Step into the haunting world of The Scattered and The Dead, where a zombie apocalypse isn’t just about surviving the undead—it’s about clinging to humanity in a shattered society! Written by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus, this horror series redefines the genre with its non-linear storytelling, richly drawn characters, and a gritty exploration of hope, loss, and morality. If you’re craving a post-apocalyptic tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling, this series is your next obsession.
Unlike typical zombie fare, The Scattered and The Dead weaves a tapestry of personal stories across different timelines, pulling you into the lives of survivors navigating a world where 99.7% of humanity is gone. From heart-pounding survival to poignant reflections, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you hooked.
How The Scattered and The Dead Began
The brainchild of Michigan-based authors Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus, The Scattered and The Dead emerged in 2016, a time when zombie stories were saturating the market. Undeterred, the duo set out to craft something fresh, blending horror with deep human drama. Inspired by their love for character-driven narratives and apocalyptic settings, they created a series that prioritizes people over gore. Living together in New Mexico, McBain and Vargus defied the odds of collaborative writing, producing a saga that’s both epic and intimate.
Their vision was to tell a sprawling story through fragmented perspectives, using letters, journals, and memoirs to capture the raw emotions of survivors. This unique approach, combined with their knack for vivid imagery, quickly earned them a dedicated fanbase eager for a zombie tale that dared to be different.
The Heart of The Scattered and The Dead
The series kicks off with Book 0.5, a novella following Decker, a lonely introvert whose attempt to connect with a neighbor is thwarted by the apocalypse. His journal entries set the tone: bleak, introspective, and hauntingly real. Book 1 expands the cast, introducing Mitch, a father racing against his own infection to prepare his sons; Erin, a teenager caring for an orphaned child; and Baghead, a mysterious figure hiding his face nine years after the collapse. Book 1.5 dives deeper into isolation’s toll, while Book 2 explores survivors’ attempts to rebuild amidst chaos.
Themes of resilience, morality, and family thread through the series, set against a desolate world where power grids are dead and society has fractured. The non-linear timeline—jumping from days before the outbreak to years after—creates a puzzle-like narrative that rewards attentive readers. McBain and Vargus excel at blending horror with humanity, showing how solitude and desperation can twist the mind, yet hope persists in small acts of kindness. The zombies, while terrifying, serve as a backdrop to the real story: the survivors’ inner battles and bonds.
The series’ style is stark yet poetic, with vivid descriptions that paint a decaying world. Fans compare it to Stephen King’s The Stand for its character depth and epic scope, but its diary-like format and focus on psychological horror make it uniquely immersive.
Why The Scattered and The Dead Resonates
The Scattered and The Dead has carved a niche in the zombie genre by prioritizing storytelling over shock value. Its diverse characters—from flawed parents to resilient teens—mirror the complexities of real people, making their struggles relatable. Readers praise its ability to balance dark themes with moments of warmth, creating a world that feels both hopeless and human. The series’ cult following, evident in glowing Amazon and Goodreads reviews, highlights its emotional impact and addictive pacing.
By tackling universal questions—What makes us human? How far would you go to survive?—McBain and Vargus have crafted a saga that transcends its genre. Its legacy lies in proving that even in a crowded field, a fresh perspective can captivate and endure.
- Publication Years: 2016–2020
- Number of Books: 7 (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 2.6, 3)
- Genre: Horror, Post-Apocalyptic
Ready to brave the apocalypse? Grab The Scattered and The Dead: Book 0.5 and dive into a gripping horror saga that’ll keep you up all night!