Nothing but the Dead and Dying

By Ryan W. Bradley

I decided to review a title that came out towards the end of 2015 called, Nothing but the Dead and Dying by Ryan W. Bradley. Mainly due to the impressive nature from all the short stories that are packed within a short listen/read. All of the stories contained in NBTDAD take place in Alaska, which some would call the last great frontier of North America.

Bradley does not take it easy on his audience. Instead, he quickly sucker punches you with the realities of blue-collar life in the Alaskan frontier. Each short story is unique on its own with the only constant being the backdrop of Alaska. Every single story is definitely not for the faint of heart for the casual reader or for those who follow/believe in the romanticism of isolated life and harshness. Bradley keeps his stories on the knife’s edge of fiction and non-fiction. Easily having you think, “Is this a real story or just good fiction?” The frustrating blessing is that you never will know.

There are two narrators for the audiobook version, Elijah Alexander and Tamara Marston. Both do an excellent job at keeping the stories exciting and dark at the same time. Both narrators do a great job at approaching each story with its own independence and uniqueness.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a collection of short stories that break the mundane mold of typical stories that are produced now… get this book and get it now! Ryan W. Bradley, like his works before, sucker punches you, takes your dignity, and then has you thank him for doing so. Trust me, you will thank him for his stories once you are done.

Stories: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Quick and hard hitting short stories and excellent narration.

Cons: Bradley leaves you hanging with each story making you want to know more about each character.