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Deadlocked

This marks my first encounter with the author A.R. Wise, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with this debut. Wise expertly crafts a gripping narrative filled with intense zombie scenes and resilient characters navigating this tumultuous world. From the very first pages, where we are introduced to the protagonist, David, I found myself immersed in the story, right up to the poignant conclusion that reveals his wife’s unexpected strength and determination.

The setting is a classic portrayal of a sprawling urban landscape, surrounded by water and filled with the remnants of civilization. The city’s infrastructure has crumbled, leaving cars as unreliable modes of transportation, which adds another layer of tension to an already perilous situation.

David’s harrowing journey unfolds as he finds himself trapped in his office when the zombie outbreak erupts without warning. Meanwhile, his wife and daughters are stranded atop their home, anxiously waiting for his return, hoping against hope that he will reach them before it’s too late. The narrative follows David as he traverses the chaos-stricken city, battling not only the relentless hordes of zombies but also the sinister individuals who exploit the apocalypse for their gain.

Brian Sutherland deserves commendation for his skillful character development, bringing to life a diverse cast of individuals, both male and female. Each character is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the story and eliciting empathy from the reader. This thrilling tale is sure to resonate with a wide audience, offering a captivating mix of suspense, emotion, and human resilience. It’s a journey worth experiencing, and I believe many readers will find it deeply enjoyable.

My rating: ☠☠☠☠☠

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Sub-Human

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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The Undead

This short story is a compelling introduction to a cast of characters who each grapple with their own challenges as they fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Dan Morgan shines in his role as the narrator, artfully bringing each character to life through distinct vocal performances that truly capture their personalities and temperaments. The story artfully balances moments of gripping action and gore with light-hearted banter and genuine camaraderie among the survivors, which adds depth to their relationships.

As the story unfolds, we follow Howie and his band of survivors after a harrowing day spent fending off a relentless horde of undead. As the sun begins to set, casting eerie shadows over the abandoned landscape, they realize the urgent need to find a safe place to shelter from the impending night. In their search, they navigate through the desolate remnants of a once-bustling town, finally arriving at an industrial estate. Here, they manage to break into a seemingly forgotten building and stumble upon an old, abandoned radio station, which offers both a refuge and a poignant reminder of the world that once was.

Inside the radio station, the group decides to record their thoughts and experiences for posterity, leaving behind a testament to their struggles and resilience. This moment of reflection serves not only as a coping mechanism but also as a means to connect with whatever remains of humanity.

Among them, we’re introduced to Howie, the group’s de facto leader who carries the weight of responsibility; Dave, who provides a witty counterbalance to the tension; and Meredith, the loyal dog, who adds warmth and comfort to their grim journey.

This engaging narrative has certainly piqued my interest in the series, as I find myself already invested in the characters and eager to follow their adventures further.

My rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

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Genome

**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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Orbs IV

I had been eagerly awaiting a continuation of this story, as the last novel’s cliffhanger led me to believe it would be a trilogy. Initially, the story seemed slow but quickly gained momentum and captivated me. The characters have been consistently excellent since the series began and have only improved. Even the newer characters evoke empathy and connection. The narrative doesn’t resolve just one plotline but three, detailing the survival struggles of those fighting from the outset.

Although Operation Redemption was unsuccessful, the Sunspot was launched and is en route to Mars to join the colony there. The team from Cheyenne Mountain, along with a few others, has embarked on the lengthy journey with hope in their hearts. Meanwhile, survivors continue their fight for life; Captain Nobel is captured but alive aboard an Organics ship, and Alexia is working to evacuate everyone from the planet if possible.

The story is replete with action, adventure, and intense emotion. For those seeking a journey that stirs the full range of feelings, this story is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠