Friday of the Dead

Under the bright lights of homecoming, the Clayton Cougars are down, and the game is on the line. Quarterback Jake Carter leads a final, desperate drive that ends in a touchdown, putting them in the lead. But the cheers of the crowd are short-lived. A mysterious illness has sent the other team's defensive back into a fit of coughing up blood, and the game is called off early. Sheriff Michaelson, father of one of the team's players warns Jake and the rest of the team to go home, as if he knew more than he was willing to share.The next morning, in the familiar halls of Clayton High, the outbreak spreads from the field to the classrooms. The illness turns students into something monstrous, and a routine homeroom becomes a terrifying battle for survival. Forced to abandon their cliques and old lives, a group of survivors must navigate a world of shifting allegiances and personal betrayals in a society that has collapsed overnight.This character-driven post-apocalyptic series follows a group of teenagers as they fight to build a sanctuary in a broken world. They will confront the horrors of the undead, and the difficult reality of their own relationships, as shocking secrets are revealed. With every choice they make, they must face a truth more terrifying than any monster: in a world where the old rules no longer apply, the most dangerous monsters aren't the ones outside the walls-but the ones they've known their entire lives. Jacob Aldridge is a gifted writer known for creating captivating worlds that enchant readers of all ages. His stories weave together fantastical adventures with profound explorations of humanity, offering thought-provoking commentary on modern-day life. Even in the most extraordinary realms, Jacob masterfully infuses his narratives with a sense of familiarity, addressing real-world issues in ways that resonate deeply with his audience.Drawing from his own experiences with mental health challenges, bullying, and abuse, Jacob brings a raw authenticity to his characters. Like Prince Ethan from The Gay King, his protagonists face adversity head-on, embarking on journeys of self-discovery, resilience, and love. Through his work, Jacob inspires readers to confront their struggles, find strength in their identity, and embrace the transformative power of acceptance.