O Negative

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Barry Merch wasn’t planning to survive an apocalypse with a group of strangers stranded in rural Oklahoma. He wasn’t planning for an apocalypse, at all!Can this overweight, generally anxious, salesman with a bad back rely on a cowardly racecar driver, a mysterious drifter, and a deaf teenager to help him survive this horrific version of their previous life?

Before they can overcome the shock of a decimated Earth, a new terror will present itself and they will begin to wonder if the lucky ones were the ones that didn’t make it.Surviving this apocalypse isn’t about water, food, and shelter. The real danger is hungry, and it's on the hunt.

What to expect...

A grimdark horror story with realistic characters struggling to survive an apocalyptic landscape while facing individual physical, mental, and emotional limitations. This long, unraveling, tale will shift from the mundane struggles of an apocalypse into an ever-intensifying horror story with growing elements of fantasy.

An action-thriller with tons of horror and suspense. There are plenty of fights, chases, guns, and explosions splattered with blood, guts, and WTF!

Terrifying and twisted antagonists that are formidable and relentless.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: bcmetcalf

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 62
Views: 15,040

Chapters(40 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

WonderWizardRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story is an absolute thrill ride—packed with tension, horror, and pure, unfiltered backwoods badassery. What starts as an eerie, apocalyptic mystery quickly escalates into a full-throttle survival nightmare. The world isn’t just ending—it’s being hunted, and the things responsible make Leatherface look like a boy scout.
The storytelling pulls you in from the start, layering quiet dread with pulse-pounding action. At first, the survivors are confused and desperate, but as the truth unravels, the fight for survival becomes even more brutal. Flesh-hungry nightmares and human monsters clash in a horrifying, high-stakes battle, keeping the tension dialed up to eleven.
The characters stand out because they feel real. Barry isn’t some action hero—he’s a regular guy forced to become something more. Cassandra is sharp, mysterious, and dangerous, while Jamal’s presence adds an ancient, powerful depth without making him an all-knowing savior. And the villains? Absolutely chilling. There’s something deeply unsettling about the mix of sadistic human evil and monstrous, bloodthirsty predators.
But what really sets this story apart is the sheer potential it holds. The survivors are done running, and the idea of good old-fashioned redneck ingenuity going up against an overwhelming supernatural force? That’s the kind of chaos I want to see. DIY explosives, truck-mounted flamethrowers, and farm equipment turned into war machines? Hell yes. If they’re going to fight back, they’ll need every ounce of grit, stubbornness, and reckless brilliance they can muster.
The stakes are at a boiling point, and whatever comes next is bound to be explosive, unpredictable, and absolutely wild. If this story doesn’t end with rednecks on combines mowing down monstrosities to the tune of Ain’t No Love for Oklahoma, I don’t know what we’re even doing here.
acexeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Where to start? This story grabbed my interest from the summary. I personally don't usually read grimdark, however this one caught my interest and I thought to give it a try. I'm glad I did.
I enjoyed the different perspectives that are happening throughout. I found it interesting seeing how different people reacted to the situation. I don't want to give any spoilers away but it seems like the different pov's have been done well
I have read up to the current release and I have found it a captivating read. I figured I would take a day or two to finish reading it, but nope one go and done. It really kept me entertained throughout what I read.
My overall opinion on the story is that I am mad I started it so soon as I have to wait for the next chapter to come out instead of just binge reading it all at once. The only good thing about having read it so soon is that I learned about the author so early. Now I will be able to see if they come out with something else.
I hope the author continues with the story and I can't wait to see what happens next. Hopefully we don't have to wait for the next release, as I think I just found my new night read. Thank you for what you have posted so far and I can't wait for what's next. Keep up the great work
Danni DearestRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As a huge fan of post-apocalyptic style and horror in general, I consider myself relatively picky when it comes to these kinds of stories. With that being said, this story hooked me early on and has kept me interested along the way. I'm invested already and definitely look forward to seeing where it goes!
Style: 5/5
I'm already a huge fan of this style, but this writer tells the story in a way that gives you details necessary to move forward, without bogging it down with too many side quests or too much backstory too soon. It almost feels like you're immersed into the story with the characters, getting just enough to keep you going onto the next chapter, much like the characters (so far) are moving from one moment to the next as they try to figure out what's going on. Side note: the writing style is very nostalgic to me, and reminds me of horror writers from the 80's-90's. It just adds a more enjoyable layer for me personally.
Story: 5/5
Like I said - the story speaks for itself. Read a couple of chapters and you will see that it grabs ahold of you fairly quickly and you want to find out what's going on. The characters, events, plot development at the perfect pace, and overrall storyline are gripping, well thought out, and considerate of the reader....basically everything I look for in a good story.
Character: 5/5
I have zero complaints about the characters so far. It's pretty early on and I definitely look forward to seeing their development - but this writer has done a great job of introducing them and fostering that emotional connection you want between a story and its readers.
Grammer: 4.5/5
a few extra commas. a little too much expansion on the chapter where Barry discusses his back pain...you get lost a little..but nothing that was awful to get through. Very, very minor gripes.
Overrall: 5/5!
Like I said - this story grabs a hold of you and you don't want it to let go. I'm really looking forward to the next chapters!!! Great story so far!
Fisher00001Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The overall score in my opinion is that this novel is amazing. I liked the story and I liked the character. The Setting was engaging; the mystery had me hooked from the start; I enjoyed the psychological horror element to it. It will keep you on in the edge of your seat as you don't know what will happen next.
Style: I like the style. A few minor factual errors but nothing a few minutes on Google or chatGPT can't fix. It isn't enough to take away from the main plot but it is enough to trigger the "Well actually..." crowd.
Story: The story was immersive. I wonder what triggered the apocalypse. What the bombs were. What was inside of those bombs? I want more.
Grammer: No real errors. Didn't notice anything that stood out.
Character: The one that stuck out to me the most was Jonney. The deaf kid. I wonder how he will survive in a post-apologetic world. Other than that the other characters were well done.
My closing thoughts about this novel are that if you like psychological horror with an end-of-the-world storyline you will like this novel. It is fresh and original and tells a unique story.
Lucian T. EinarRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story delivers a brutal and gripping vision of a post-apocalyptic world, immersing the reader in a nightmarish reality where survival is not just about resources but also about facing unknown horrors. The setting is deeply atmospheric, painting a bleak yet vividly realized world that keeps the tension high. The opening immediately hooks you up with an unsettling sense of impending doom, setting the stage for an intense and terrifying journey.
Style: The prose is raw, intense, and unrelenting, perfectly fitting the grimdark tone of the story. Descriptions are visceral and immersive, making the world feel eerily real. The pacing is well-handled, with bursts of action interwoven with moments of introspection that enhance the character depth.
Story: The narrative wastes no time in establishing stakes, throwing characters into chaos with an immediate and compelling mystery. The apocalyptic setting is not just a backdrop but an active force shaping events, and the slow unraveling of what’s truly happening builds a sense of dread. The mix of survival elements, psychological tension, and hints of the supernatural makes for a gripping read. Some exposition-heavy moments could be streamlined to maintain momentum.
Grammar: The grammar is solid overall, with only minor issues such as comma splices and run-on sentences. Some dialogue could be formatted more cleanly to ensure clarity, particularly when mixed with action beats. Additionally, a few instances of repeated phrasing could be refined to avoid redundancy. Despite these minor areas for improvement, the writing remains strong and effective in delivering its intended impact.
Character: The cast is diverse and well-defined, with each character bringing a unique perspective to the survival experience. Barry stands out as a refreshingly unorthodox protagonist, an ordinary man forced into extraordinary circumstances. His vulnerabilities and physical struggles make him relatable, grounding the horror in a realistic human exp
HydeDaggerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story:
Grim-dark is a genre I've been reading a long time, and as any lover of such stories will tell you, it has one great problem: grim-derp. The problem is complex and multi-faceted, but my opinion is that the nub of the issue comes with the focus on style- and genre- conventions rather than plot.
In this case, author knows his conventions and knows that the way to keep the stakes high is to let the plot do the talking. Scenes never fall into absurd territory (the perennial 'grim-derp' gripe), and are kept fresh by the constant undercurrent of mystery and intrigue.
Where the hell does the yellow haze come from? Who are the 'keepers'?
Our cast of characters are essentially thrust into the middle of bum-fuck nowhere in the middle of an apocalypse-style scenario. And there are human things mixed into the framework which are not altogether human (you will know when you read it)--what are Rhahka'Ven? Penth'Thoora? Drol'ka?
The eldritch things sure look like humans and talk like humans, but as of this review much still remains a mystery. Definitely worth checking out just to see where this goes, and I would recommend reading this until at least chapter 13-14.
Characters:
Jaxon has some creeper vibes but he's a badass. Doyle is the more timid-minded foil to Barry's tough-guy no-nonsense big-man bravery. Joel is surprisingly methodical. Cassandra is a (five-foot?) superhuman fighter. Most characters have depth beyond the normal run-of-the-mill webnovel, and what can I say, but that the author has conceived of persons real enough to genuinely make me interested in their fates.
There is real skill in how quickly the author is able to characterize some of the sidechars. Dillon, for example, is shown to be such a shit in the span of several short passages. I honestly don't like his character--in fact I hate it--and that's a compliment. He comes off as a goddamn schizo, but maybe that's the point?
In short, ensemble casts are difficult to do correctly, and this is one authors
SuperscribeFromTheQuasiFutureRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Although I love apocalyptic style stories, I approach them with caution. That's because as fun as it is to live in an impossible-to-live-in reality even if for a while, it also gets boring pretty quick what with the constant dread, running for life and dying, only to wipe the slate clean and start again fresh. I stopped reading apocalypse altogether after feeling bloated reading World War Z. But this book kept catching my attention every now and then, its wonderful coverart and all the reds in it almost too appetizing to ignore. So I thought I must give it a try, even if it's a risk to read another apocalypse novel and possibly feel bloated with all the horrors afterward. I must say, I don't regret. Not even a bit.
I've only read twelve chapters so far, but I can see it's... different from what I'm used to reading but in a good way. The writing style is atmospheric, even nostalgic at times. The grammar is good overall. I don't have much to say about the story yet. Will probably come back and edit the review after reading more and once I get a grasp on what's actually going on. But right now the characters—oh my god,the characters—they all feel so real. Be it Barry's physical ailments or Joel's disabilities. Alright the characters are diverse. But how can one person write them so realistically. It's like the author has lived multiple lives just to feel what the characters themselves would have felt like and then wrote from that experience. Okay, I'm not exaggerating. Read it and you'll know.
And the world in which this story is set in? Feels lived in. Even the inanimate objects in this world evoke a sense of constant dread. Seriously? Give it a try.
nux199Royal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
The author does a fantastic job of setting the scene and crafting an immersive atmosphere that pulls the reader into the world. From the first page, there's a palpable sense of tension that lingers throughout the story, making each chapter feel like it's brimming with impending danger. The world has undeniably changed, and there's an undercurrent of dread that builds steadily as the story progresses, keeping readers on edge. The characters, particularly the initial quartet—Barry, Jaxon, Doyle, and Joel—are incredibly well-written. Each one feels distinct, with their own personalities, motivations, and quirks, making their interactions with each other feel genuine. The way they play off one another adds a layer of depth to the story, as their relationships evolve and shift in response to the ever-growing threats around them.
What stands out is how the author introduces glimpses of superhuman abilities through mysterious characters. These abilities are not overblown or outlandish, but rather grounded in a way that makes them believable within the context of the world. The slow reveal of these powers only adds to the mystery, keeping readers hooked as they wonder who these characters are and how they fit into the larger narrative.
The writing style is also engaging, although it could benefit from a bit more paragraph breaks and variation in sentence structure at times. However, the author is clearly finding their rhythm, and the pacing feels like it’s tightening up as the story progresses. Overall, I’m really excited to see where this story goes and how the characters' journeys unfold.
ICEdingerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
I really enjoyed what I read so far (Chapter 7 as of writing this). The characters are all pretty fun and different from each other. The graphic nature of whatever catastrophe has plagued this world is wonderfully gruesome. There is also teasing at a greater mystery/conflict that will be explored as the series developes that is intriguing. There are a few places where there are unnecessary commas or missing quotation marks, but that is all relatively minor. Great read so far, especially for those who like horror.
Style: 4.5/5
Builds suspense and the keeps you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know what will happen next. The fight scene at the end of chapter 7 felt a little repitive, but overall the style lends itself well to a horror story.
Story: 5/5
The story is an interesting take on a doomsday scenario. There is this hinting that there is some larger motivation between whatever inciting event has left the area in ruins that is really cool. I also like the slow grouping of these various characters that is very Walking Dead-esque.
Character: 5/5
The characters are well written. I feel like each of them has a unique personality and has something special that sets them apart as well as their own dynamics within the group. So far, Barry is my favorite, but the badass Jaxon is a close second.
Grammar: 4/5
There are a number of extra commas that can make it a little confusing to read. There are also a few places where I noticed missing quotation marks, but the mistakes are all relatively minor and do not take away from the characters' interactions with each other and the plot.
Overall: 5/5
I am definitely interested in how this story develops. I enjoy reading horror and the style so far definitely scratches that itch.
SolairRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Overall - 4.5/5: As mainly a follower of fantasy and a previous lover of dystopian, the post apocalyptic genre isn't something I've delved into much. Reminding me of the ya dystopia I've read such as maze runner, it really scratches an itch which i haven't felt the need for in a while.
When i read a novel which I've been recommended, i often avoid reading the synopsis as long as i know the genre and boy am i happy I did. On RR especially people tend to spoil early developments and this was one time I think the reveals were better left unsaid - having now seen the synopsis that is.
Style - 4.5/5: I love the style, giving just the right amount of information for you to understand what is going on, but at the same time we only know as much as the characters. We follow the characters very closely but the switching between POV's is something which I'm not a fan of to this extent as i get easily confused, hence the 4.5 (Since it is a personal preference).
Story - 4.5/5: As i said earlier, the synopsis spoils a few big things which happen in the opening chapters, making me glad i didn't read it. Assuming what happens at the end of chap.11 is the 'Real apex predator', and the mustard gas all hit so hard in the moment with how it affects the characters. But along with this come the questions, who did it, why, what are the 'Predators'. I feel anxious wondering what's gonna happen and i keep wanting more after every chapter.
Characters - 5/5: I have 0 complaints here. Each character feels well established and ver much 'their own' especially compared to some stories where every character just feels 1 dimensional and the same. Love Doyle. I pray for him.
Grammar - 4.5/5: Very few spelling mistakes (Maximum one a chapter (average)) and even fewer in basic grammar. Very easily ignored.