be right.
However, Ruby is ready to allow her husband, Clay, to continue his work on the committee in order for her to bow out and become a stay-at-home-mom. Her one prime objective is to keep her baby, Gabby, safe. This doesn't seem to be in the cards for Ruby. After all, her blood saved humanity from the first round of infection, coined F8, before it mutated into the ZOM-B virus. Although immune to the first strand of bacteria, she's as susceptible to the mutated virus as anyone else. The thing is, Ruby doesn't realize yet what this might mean for her future.
Ruby and Clay are assigned a seems-safe-enough-but-the-reader-isn't-fooled mission to go to Taipei. There is an area where the outbreak of ZOM-B first occurred, and they're going to investigate what might have happened and if any evidence was left behind. Now, Taipei is supposed to be a relatively safe place since the capture of China's President Huo. While there, taking in Shiffen - the area where the virus started, they come face to face with a zombie. They're able to kill it and collect data afterward, but it does portray a hint of what's to come.
Hence, the first bout of foreshadowing we encounter, which clearly lets everyone know this is going to be the start of the downfall. In one chapter, we're introduced to the antagonist
Lieutenant Colonel Quinton "Ox" Oxford. A marine, Ox has plans of his own, and they clue us in on Ruby being a part of those plans. Plus, Ruby keeps getting negative feelings about being in Shiffen and then in Taipei. Her bad juju is a warning to all readers that something big is about to happen.
And when it does, we aren't surprised. We all saw it coming - knowing something was going to go bad at the government facility in Taipei. While this might irritate some readers, and did lessen the anticipation for me a bit, it was a cunning red-herring in another sense. Why? Because Ruby and her husband don't see the real danger. Although we, the readers, are clued into the idea of more going on in the plot than just Ox being a major pain, and his teaming up with the Russian President throws us for an expected loop, no one could have guessed how big the outliers around this subplot were going to be.
Excuse me while I wrap my head around all of this.
Second, something bad happens at the Taipei government facility. You saw that coming, didn't you? Ruby felt since leaving the US that something wasn't quite right. The reader is especially clued in when she and her husband arrive at the government facility where ex-President Huo is being held in a zombie state. Clay will have the honor of killing the zombie, once they've seen a few displays of what the scientists have figured out in terms of fighting skills, intelligence, and life expectancy for zombies everywhere.
Things don't go as planned when Ruby and Clay are separated for the next event. Viewing time over, Clay ends up in "The Pit" in order to have a clear shot t killing Huo. Seven armed men are with him. Yet, it doesn't stop what happens next.
If you guessed that the generator goes out, electricity is off around the base, and the two zombies on the premise escape and/or bite a bunch of people and create new zombies then...
DING DING DING - WE HAVE A WINNER!
Because that's exactly what happened. I won't lie. I wish it would have veered in another direction, just for the sake of the foreshadowing to become a red-herring. Does that make sense? Like, this is so totally going to happen. But it didn't. Yet, again, it didn't diminish my overall reading satisfaction (I'm sure my books have utilized this trick a time or two). In fact, I felt a little smug being like, "Julia Ash, I saw that coming a mile away. I'm so clever."
Well, I hope you're ready for disappointment, reader, because that author got me back in the end. It was a doozy, too. I'm still straight-up trippin'.
Third, Ruby and Clay are kidnapped. I know, we all saw that one coming. Ox already clued us in on the genius of his plan. By the way, Ox is my most hated villain. I have sat here trying to think of who else I hate as much as this book character, and I don't think there are any literary figures that come to mind. I might think of a name later, but for now, this dude is the worst. The. Worst.
Of course, Ruby is injured, Clay is tortured - which I didn't quite see the extent coming, and the whole terrible plan of Ox and President Vladimir is presented to Ruby in all of its glory. Again, I dislike Ox to the ultimate, but I also think part of my disgust comes from his typical, male-chauvinistic, 2D personality. He feels a little stereotypical, and even so, I still despise him.
Basically, they want her blood to create a super army of zombies. Although she argues that her blood doesn't work against this virus, and she isn't going to participate in anything they have in mind, they still insist she let them use her blood, or bad things will happen. This is the beginning of a mantra Ox holds over Ruby any time they have a conversation. His narrative revolves around her being "too soft" and having "weaknesses" because she'll do almost anything to keep her husband and child safe. He's annoying, and the constant reminders become annoying.
Next, she accepts when they first threaten everyone, but when she's expected to video call her friend and fellow microbiologist, Em, Ruby shouts a warning for him to protect Gabby. This leads to her knock-out concussion from Ox. The man is brutal and cold.
During the rest of their stay, Ruby wakes up alone and devises a plan while concussed. She's a powerful character who doesn't allow herself to become overwhelmed within the moment; she relies on her wit and opportunities to enable herself to get out of sticky situations. It's why I like her. I can relate to her need to save her family, her desire to not create a conscious collection of zombies, and her inclination to just go home. She's rather likable, and although I had a moment or two of irritation with her, it was nice to find Ruby a 3D character.
From here, I'm going to be a little more concise in my giveaways and commentary. As I said, this book has so many parts, but believe me when I say: It is worth the read!
Ruby and her husband escape once only to be captured two more times. It starts to feel as if we're never going to be rid of Ox. President Vladimir escaped to his own little island paradise, but he wasn't completely out of the mix. He'd stolen some of Ruby's blood before he left. Eventually, they're saved by Seaman "Eyes" Frank Davis, but that save is overthrown by Ox the third time. Then, he leaves her and her husband, out of the blue, and they're saved and taken home.
The meeting with the POTUS and microbiologist, Em, is both relieving and uneasy. During their back and forth mischief with Ox and Vladimir, the couple learn that their friends at home haven't been as honest as they should have been. In fact, we learn that both have been using Ruby's leftover blood from the F8 scare to experiment. They're trying to find their own cure and/or zombie remix.
Ruby and Clay confront them, and it seems as if by the end of the meeting things have been resolved. Trust is still an issue, but the POTUS and Em agree to shut down the experiment and turn to another option. This option appears to revolve around blowing the zombies up with special targeted guns. At the end, everyone walks away with the feeling of some friendship left.
Unfortunately, this mess isn't at an end for Ruby and Clay. They've gone through a lot, and when they're reunited with their daughter and friends, they stay the night at their friend's house with armed forces serving as protection to ensure Ox doesn't turn up.
He does. In a manner of speaking. Gabby is kidnapped, and again, you have the foreshadowing and uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach that comes with there being too many pages left in the book for it to officially be over. When morning comes, the pages pass, and you realize Gabby has gone missing, it's almost as if you expect it.
Ox has returned, and he has Gabby. His answer to the problem at hand is that Ruby come to the yacht where he's docked, alone, in exchange for Gabby's life. Of course, Ruby does as he asks, but with one exception, she does bring Clay with her. She tells him she has a plan, when he tries to protest going with her.
At this point, I admit, I'm confused by what Ruby's plan is going to be, and I didn't realize she was going to sacrifice herself and have Gabby leave with Clay. When they're gone, and Ruby is brought on board the vessel, Ox tells her he's changed his mind. He isn't just going to drain her dry. Nope, he's going to inject her with something else. Long story short, she gets out of this situation, and Ox ends up dead.
Can I pause to say, Finally! Ox getting what he deserved is the best part!
Fast forward, Ruby's at home, she brought the needle to have Em test it, and he's on his way to pick it up. Everyone wants to know what Ox was planning and what was in that syringe. It isn't long, and a short nap later, that Clay brings Em to their bedroom, where Ruby has just awoken. The two chitchat for a minute, and then it happens.
This is the biggest *SPOILER* of all. So, if you don't want to know the end, stop reading now!
Em takes out another syringe, and before Ruby can scream, he's holding her down and injecting her with SUX or succinylcholine, which is a neuromuscular paralytic drug. Yes, I did look this drug up, and yes, it is real. Em does his own super-villain talk about why he's doing what he's doing and that it's for the betterment of all mankind. He, also, makes it clear how selfish and self-absorbed he thinks Ruby is for not wanting to allow them to experiment with her blood. However, now, it's being taken out of her hands, since she has become the physical experiment.
Even worse, Em and the POTUS were the reason Ox left her and Clay on the overtaken sub during the third capture. They colluded with him in order to get what they all wanted, and they helped set-up the final capture when she ended up helping to kill Ox. At this point, he also injects her with the syringe Ruby had brought back from her final confrontation with Ox. In it is his years-long experiment.
He lets her know that whether she lives or dies, at least, they'll have an answer to the viability of his concoction. He closes her eyes, lets her know no one can help her now, and walks away without a backward glance.
Whew.
I didn't see this coming. I don't know why I didn't see this all coming, but I didn't. I knew the POTUS and Em were "up to no good," but I also thought they weren't the real bad guys. When the meeting happened between all of them, I knew there was more to that story, but I didn't see it turning out to be her so-called best friend back-stabbing her in an almost literal and figurative way. I mean, he does stab her with two syringes.
My shock value catapulted through the roof. I could not put this book down until I read to the end. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know if my heart rate has returned to normal yet. This was a devastating betrayal; I could feel it. On top of that, you have people playing God, and it does not ever turn out well.
So, I hold on and read and read and read.
Ruby is trapped inside her own body. I tried to imagine what that was like. Clay thought she was asleep because that's what Em had told him had happened, when the traitor left. In the middle of the night, Clay wakes up to find Ruby sweating profusely, body hot to the touch, and not moving. He and their trusted friends, the Gonzalas's, do everything they can, but it isn't enough. Ruby dies.
Oh, but it isn't over.
Ruby comes back to life. She isn't a human any longer, but she isn't a zombie. Nope. Get this, she's a vampire. Whhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaattttttt?
Yep, Jula Ash plays with our emotions and our grip on reality in this dark fantasy to bring us yet another twist. The experiment was to create a super-being who could move between the two worlds, destroy the zombies, and preserve humanity. Or something to that effect.
If you think the story ends here, think again. She comes to terms with her new reality, but she isn't giving in as easy as the POTUS and Em think. They've made arrangements for her to get the blood she needs to survive, if she agrees to their plans for world domination. That's what it amounts to, anyway.
She agrees. Or does she?
I'll let you read to find out what happens at the very end. Needless to say, I think you'll find it as satisfying as I did. It does end on a more positive note (as positive as you can get being a manufactured vampire), and I will add, the POTUS and Em get what they deserve. To find out how and what Ruby does next, you'll have to read and find out!
Believe me when I say, I'm already ordering Book Two: The Tether. It sounds amazing, and I hope it's as EPIC as The One and Only has been. I will say if you're not a fan or zombies, distopian eras, or vampires, this book might change your mind.
3. Hooks/Attention-kept: 4/5
I think what impressed me the most about this book was its fast-paced plot. Something was always happening, leading to another event, another kidnapping, another escape, another villain, another betrayal, another unforeseen plot distortion. It was nice to see the answers weren't always clear.
That's what kept my attention the most. The constant changes and different points of view helped me stay involved. I wanted to know if Ruby and Clay would make it. I worried only one or the other would make it. I mean, come on, a lot of authors destroy all of our hope and our main characters. Right? It's been done. However, I'm eternally grateful Julia Ash didn't take that route. Well, not completely anyway.
One area that caused me to pull out of the book, ever so often, comes back to the foreshadowing which was accomplished in a very telling sort of way. I know sometimes authors have to fall back on this tool to move the story along, incite anticipation, or keep the reader involved, but there were times it fell a little flat for me, but it did get used against me in the end, and I give the author total props for that. It didn't disrupt the overall love I had developed for this book, but as far as attention being kept, this was one area where I struggled a little.
Another area comes in terms of some of the scenes and scenarios that played out. Of course, being horror, you can't get away from the zombies and their graphic ways.
4. Overall enjoyment of the story based on the genre: 5/5
The chaos and the climax are worth the time sunk into reading this book. I was skeptical, I won't dodge that bullet, but thinking on the genre as a whole, if any other authors are as good as this one, I want to try their work. I'd give this genre another go. Like I said previously, I'm all ready to download and/or buy the second book of this series. I recommend this book without hesitation. It is fabulous!
5. Overall enjoyment of the story based on the content: 4/5
Since it was a lot different than I anticipated, I tried to find the parts I liked, related to, and felt matched my expectations. This book was well-researched. At times, I felt a little overwhelmed by the knowledge packed into the narrative and exposition bursts. The medical world and armed forces held a lot of precise groundwork, which helped me feel at home. As weird as it might sound, anything that holds an authentic account, description, or history building aspect to their book's foundation, I appreciate and respect it.
Her detail and organization does pay off. Even if it feels like a lot of information at once, you'll appreciate the recitals later, when everything comes together. Plus, I love and respect an author who does their research and uses it to make the world feel legit. I love Ash's attention to her characters. Ruby ends up having a lot of attributes and ingredients to her character, such as: loyalty, persistence, a moral standard, and willingness to help others, sacrifice, and forgiveness. There are several parts of the story, where I started to wonder what I'd do in her situation, and just like that, I was thinking about her book on my way to work or before I went to bed. When a book can get at me like that, make me think about it beyond flipping the pages, that's when I really know I've found a satisfying book.
I do have to say, this is a spectacular book with a lot of dramatic plot twists, intelligently infused data and fact, and wonderful action and adventure. I appreciated its lure into intimidation tactics and villains who weren't always what is expected. However, there are a few things that cooled my overall enjoyment by a few degrees. Some of those scenes or reasons include: the villain Ox, some graphic horror scenes as indicated, intimate scene, and zombies overall are still not my favorite plot device. Yet, despite a few things that bothered me, I still found myself thinking about these characters as I was about to fall asleep, adding to their stories and trying to figure out what was going to happen. I have to say that's what helps make a book for me, and so, I only docked a point for those few parts that I disliked as a reader, but I can't say they were anything that made me put the book down.
6. Overall Story Rating: 5/5
We come to the conclusion of this detailed account of my likes and dislikes of the dark fantasy horror genre. I have to say, all in all, it was a successful story. The plot and characters had enough pizzazz and lack of sparkle (haha) that kept me engaged throughout. I loved the twists and turns, and I felt the end had a satisfying conclusion. Another nice part about this story is it could end quite nicely with this book, and readers would appreciate the closure received. However, I'm thrilled there will be a second book to iron out the questions lingering in the air. Thanks to Julia Ash for a satisfying 5/5 thriller.
1: didn't like it
2: it was okay
3. liked it
4. really liked it
5. it was amazing
1. Writing Style: 5/5
The author opens our story with the Special Warfare Council meeting, and it sets up the story for that post-apocalyptic feel at once. In third person format, our author introduces us to Ruby Spencer, who becomes our main protagonist. Soon, we get a sprinkling of names that make up the council as well as her husband, Clay. Ash simultaneously brings us into her world with the worries of an "escalating bacterial threat" being discussed, and Ruby's motherly concern for her baby, Gabby.
Instantly, Ash brings readers into the conflict and sets us up with a lot of background information within the first chapter. Part of this information download does serve as prep for what's happening in the continuation of the story. So the narrative, exposition, and dialogue serve their purpose.
I like when an author shares multiple points of view or takes us from past to present; so, this was a great way to utilize the narrative. Instead of falling back completely on exposition bursts, this author does allow for narrative discourse through dialogue, descriptive changes, and protagonist versus antagonist pov.
In fact, she uses revolving chapters between protagonist Ruby Spencer and antagonist Lieutenant Colonel Quinton Oxford. Other points of view include Ruby's husband, Clay, the POTUS Ava Marie Newton, Seaman "Eyes" Frank Davis, Russian President Vladimir Volkov, and a few others. It gives the story texture and depth by giving us multiple points of view, and it allows the reader to never get bored.
The author's writing style does a beautiful job of establishing her voice through essential world-building. Her well-researched knowledge of the government, armed services, and medical jargon is impressive and extensive. This lends the book even more authenticity and believability.
On top of the paramount foundation of world-building, Ash gives us the opportunity to find her characters in different settings. Although the story begins in America, the readers are taken to Taiwan and Russia as part of the undercover operations forming and merging. Giving us tangible locations helps establish realism throughout the scope of a dark fantasy world being played out. The different settings also give us tension construction, awkwardness and apprehension for the characters, and continued changes of place and expectations. We, also, get to see the language additions of the Russian language and its spelling, which just adds another layer of fidelity to her work.
Julia Ash utilizes foreshadowing quite liberally throughout the book, and in some cases it hits its mark beautifully, and other times, it's a little too helpful. However, she pairs this well with several scary plot moves that drive the narrative along consistently with red-herrings, problem-solving skills that adapt to the situation at hand, and characters who know their world and limitations.
2. Overall Content: 5/5
Shut. The. Front. Door.
I'm not sure how to begin this discourse over the content making up Julia Ash's first book in the ELI Chronicles. If you've already read my slight overview on her writing style, you might already be clued in on the fact that I've found her multiple points of view, red herrings, climaxes, and complete methodology of character and plot to be extraordinary.
There's so much to unpack in this story's overall content, I don't even know where to begin. The covert missions within covert missions, the traitors popping out of the woodwork, the manipulated plans from several fronts, and the endless strength of the main character, Ruby, are only a few reasons why this book is on point. So, as always, be prepared for *SPOILERS* within my breakdown.
In case the above didn't sink in, stop reading now before I ruin the book for you!
First, we're introduced to a meeting happening within the White House with the new POTUS Ava Marie Newton. It's 2032, and a lot of craziness has gone down in the last several years. She and the Special Warfare Council, which Ruby and her husband are a part of, are discussing the evolution of a WWIV. A microbiologist, Ruby is there to help figure out how to end another world virus that China's President Huo Zhu Zheng had started during WWIII. His bioweapon, F8, had mutated creating a pathogen called Zoonosis Mutated Bacteria or ZOM-B. If you assume this means we're talking about zombies now, you'd be right.
However, Ruby is ready to allow her husband, Clay, to continue his work on the committee in order for her to bow out and become a stay-at-home-mom. Her one prime objective is to keep her baby, Gabby, safe. This doesn't seem to be in the cards for Ruby. After all, her blood saved humanity from the first round of infection, coined F8, before it mutated into the ZOM-B virus. Although immune to the first strand of bacteria, she's as susceptible to the mutated virus as anyone else. The thing is, Ruby doesn't realize yet what this might mean for her future.
Ruby and Clay are assigned a seems-safe-enough-but-the-reader-isn't-fooled mission to go to Taipei. There is an area where the outbreak of ZOM-B first occurred, and they're going to investigate what might have happened and if any evidence was left behind. Now, Taipei is supposed to be a relatively safe place since the capture of China's President Huo. While there, taking in Shiffen - the area where the virus started, they come face to face with a zombie. They're able to kill it and collect data afterward, but it does portray a hint of what's to come.
Hence, the first bout of foreshadowing we encounter, which clearly lets everyone know this is going to be the start of the downfall. In one chapter, we're introduced to the antagonist
Lieutenant Colonel Quinton "Ox" Oxford. A marine, Ox has plans of his own, and they clue us in on Ruby being a part of those plans. Plus, Ruby keeps getting negative feelings about being in Shiffen and then in Taipei. Her bad juju is a warning to all readers that something big is about to happen.
And when it does, we aren't surprised. We all saw it coming - knowing something was going to go bad at the government facility in Taipei. While this might irritate some readers, and did lessen the anticipation for me a bit, it was a cunning red-herring in another sense. Why? Because Ruby and her husband don't see the real danger. Although we, the readers, are clued into the idea of more going on in the plot than just Ox being a major pain, and his teaming up with the Russian President throws us for an expected loop, no one could have guessed how big the outliers around this subplot were going to be.
Excuse me while I wrap my head around all of this.
Second, something bad happens at the Taipei government facility. You saw that coming, didn't you? Ruby felt since leaving the US that something wasn't quite right. The reader is especially clued in when she and her husband arrive at the government facility where ex-President Huo is being held in a zombie state. Clay will have the honor of killing the zombie, once they've seen a few displays of what the scientists have figured out in terms of fighting skills, intelligence, and life expectancy for zombies everywhere.
Things don't go as planned when Ruby and Clay are separated for the next event. Viewing time over, Clay ends up in "The Pit" in order to have a clear shot t killing Huo. Seven armed men are with him. Yet, it doesn't stop what happens next.
If you guessed that the generator goes out, electricity is off around the base, and the two zombies on the premise escape and/or bite a bunch of people and create new zombies then...
DING DING DING - WE HAVE A WINNER!
Because that's exactly what happened. I won't lie. I wish it would have veered in another direction, just for the sake of the foreshadowing to become a red-herring. Does that make sense? Like, this is so totally going to happen. But it didn't. Yet, again, it didn't diminish my overall reading satisfaction (I'm sure my books have utilized this trick a time or two). In fact, I felt a little smug being like, "Julia Ash, I saw that coming a mile away. I'm so clever."
Well, I hope you're ready for disappointment, reader, because that author got me back in the end. It was a doozy, too. I'm still straight-up trippin'.
Third, Ruby and Clay are kidnapped. I know, we all saw that one coming. Ox already clued us in on the genius of his plan. By the way, Ox is my most hated villain. I have sat here trying to think of who else I hate as much as this book character, and I don't think there are any literary figures that come to mind. I might think of a name later, but for now, this dude is the worst. The. Worst.
Of course, Ruby is injured, Clay is tortured - which I didn't quite see the extent coming, and the whole terrible plan of Ox and President Vladimir is presented to Ruby in all of its glory. Again, I dislike Ox to the ultimate, but I also think part of my disgust comes from his typical, male-chauvinistic, 2D personality. He feels a little stereotypical, and even so, I still despise him.
Basically, they want her blood to create a super army of zombies. Although she argues that her blood doesn't work against this virus, and she isn't going to participate in anything they have in mind, they still insist she let them use her blood, or bad things will happen. This is the beginning of a mantra Ox holds over Ruby any time they have a conversation. His narrative revolves around her being "too soft" and having "weaknesses" because she'll do almost anything to keep her husband and child safe. He's annoying, and the constant reminders become annoying.
Next, she accepts when they first threaten everyone, but when she's expected to video call her friend and fellow microbiologist, Em, Ruby shouts a warning for him to protect Gabby. This leads to her knock-out concussion from Ox. The man is brutal and cold.
During the rest of their stay, Ruby wakes up alone and devises a plan while concussed. She's a powerful character who doesn't allow herself to become overwhelmed within the moment; she relies on her wit and opportunities to enable herself to get out of sticky situations. It's why I like her. I can relate to her need to save her family, her desire to not create a conscious collection of zombies, and her inclination to just go home. She's rather likable, and although I had a moment or two of irritation with her, it was nice to find Ruby a 3D character.
From here, I'm going to be a little more concise in my giveaways and commentary. As I said, this book has so many parts, but believe me when I say: It is worth the read!
Ruby and her husband escape once only to be captured two more times. It starts to feel as if we're never going to be rid of Ox. President Vladimir escaped to his own little island paradise, but he wasn't completely out of the mix. He'd stolen some of Ruby's blood before he left. Eventually, they're saved by Seaman "Eyes" Frank Davis, but that save is overthrown by Ox the third time. Then, he leaves her and her husband, out of the blue, and they're saved and taken home.
The meeting with the POTUS and microbiologist, Em, is both relieving and uneasy. During their back and forth mischief with Ox and Vladimir, the couple learn that their friends at home haven't been as honest as they should have been. In fact, we learn that both have been using Ruby's leftover blood from the F8 scare to experiment. They're trying to find their own cure and/or zombie remix.
Ruby and Clay confront them, and it seems as if by the end of the meeting things have been resolved. Trust is still an issue, but the POTUS and Em agree to shut down the experiment and turn to another option. This option appears to revolve around blowing the zombies up with special targeted guns. At the end, everyone walks away with the feeling of some friendship left.
Unfortunately, this mess isn't at an end for Ruby and Clay. They've gone through a lot, and when they're reunited with their daughter and friends, they stay the night at their friend's house with armed forces serving as protection to ensure Ox doesn't turn up.
He does. In a manner of speaking. Gabby is kidnapped, and again, you have the foreshadowing and uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach that comes with there being too many pages left in the book for it to officially be over. When morning comes, the pages pass, and you realize Gabby has gone missing, it's almost as if you expect it.
Ox has returned, and he has Gabby. His answer to the problem at hand is that Ruby come to the yacht where he's docked, alone, in exchange for Gabby's life. Of course, Ruby does as he asks, but with one exception, she does bring Clay with her. She tells him she has a plan, when he tries to protest going with her.
At this point, I admit, I'm confused by what Ruby's plan is going to be, and I didn't realize she was going to sacrifice herself and have Gabby leave with Clay. When they're gone, and Ruby is brought on board the vessel, Ox tells her he's changed his mind. He isn't just going to drain her dry. Nope, he's going to inject her with something else. Long story short, she gets out of this situation, and Ox ends up dead.
Can I pause to say, Finally! Ox getting what he deserved is the best part!
Fast forward, Ruby's at home, she brought the needle to have Em test it, and he's on his way to pick it up. Everyone wants to know what Ox was planning and what was in that syringe. It isn't long, and a short nap later, that Clay brings Em to their bedroom, where Ruby has just awoken. The two chitchat for a minute, and then it happens.
This is the biggest *SPOILER* of all. So, if you don't want to know the end, stop reading now!
Em takes out another syringe, and before Ruby can scream, he's holding her down and injecting her with SUX or succinylcholine, which is a neuromuscular paralytic drug. Yes, I did look this drug up, and yes, it is real. Em does his own super-villain talk about why he's doing what he's doing and that it's for the betterment of all mankind. He, also, makes it clear how selfish and self-absorbed he thinks Ruby is for not wanting to allow them to experiment with her blood. However, now, it's being taken out of her hands, since she has become the physical experiment.
Even worse, Em and the POTUS were the reason Ox left her and Clay on the overtaken sub during the third capture. They colluded with him in order to get what they all wanted, and they helped set-up the final capture when she ended up helping to kill Ox. At this point, he also injects her with the syringe Ruby had brought back from her final confrontation with Ox. In it is his years-long experiment.
He lets her know that whether she lives or dies, at least, they'll have an answer to the viability of his concoction. He closes her eyes, lets her know no one can help her now, and walks away without a backward glance.
Whew.
I didn't see this coming. I don't know why I didn't see this all coming, but I didn't. I knew the POTUS and Em were "up to no good," but I also thought they weren't the real bad guys. When the meeting happened between all of them, I knew there was more to that story, but I didn't see it turning out to be her so-called best friend back-stabbing her in an almost literal and figurative way. I mean, he does stab her with two syringes.
My shock value catapulted through the roof. I could not put this book down until I read to the end. Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know if my heart rate has returned to normal yet. This was a devastating betrayal; I could feel it. On top of that, you have people playing God, and it does not ever turn out well.
So, I hold on and read and read and read.
Ruby is trapped inside her own body. I tried to imagine what that was like. Clay thought she was asleep because that's what Em had told him had happened, when the traitor left. In the middle of the night, Clay wakes up to find Ruby sweating profusely, body hot to the touch, and not moving. He and their trusted friends, the Gonzalas's, do everything they can, but it isn't enough. Ruby dies.
Oh, but it isn't over.
Ruby comes back to life. She isn't a human any longer, but she isn't a zombie. Nope. Get this, she's a vampire. Whhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaattttttt?
Yep, Jula Ash plays with our emotions and our grip on reality in this dark fantasy to bring us yet another twist. The experiment was to create a super-being who could move between the two worlds, destroy the zombies, and preserve humanity. Or something to that effect.
If you think the story ends here, think again. She comes to terms with her new reality, but she isn't giving in as easy as the POTUS and Em think. They've made arrangements for her to get the blood she needs to survive, if she agrees to their plans for world domination. That's what it amounts to, anyway.
She agrees. Or does she?
I'll let you read to find out what happens at the very end. Needless to say, I think you'll find it as satisfying as I did. It does end on a more positive note (as positive as you can get being a manufactured vampire), and I will add, the POTUS and Em get what they deserve. To find out how and what Ruby does next, you'll have to read and find out!
Believe me when I say, I'm already ordering Book Two: The Tether. It sounds amazing, and I hope it's as EPIC as The One and Only has been. I will say if you're not a fan or zombies, distopian eras, or vampires, this book might change your mind.
3. Hooks/Attention-kept: 4/5
I think what impressed me the most about this book was its fast-paced plot. Something was always happening, leading to another event, another kidnapping, another escape, another villain, another betrayal, another unforeseen plot distortion. It was nice to see the answers weren't always clear.
That's what kept my attention the most. The constant changes and different points of view helped me stay involved. I wanted to know if Ruby and Clay would make it. I worried only one or the other would make it. I mean, come on, a lot of authors destroy all of our hope and our main characters. Right? It's been done. However, I'm eternally grateful Julia Ash didn't take that route. Well, not completely anyway.
One area that caused me to pull out of the book, ever so often, comes back to the foreshadowing which was accomplished in a very telling sort of way. I know sometimes authors have to fall back on this tool to move the story along, incite anticipation, or keep the reader involved, but there were times it fell a little flat for me, but it did get used against me in the end, and I give the author total props for that. It didn't disrupt the overall love I had developed for this book, but as far as attention being kept, this was one area where I struggled a little.
Another area comes in terms of some of the scenes and scenarios that played out. Of course, being horror, you can't get away from the zombies and their graphic ways.
4. Overall enjoyment of the story based on the genre: 5/5
The chaos and the climax are worth the time sunk into reading this book. I was skeptical, I won't dodge that bullet, but thinking on the genre as a whole, if any other authors are as good as this one, I want to try their work. I'd give this genre another go. Like I said previously, I'm all ready to download and/or buy the second book of this series. I recommend this book without hesitation. It is fabulous!
5. Overall enjoyment of the story based on the content: 4/5
Since it was a lot different than I anticipated, I tried to find the parts I liked, related to, and felt matched my expectations. This book was well-researched. At times, I felt a little overwhelmed by the knowledge packed into the narrative and exposition bursts. The medical world and armed forces held a lot of precise groundwork, which helped me feel at home. As weird as it might sound, anything that holds an authentic account, description, or history building aspect to their book's foundation, I appreciate and respect it.
Her detail and organization does pay off. Even if it feels like a lot of information at once, you'll appreciate the recitals later, when everything comes together. Plus, I love and respect an author who does their research and uses it to make the world feel legit. I love Ash's attention to her characters. Ruby ends up having a lot of attributes and ingredients to her character, such as: loyalty, persistence, a moral standard, and willingness to help others, sacrifice, and forgiveness. There are several parts of the story, where I started to wonder what I'd do in her situation, and just like that, I was thinking about her book on my way to work or before I went to bed. When a book can get at me like that, make me think about it beyond flipping the pages, that's when I really know I've found a satisfying book.
I do have to say, this is a spectacular book with a lot of dramatic plot twists, intelligently infused data and fact, and wonderful action and adventure. I appreciated its lure into intimidation tactics and villains who weren't always what is expected. However, there are a few things that cooled my overall enjoyment by a few degrees. Some of those scenes or reasons include: the villain Ox, some graphic horror scenes as indicated, intimate scene, and zombies overall are still not my favorite plot device. Yet, despite a few things that bothered me, I still found myself thinking about these characters as I was about to fall asleep, adding to their stories and trying to figure out what was going to happen. I have to say that's what helps make a book for me, and so, I only docked a point for those few parts that I disliked as a reader, but I can't say they were anything that made me put the book down.
6. Overall Story Rating: 5/5
We come to the conclusion of this detailed account of my likes and dislikes of the dark fantasy horror genre. I have to say, all in all, it was a successful story. The plot and characters had enough pizzazz and lack of sparkle (haha) that kept me engaged throughout. I loved the twists and turns, and I felt the end had a satisfying conclusion. Another nice part about this story is it could end quite nicely with this book, and readers would appreciate the closure received. However, I'm thrilled there will be a second book to iron out the questions lingering in the air. Thanks to Julia Ash for a satisfying 5/5 thriller.
Check out Book Two: The Tether!
Check out Julia Ash on these sites:
Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!
~Rebecca Reddell
Amazing review, Rebecca! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review The One and Only! YAY! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :) !!!
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