The Wind Through the Fence

Dead of Night #1.5

by Jonathan Maberry

On one side, the living toil under the relentless Florida sun to build hundreds of miles of fence. On the other side, millions of the living dead hunger for the flesh of the living. Between them is a line of chain link fencing through which blows a hot wind like the breath of hell. A wind that carries the stink of death and the endless moans of the dead.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Short Stories, Audiobook

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2011

About the author

JONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com

Reviews

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to Maberry and dark tales I always am satisfied with his stories. This one is short and you can't find any faults in it, no word wasted and keeps you thinking afterwards. Fences, Walls people build them to divide and protect you have The Wall of China, London wall, Berlin wall and wall in Israel to name a few and now you have a fence in this story to protect from the death.

"Why? Are they in pain?
Is it some kind of weird-ass hunting cry?
Are they trying to communicate in the only way they know how?"

"The dead moaned.
The wind from Hell breathed out through the mouths of the hungry dead."

http://more2read.com/?review=the-wind-through-the-fence-by-jonathan-maberry

[Cudeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia corta ambientada en un mundo invadido por los zombies, pero en la que los zombies no tienen ningún protagonismo, ni siquiera aparecen más que en sonido. Es el ambiente agobiante, aterrador, enloquecedor de una vida sin esperanza ni futuro y en cómo afecta al ser humano.

[Alondra Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Too short; but oh, so dark.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WIND THROUGH THE FENCE by Jonathan Maberry is a zombie short story true to the genre with all the formulaic trappings yet it diversifies itself by virtue of the clever writing and use of sounds over gore and violence.

A fence separates the living from the dead with those manning it responsible for helping mankind reclaim the land a meter at a time. However, with the dead pushing back and seeking entrance to the encampment, the struggle is not easily won.

There is a heightened sense of horror and anticipation for violence that keeps the reader engaged and looking over their shoulder, shuddering at silently caught words riding the wind, breathing the decayed drenched air and feeling the dread that those working on the fence feel. It's a really unique story that only gets better throughout.

The ending is a beauty too - one that's just for the tale that leaves a long lasting impression. THE WIND THROUGH THE FENCE IS a must for zombie fans and those who like to scare themselves silly.

Review first appeared on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a short story and it costs 99 cents so don't complain but if you're looking for a true 'zombie' tale complete with flesh eating gore and hard core, fast paced survival... this isn't for you. It's a well written story about society trying to hang on and maintain some semblance of order and just what that really means for those left. But, if you want the typical infection spreading chaos of a zombie story, this isn't it.

[James Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I think? I thought it was absolutely spectacular.

Seriously mang, if you are looking for the best zombie short story out there then you NEED to read this.

The main character is a complete person, the world is interesting, and it keeps you flicking through the pages.

Jonathan Maberry knocks another one out of the park!

[Shawn Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

It will be a hard life for those working the line if this day ever comes.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm totally in the tank for Jonathan Maberry and his zombiverse. This installment is just another piece of the already awesome pastiche. We meet characters we do not know, in a place we have not visited previously, yet we know exactly what is going on and why.

The smells, and most importantly the sounds, are what make this one a good one.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story in the Dead of Night series. Quick and entertaining.

[Allen Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish it were longer.

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2* Should not be read before bedtime. Well narrated by Tom Weiss.

[William M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Maberry has quickly become one of the most exciting new authors to watch in the action/thriller/horror genre. All of his praise is well deserved and The Wind Through The Fence is another feather in his cap. The setting for the story is quite fascinating and unique; after the zombie apocalypse is contained when humanity is slowly managing their new world. Great characters, real dialogue, and a constant atmosphere of dread and danger, this story might be a short read, but one well worth reading. I hope Maberry returns to writing zombie stories again because you are always guaranteed to have a satisfying experience.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

God can Jonathan Maberry do no wrong???

this is a short zombie, oh excuse me, zom story / novella.

Short and to the point, the lead does have a come to Jesus moment and decides to thrive instead of just existing, which happens in the last paragraph. This was an adult fiction with horror undertones with out really being horrific.

Maberry is becoming my favorite author....Aaaahhh so unexpected he just came out of nowhere and stole all my book reading time.....See ya chick lit it was fun, adios YA its been real

A+

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING: 3.5 STARS

In my opinion the events in this story take place after the zombie apocalypse, but before society has fallen and humans have been overrun or gave up hope. We get to see how the 'low men on the totem pole' cope with little to no food/ resources and the monotony of day to day life.

As its their duty to build the fences that keep us separated from the undead they never seems to be an opportunity for solace as the hum of the zombie moans is a constant.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything, ever, that Jonathan Maberry writes. I can't get enough of his writing. I know, this isn't really a review of the book, but what can I say? If it's written by Jonathan Maberry then that says it all!

[Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

very sad and depressing post apocalyptic zombie short, but it works. maberry rocks as a story teller

[Hope York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty creepy! Jonathan Maberry is one of my favorite zombie authors.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the best short stories on zombies ever. It focused on the dark side of reconstruction after the apocalypse. It was very real and very striking.

[Paul Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely brilliant short story about the darker side of the rebuilding after the zombie apocalypse. Brilliant characters and settings, need to read more Maberry!!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim and fantastic look at life after it all goes to shit. No punches pulled here.

[Wit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story connected to his larger zombie stories. It wasn't a direct connection, but the connections were there.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

for audible file see Hungry Tales