Category Archives: Apocalyptic

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The Bone Collector

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I have always been an enthusiastic fan of the Extinction Cycle series, so I was eager to dive into this new installment that enriches the series’ mythology. The character at the center of this story is one who remained underexplored in the original books, making it all the more intriguing to finally gain insight into his life before and after his transformation. Initially, the narrative didn’t captivate me right away, but as the plot unfolded, I found myself engrossed in the journey that reveals how events transpired not only for him but also for his companions.

The story revolves around Blake Chambers, a man who had wished for death just six weeks before the world around him crumbled. Ironically, in the wake of apocalyptic chaos, Blake struggles to recall the dark thoughts that once plagued him, as his mind has suffered too many injuries—each blow resulting in lost memories and relentless pain. The stakes heighten when Dwight shows up at his door, delivering shocking news: the world as Blake knew it is gone, everyone he once knew is dead, and terrifying monsters now roam the land. He can’t grasp the full weight of Dwight’s words, as he has been lost in a deep sleep for an extended period, wrapped in his own personal turmoil.

For avid readers of Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s novels, this book is a seamless integration into the established timeline, spotlighting significant events that align with the existing narrative. I appreciated this entry immensely, as it not only reconnected me with beloved characters but also deepened my understanding of their relationships, particularly with the enigmatic Bone Collector—a figure who looms large in the series. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that added layers to the tragic yet compelling universe of Extinction Cycle.

My rating: 💀💀💀💀

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Sub-Human

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I’ve been meaning to dive into this book for quite some time now, as it’s been sitting in my Audible TBR (to-be-read) list for a while. I also have a copy of it on my Kindle, waiting for the day I finally get around to reading it. Although that moment may still be a bit further down the road, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement as I contemplate starting this journey. The initial glimpses I’ve had into this world have really piqued my interest, offering a captivating mix of political maneuvering, scientific advancements, and a compelling sense of intrigue that promises to make it a worthwhile read.

So far, I’ve already developed a fondness for some of the characters introduced in the early chapters. Their dynamics and backgrounds seem rich with potential, and I genuinely hope they play significant roles in the larger narrative as I progress through the series.

One character that stands out is Oldtimer, who, before adopting that moniker, was known as Craig Emilson. His backstory as a young doctor thrust into military service at the onset of World War III adds a profound layer to the narrative. The combination of medical expertise and the harsh realities of war sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of his character and the choices he must navigate in these tumultuous times. Overall, I can’t wait to immerse myself further into the intricacies of this story.

My rating: 💚💚💚💚

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Genome

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**Not as Good as the First Book**

Although I found some enjoyment in this book, I struggled to stay engaged with the story. There were moments when the plot felt overly dramatic, and the overall length made it a bit of a slog to get through. The characters, however, were still thoughtfully crafted and relatable, making them easy to root for despite the pacing issues. Unfortunately, there were times when I set the book aside for several days simply because it failed to capture my interest. I may be a little too generous in giving it 3 stars, but I acknowledge that the underlying story has merit, even if it wasn’t entirely captivating.

My rating: 💫💫💫

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The Fall of Fort Bragg

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I was totally pulled into this story from the opening page and it held through until the last. This author really put themselves into the world that they were writing about in such a way that they could have been channeling Nick Smith as they wrote this. Because we had not really met Sheila Horn before her creation could have gone any weird way, but this felt like the woman who would be married to Big Horn and the mother of his children.

Parker Horn has gone away with his Delta Force team just before things start to go south on the base. Sheila Horn has been left to protect her two young daughters as the Hemorrhage Virus begins to run out of control outside the gates of Fort Bragg. While she believes that her husband will return unhurt she also hopes that the soldiers on base can keep them safe from the infected trying to over run them.

As it becomes obvious that things are going from bad to worse outside her home when the opportunity presents itself Sheila takes the chance to get her and her daughters to the tunnels where they can hopefully hold out until her husband can find them.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading something else by this author. If they could keep me interested here I want to try more because there is nothing better than finding an author who writes in a way that keeps your attention.

If you have read the Extinction Cycle then you will want to read this story that fills in a piece of the puzzle of what was happening in those first days. If you have not read it then below find the perfect place to start.

Extinction Horizon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Extinction Lost

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This is my first time listening to any of the books in this series and I was very happy I did. Though it may not be the voices I have heard in my head (not killer voices), Bronson Pinchot does a fabulous job of bringing them to life. This is a nice short story that gives us a chance to see a little more of the new Team Ghost as they learn how to work together. As usual there is a surprise waiting for our newly minted Master Sargent and his team.

Fitz and Team Ghost just barely made it out with their lives from their recon mission in Italy when they are sent out again. This time they are being sent to Greenland to handle what appears to be a routine demolition, and we know how those turn out these days. Team Ghost has backup from Team Fox and another team but what they fin is like nothing they have faced before.

This is going to take us right into what may be the last book in the series Extinction War. I say if you have not started this series now is the time. I recommend this and the rest of the series.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Alpha Zombie

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I was expecting something totally different then what I got from this. The story was beyond slow, it meandered around without any real life. This is a zombie story and you see one at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end but nothing really ground breaking. The characters are about the same as they have always been and I would have expected some growth since the last time but they seem a bit stagnant. There are some new locations which are interesting and the situations are new enough to at least keep you moving forward. The main problem is that things just seem to be moving at a snails pace and it drags to much.

The massacre at the manor house has left everyone with a desire to not be in one place. In order to facilitate their desire to be out in the open Kyle and Al go and find the perfect vehicle, a retro travel bus which they name Basil. During her time online, before the Botnet, Ven had come across Sec UK which is a company that provided weapons and survival gear to not only countries but to individuals as well. She and her cohorts along with baby Tomas and Bos Bos the dog go there to stock up.

While they are doing this something strange happens that transforms a man into an entirely different type of zombie. This zombie has found them and cannot decide whether to eat them or beg them for help. This zombie can think and that is not good for anyone.

While I was not completely happy about how things went here I am still hoping the next one will be better. If you read the first two books you have to read this to continue the story and move on to the next.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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The Darwin Collapse

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I read the first book in this series a while ago and was not always happy with it, though I did enjoy it. I can say that this one kept my attention from start to finish and was very satisfying. The characters got a chance to stretch and grow here adding more dimension to their personalities, though some were still very much the same. The locations are spot on and great for me since I know the names of the streets and freeways so well that I could tell exactly where I was when they mentioned it. The victims of the virus are terrifying because they are us with all of the humanity stripped away.

Mason West and his family survived the first days of the outbreak but not without injuries both physical and mental. Mason continues to protect Iridia even though he really does not have to but he is an honorable man and would not do anything else. Elio is in the West home because he is enamored of their daughter Theresa but also because he needs to heal.

Anton Reshenko has unleashed hell on earth for the people of the world and is focused on locating his daughter and going to the next phase of his plan. The Deltas are doing what he expected, more or less but he wants more from them. He is willing to kill anyone for his vision of the future.

This is told from multiple points of view which is great since there are so any things going on. This had some great action with very emotional parts. I did some laughing, crying and yelling. Loved every minute of it! Definitely recommend.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Countdown: A Prequel Story

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This was a short but sweet introduction to the character and the situation that will soon be jumping off. While there was no major depth given to the character himself, you are left with understanding that he will be very important to the action in the main novel. You also get to see the start of the epidemic which is to come because they had no idea of what was happening before they busted in. This gives me a reason to read further about this .

The narrator was adequate but not perfect because he sounded just a bit dry. This could be his interpretation of the character and it could change as things go forward. I would say to listen and decide for yourself.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Hard Reset

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I read the book first and then found this one so it was kind of a waste of time. This book is literally the prologue to the book and so is not needed as far as I can see. The one good thing is that it was free and so I do not feel so bad.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Scattered Screams

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This starts out fairly slow and so it took me a couple of days to get through just the prologue then it picks up the action. The characters are a little vague but mostly likeable, though some more than others. The writing can seem a little repetitive with a point being made over and over throughout the narrative, like the fact that a character is a friend, as if you could have forgotten already. There are problems throughout with character names being used incorrectly by switching them for another within a conversation. There are some mistakes in spelling and word usage that kind of slows down the progress sometimes but you can get past it.

Marcus Nelson is a University Professor in New York who has gone to California for a conference. He decides to take his son Ali and his friend Vic along with him so they can tour some college campuses. While on the Stanford campus they experience an earthquake along with a bright flash of light which seems to start a killing frenzy among some of the people. As the insanity starts to escalate Marcus can only think of two things, protecting the boys and getting home to his wife. When he finds more survivors he hopes that they can all get out and find safety or at least a way to head west.

This was not the best story I have read but it was entertaining. You will have to suspend reality in order to follow and believe some of it, or at least I did. There is never an explanation given for what has happened and nobody seems very curious about it. I hope that some answers will be given in the next book to clear up some things. This may not be for everyone but I think some will at least like it. Give it a read and see for yourself, I would recommend it to those who like zombie like creatures.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars