Outage Book Two: The Awakening by T.W. Piperbrook

Synopsis

The first several pages of the story parallel Abby and Rob's experiences that take place in Outage. Then the story picks up where Abby's story ends. Tom has lost his wife and is on the run, desperately trying to escape the creatures that seem to be everywhere. He knows his odds of survival are slim, but he is determined to go down fighting if need be.

Along the way, he picks up two young, stranded survivors and together they seek refuge from the storm and the creatures dwelling in it. Will they find safety? Can they survive the night? 

When it comes to Piperbrook's fast-paced, spellbinding way of telling a story, anything is possible.

Publisher: Post Script Publishing
Print Length: 93 pages

Cover Art: Keri Knutson
Editor: Cathy Moeschet
Proofreader: Linda Tooch

Review
Kindle Edition
5 out of 5 stars

Everything I loved about Outage (book one) is found in its sequel. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a thrill ride. From the first page to the last, the story engages and delivers a fun experience to the reader. I found I could not put the book down once I started reading. 

T.W. Piperbrook is a talented writer and storyteller. Though the book is relatively short, each page is packed with excitement and what I think of as "concentrated story." What do I mean by that? Well, think of one of your favorite books, take out the fluff, and you have story-concentrate. That's not to say this book is lacking in character development and descriptive scenes; it has just enough of both to keep the story vivid in the mind's eye. 

As a writer and editor/proofreader, I sometimes forget that reading is supposed to be for pleasure, not just "work." Outage Book Two was pure pleasure reading for me, and it was great to experience that again! The book is both edited and proofread very well, which was refreshing since I didn't find myself getting distracted by errors.

I have a hard time recommending this book only to those who are fans of horror. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a story that can be enjoyed by just about anyone who likes an engaging, fun tale. Don't miss out on this series!

Purchase Outage and Outage Book Two: The Awakening on Amazon.

My review of Outage (book one) can be found here.

About the Author

T.W. Piperbrook was born and raised in Connecticut, where he can still be found today. In addition to writing, the author has also spent time as a full-time touring musician, touring across the US, Canada, and Europe.

He now lives with his wife, a son, and the spirit of his Boston Terrier.

Follow Piperbrook on Facebook

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Visit his website here!

Something to Fight For (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Book 5) by W.J. Lundy

Synopsis

Brad and his team have returned to the United States only to find that the nation is as devastated as the rest of the world. The Primals are not the only threat to those who survived the outbreak. Hunger, disease, and other survivors are bigger problems to contend with. 

There seems to be a glimmer of hope, however, as Brad's team is enlisted to recover the key to developing a cure to the Primal virus. Time is not on their side as others seek the same objective. This is where loyalty and trust part ways, leaving the team questioning everything they have been fighting for.

Meanwhile, one soldier finds himself in the position of keeping the key to the cure protected at all costs.   

This is a Zombie War Story.

Publisher: PHALANX PRESS; 1 edition (December 10, 2014)
Print Length: 333 pages

Review
Five out of Five Stars (I would give it more, if it made sense to do so)
Purchase Something to Fight For on Amazon

When I read the very first book in this series by W.J. Lundy, I never expected it to gradually become my favorite zombie apocalypse series— there was some tough competition for that spot. Up until Something to Fight For, I considered the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series one of my favorites. By the time I got half-way through this most recent installment, I knew that had changed.

Enough of my fangirling. I will tell you why I like Something to Fight For so much. First, of all the books in this series, this has the most depth; the characters continue to develop, the plot is becoming more intense, and there are some new, interesting characters added to the mix. 

Another reason I like this book so much has to do with the side story that is woven through the plot. The story of Brad and his crew eventually connects with this side story, and I can't help but hope Lundy follows up on this twist as he continues the series. 

What is the "side story" I'm referring to? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but it has to do with a former soldier who finds himself in the position of being the sole protector of a little girl. The story that follows the man and the little girl is both terrifying and endearing. Their story sucked me in and kept me thoroughly engaged to the point where I felt emotionally invested in the book.

W.J. Lundy's storytelling has gotten better with each new book and this one is no exception. I recommend this series highly to fans of zombie fiction, military fiction, horror, suspense, and anyone looking for a fun, excellent read.

About the Author 

W. J. Lundy is a still-serving Veteran of the U.S. Military with service in Afghanistan. He has over 14 years of combined service with the Army and Navy in Europe, the Balkans, and Southwest Asia. W.J. is an avid athlete, writer, backpacker, and shooting enthusiast. He currently resides with his wife and daughter in Central Michigan.

I developed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series from notes and ideas I had put together while deployed to Afghanistan. I had been jokingly asked how we would defend against a zombie attack. Escaping the Dead was written in a small spiral notebook and later clicked one key at a time into a word document once I arrived back home. At the success of the short story, the series was born.

All along, I wanted to tell a story that portrays the military that I know, the people I serve with, their characteristics, and something that shows our true, actual capabilities. These are my thoughts. I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for reading.

Follow W.J. Lundy on Facebook and Twitter.

Whispers by Heath Stallcup

Synopsis
Some loves transcend time. Some loves were never meant to be. Some loves are cut short by the evil of others. When Sheriff James Tolbert and his fiancé were killed by a malicious rancher and his cutthroat minions, nobody could expect that the very passion that fueled their love would be the same passion that fueled ghostly revenge. When grave robbers unearth Sheriff Tolbert's tomb searching for Old West relics, a vengeful spirit is unleashed on a small Texas town hellbent on revenge. If those responsible couldn't be made to pay, then their progeny would, and they would pay in the most bloody and horrific manner the spirit could dream of. Can modern day law enforcement stop a spirit destined to fulfill an oath made in death? Even when aided by a Texas Ranger and UCLA Paranormal Investigators, how can they stop something that is already dead and buried?

Publisher: May December Publications (October 2013)
Print Length: 475 pages

Review
5 Stars out of 5
Amazon Kindle Version

Heath Stallcup is a great storyteller and this book is just another example of that truth. Whispers is a ghost story in the purist sense of the word. That is what I like most about it. It is reminiscent of the kinds of ghost stories told around a campfire where every snap of a tree branch or falling acorn makes you jump. Who doesn't like that? That's a rhetorical question; don't answer it.

Stallcup's characters are well-developed and rich in personality. The storyline has a western vibe to it, but that doesn't mean it will only appeal to readers who like westerns. There isn't anything about this story I didn't like. It provides just the right amount of everything that I love in a story: action, revenge, good versus evil, interesting character interactions, and a great scare factor.

I recommend Whispers highly!

Purchase Whispers on Amazon. 

About the Author
Heath Stallcup was born in Salinas, California and relocated to Tupelo, Oklahoma in his tween years. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in Charleston, SC and Bangor, WA shortly after junior college. After his second tour he attended East Central University where he obtained BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He then served ten years with the State of Oklahoma as a Compliance and Enforcement Officer while moonlighting nights and weekends with his local Sheriff's Office. He still lives in the small township of Tupelo, Oklahoma with his wife and three of his seven children. He steals time to write between household duties, going to ballgames, being a grandfather to five and being the pet of numerous animals that have taken over his home. Visit him on Facebook or heathstallcup.com for news of his upcoming releases.

Splinter (Banished from Hell) by H.J. Harry

Synopsis

For close to a thousand years they waited, waited for the old knowledge to fade away into the mists of myth. Imprisoned, banished, and separated, they waited as the population grew to numbers that could sustain their appetites. Humanity developed habits that made them fat; slow and ripe, memories of the old ways forgotten. They waited for a re-birth of the time of legend, for the time when demons ruled and man was naught but the fodder upon which they fed. They waited for the time when the old gods die and the new were anxious to take their place. They waited for today.
 
A young man resisted the sweet words of compulsion, forsaking money and unlimited power to be with the woman he loves. It was a condemning of his self to the focus of a demon who had once been banished to a minuscule grain of sand. A demon worthy enough to turn that grain of sand into the vehicle that starts the destruction of the sum of humanities freedom, enslaving an entire species to his will he knows that he can do what no other has. A thousand years ago he was accused of having a god complex when already he has done what god would never do.  God complex hell, he was god and the earth should rue the day, every day. 

Publisher: Self
Print Length: 229 pages


Review
5 out of 5 Stars
Kindle Version, Kindle Unlimited

I've read a few short stories and another book written by H.J. Harry, so I was looking forward to reading Splinter (Banished from Hell) when I found out it was available. 

The story begins with a creepy vibe that drew me in right away. The creepiness only intensifies as the story progresses, creating a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down book that reminded me of some of Dean Koontz's earlier novels. 

The author doesn't just tell a good story, though; he tells a good story well. I love the little details he includes when it comes to the scenes and his characters. The details are not the tedious kind... he includes just enough to make the characters memorable and the scenes vivid. This tale of classic "good vs. evil" has enough layers to appeal to all types of horror fans. 

I am guessing there will be a Splinter Two, and I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Purchase on Amazon: Splinter (Banished from Hell) 

About the Author
H.J. Harry was born Joseph Hansen In the early sixties. Raised in the northern mid west by parents of faith and good will he went on to do many things as he focused on writing in his spare time. Thirty some years later he self publishes for the first time. 

A natural storyteller, who sees things with a different skew than most, he has focused on keeping things fresh and fast paced. If you came here to see a list of jobs you can just pick something and H.J. has probably done it especially in the blue collar non-agriculture fields. 

Mostly a YA author, you will see multiple fiction genres coming available in future months from true-to-life fiction, to prehistoric fantasy, to post apocalyptic, including zombies. When H.J. Harry is not writing, drawing his covers or fishing, then he is working in his private wood shop, working on his house, helping a friend on their projects, driving a semi or trying to finagle time to go fishing.

All Things Zombie: The Gathering Horde by ATZ Publications

Synopsis

This collection of zombie stories features some of the top zombie authors in the genre; T.W. Piperbrook, A.J. Brown, Chris Philbrook and Eric A. Shelman. There are many newcomers here too, having had their dream of being published realized for the first time. You will find that telling them apart may be difficult - we had hundreds of submissions, and this is the cream of the crop. We hope you enjoy this romp through the apocalypse.

Publisher: ATZ Publications, November 7, 2014


Review
I give The Gathering Horde Five out of Five Stars

*Disclaimer one of the stories in this book was written by me, but my story is just one of the awesome stories in this book.*

I'm going to keep this review short. I've been super busy with my novel and need to get back to it. I just had to take the time to share this gem of a book. There are stories here by some well-known names in the zombie/horror genre as well as some new authors. 

The publishers and editors did a fantastic job selecting the best stories out of over one hundred that were submitted. I am truly impressed with the talent of the authors who wrote for this book as well as in the editing that was done. This is ATZ's debut publication, but the quality and professionalism put into this work are first-class.

If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, horror, zombies, or just being entertained, this is the book for you!  

It's only $2.99 or free if you have Kindle Unlimited. Get it by using the link below:

Gateways by Brian Gottheil

Synopsis
For months, the Continent has been mired in a devastating war: artillery barrages lasting days, the death rattle of machine guns, toxic chemical gas, futile charges across no-man’s-land toward enemy trenches. Caryn Hallom, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Deugan and the first woman to have achieved such a powerful position in the fledgling democracy, is horrified that she failed to prevent the war from breaking out on her watch. 

When Caryn finds herself trapped together with Michael Ravencliffe, a member of the royal family of Deugan’s main enemy in the war, she seizes on the opportunity to try to negotiate an end to the fighting. Little does she know that a new faction is about to enter the conflict, armed with a frightening magical weapon … or that it will be led by the one person on the Continent who knows the truth about Caryn’s past. 

Gateways has been described as a fantasy novel that reads like historical fiction. Set in an alternate world that resembles Europe during the First World War, the novel combines geopolitics with plots, counterplots and magic, and ultimately asks the question: how far are we prepared to go for peace?

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 429

Review
I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
I give Gateways 5 out of 5 stars 

I am going to start this review with a confession: this is not normally the type of book I would set out to read on my own. When Brian Gottheil asked me to review his novel a couple months ago, I agreed because I was searching for something different than my usual story and Gateways looked interesting.

It begins with a "excerpt" from a book or journal about the history of the Great War. Right away, the background for the story is established. I appreciate this unique and intellectual introduction to the story. I felt like I was reading a bit of history and then jumping into history-in-the-making as Gottheil took me to the action. 

The book is a fantastic blend of war strategy, political relations, mystery, and magic. There is something for everyone here. I have to point out, as well, that the story is very well-written. It flows easily and if there are any errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar, I didn't notice. 

The best part of Brian Gottheil's novel is the unpredictability of it. There are enough twists in the plot to keep the reader on his or her toes. The characters are multidimensional and full of surprises. Every time I tried to pin down the good guys or the bad ones, I found myself having to adjust my thinking.

I recommend Gateways to anyone who likes a good mystery, war story, or fantasy tale. It's one of those stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading the book.


About the Author

In his own words:
I’ve been writing as a hobby since, at the age of four, I penned an epic about my then-favourite sport, the charmingly mis-spelled “baceball.” Many years have passed, but I’m finally gearing up to self-publish my first novel, Gateways, and I’m very excited about it. It’s a fantasy novel that reads like historical fiction (or so I’ve been told). 

I live in Toronto, Canada, or as we Torontonians like to call it, “the centre of the universe.” I’m just joking about that… mostly. I’m writing a novel at the moment in which the main character hates Toronto, so that’s been a bit of a challenge. At one point she describes it as a “frenetic smogscape.” To each her own, I suppose. 

In my day job, I work as a labour and employment lawyer with Bernardi Human Resource Law. You might think that writing would be my biggest hobby outside of law, but actually, I spend most of my free time swing dancing and swing dance organizing. (I’m writing a novel based on dancing, too). Swing is an umbrella term for several different partner dances that are done to the big band jazz music of the 1930s and 40s, and it also includes some styles done to later music which evolved from earlier swing dances. I focus on the lindy hop, which was the original swing dance.

Brian's Website and blog.

Follow Brian on Facebook and Goodreads.

Time of Death: Induction (A Zombie Tale) by Shana Festa

Synopsis
When no one or nowhere is safe, where do you go to escape the monsters? 

In a few short days, 37 year old Emma Rossi’s hard work will finally pay off. She will don her cap and gown and graduate with a degree in nursing, but not before she loses her first patient and is confronted with a new reality. In Cape Coral, Florida, a storm approaches. The dead are coming back to life. 

And they’re hungry. 

Infection ravages the Eastern Seaboard with alarming speed while attempts to contain the spread of infection fail. Within days, a small pocket of panicked survivors are all that remain of civilization. Fighting to survive the zombie apocalypse alongside her husband Jake and their dog Daphne, Emma comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare. 

Relying on snarky wit and sheer determination, she is forced to commit atrocious acts to protect her family and avoid joining the ranks of the undead.

Publisher: Permuted Press
Print Length: 198 pages

Review
I purchased Time of Death: Induction from Amazon (Kindle Version)
I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars (5= I love it)

Shana Festa's debut novel Time of Death: Induction is a fun, fast read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The story's easy flow, plot, and intensity kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. 

The characters are likable and highly believable. There are no superheroes in this story and no guarantee that the main characters will survive from one scene to the next. This makes for an exciting, emotionally rousing read. 

There are plenty of humorous moments in the book, especially having to do with the main character, who is also the narrator of the story.  The humor balances out the intensity of the story-line just enough to create a few chuckles in the midst of all the gore, death, and horror. 

The zombies in the story are true zombies. Understandably, many authors are trying to make their zombies a little different for the sake of originality. This is the first book I've read in a while that doesn't stray from the traditional idea of a zombie. It's refreshing and made the story that much more fun for me.

I recommend Time of Death: Induction to all fans of zombie books, movies, or television shows. It's a fantastic book filled with all kinds of zombie goodness!



About the Author

Shana Festa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 17, 1976 and grew up in Northboro, Massachusetts. She currently lives in Cape Coral, Florida with her husband and two dogs, Daphne & Casey.

Shana is a registered nurse with clinical experience in mental health, geriatrics, HIV and substance abuse. In addition to her clinical background, Shana possesses over 15 years of experience with project management and data analytics.

Under her alter ego, The Bookie Monster, Shana reviews horror and paranormal books, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) zombie fiction. With a background in Psych Nursing, Shay brings her unique perspective to the literary community.

Shana loves hearing from readers. Visit her author website, www.shanafesta.com for more information on Shana and her writing. She can also be found on Twitter, @BookieMonsterSF, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/timeofdeath.book.

The Chest by Michael Robertson

Synopsis

Waking up in a hostile environment, paralyzed from the waist down, and unable to see any further than the end of his nose, James has to work out where he is and what the hell he's doing there.

Publisher: Self Published
Print length: 29 pages

Review
Format: Kindle (Kindle Unlimited)
I give The Chest 5 out of 5 Stars (I love it!)

Once again, Michael Robertson has blown me away! I read this book in one setting because once I started, I didn't want to stop. I had to find out how it ends. 

Like most readers, I made assumptions about what was going on and why the character found himself in the situation he did. All of my assumptions were wrong. I love stories that do that to me! 

The book is also very well-written. Robertson has a beautiful way with words... almost poetic, but without any pretentiousness. 

The ending is what sealed the "wow" deal for me: totally unexpected and meaningful. I recommend this book highly.

Buy The Chest on Amazon!


About the Author

Michael is a writer from the UK with several publications to his name both online and in print. He has recently won a competition with HarperCollins for his zombie short story 'In the Name of Science'. He writes because he needs to. He writes dystopian, sci-fi, and apocalyptic fiction. Crash is his first ebook release.

Follow Michael Robertson on Facebook and Twitter.
Website: Michael Robertson

Gone Feral by Ted Nulty

Synopsis
A world wide chemical attack has left society in ruins. The chemicals used not only affect humans, but all mammals. The cannibalistic rage brought on by the toxin soon destroys almost everything man has built. 

In San Diego a group of survivors struggle to survive and rebuild. 

In Bemidji, Minnesota another group fights their way through ground zero, and then begins to fight back...with the help of a 12 year old boy. 

In Atlanta the CDC has been virtually destroyed, but a female Doctor is determined to find the answers everyone is looking for.

As these groups come together to deal with the catastrophe, they have to find a way to prevent the next attack, which will mean the end of them all.

Publisher: Self Published (July 25, 2014)
Print Length: 310 pages

Review
I obtained a copy of this book via Kindle Unlimited
I give Gone Feral 4 stars (I really like it)

Ted Nulty's Gone Feral is a unique take on zombies. First of all, I've never read a book in this genre where animals are infected and respond the same way people do to whatever agent turns them into cannibalistic beasts. I use the word "zombies" for lack of a better word, but his zombies aren't zombies in the traditional sense. They are scarier in many ways. I am not going to say why. I don't like spoilers.  

The characters in Gone Feral are a lot of fun. They're the kind of people I'd like to be friends with... especially since they are so well-prepared for any sort of catastrophe. There are a lot of characters, so it's important to keep up with them, but it's worth it. 

Ted Nulty seems to have a sense of humor, based on the dialogue and descriptions in the story. This makes the book even more fun to read. The humor comes across especially well with his main character, Mark.

My favorite character comes a little later in the story. He is a preteen feral killing machine (rhyme not intended there). Barry loses his whole family and ends up on his own for a while but becomes an unlikely hero. Mr. Nulty has just published his second book in the Gone Feral series called Barry's Walk. I'm looking forward to reading more about this character. 

There is a very strong militaristic theme in Gone Feral, which I like. For me, the drawback in this case is the amount of military-style dialogue found in the book. It was difficult for me to follow certain scenes because I had no idea what the characters were talking about. For readers with a military background, I'm sure this won't be an issue at all. I do hope the dialogue is more mainstream in Barry's Walk.

I am also going to point out that there are quite a few punctuation errors and capitalization issues in the book. This doesn't affect the rating I gave the book. I point it out with the hope Mr. Nulty will fix these issues because it is a great book and it deserves to look as professionally "polished" as the story is.

Buy Gone Feral from Amazon.


About the Author

Ted Nulty graduated from Coronado high school before attending Northern Arizona University on a "Seven year, drink beer" graduation program. Having never received a grade above a 'C' in English in high school, his life was changed when his first year English professor got him into creative writing and actually gave him an 'A'. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he began a second career in Law Enforcement and then Private security. Having an entrepreneurial streak, Ted has invented several items and started several moderately successful businesses. A lifelong horror and zombie fan, he began writing Gone Feral in 2013. Discovering that the best cure for writers block is to have another book in the works to distract him. He began and completed his second book The Locker shortly thereafter. 

Follow Ted Nulty on Facebook.

E by Kate Wrath

Synopsis

A poignant tale of love and friendship in a world beyond hope… 

Outpost Three: a huddle of crumbling buildings choked by a concrete wall. Cracked pavement, rusted metal, splintering boards. Huge robotic Sentries police the streets, but the Ten Laws are broken every time one turns its back. 

Eden is determined, smart, and a born survivor. Stripped of her memories and dumped on the streets of the Outpost, slavers and starvation are only the beginning of her problems. A devastating conflict is coming that threatens to consume her world and tear her newfound family apart. 

Life is harsh. It makes no exceptions. Not even for the innocent. 

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 351 pages

Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. 
I give E 5 out of 5 stars (5 stars= I loved it)

Fans of dystopian fiction are in for a treat with Kate Wrath's E. The setting is dark and cruel, the characters are memorable, and the story is full of surprises.

I didn't know what to expect from this book. I read the synopsis and was interested in the description of the story and the setting. At the same time, I was concerned it was going to simply be a glittery romance novel with dark undertones. 

I discovered quickly that this story is anything but glittery. The characters are complex and well-developed. The main character, Eden, is smart and tough, but she also has her vulnerabilities.  She makes friends and enemies throughout the story, each one unique and important to plot. 

The futuristic world in which the story takes place is a frightening one, putting the characters in potentially deadly situations everyday. In this world, people must break laws and moral codes just to survive.  Food is scarce, the streets are unsafe, and those with power abuse it. Laws are enforced by robotic creatures who deal with suspected offenders violently and swiftly. All this adds up to a book that is hard to put down.

The story is written very well-- it's intelligent, fast-paced, and if there were any editing or proofreading problems, I didn't notice them. 

Kudos to Kate Wrath for an excellent story!

Purchase E on Amazon!

About the Author

Kate Wrath is a science fiction and fantasy author. The first book in her series, E, debuted in May 2014. The second book is anticipated later in the year.

Kate Wrath's Website
Read Kate's blog
Follow Kate on Facebook and Twitter

Mace of the Apocalypse by Dan Williams

Synopsis
Mace Marconi is a man haunted by his past. Operating as a bounty hunter in San Francisco, his life is slowly gaining meaning as he falls in love for the first time and becomes mentor to a lonely child. As things start to fall in place for him, a deadly toxin is released in the City's transit system, causing the dead to rise and rage against the living. 

When a man with anger issues and a dark past is compelled to fight for the very existence of mankind, all hell is gonna break loose!

Publisher: J Ellington Ashton Press (February 10, 2012)
Print Length: 338 pages

Review
I purchase this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
I give Mace of the Apocalypse 4 stars (4 stars= "I really like it")

As indicated by my star rating, I really like Dan William's first book in his Mace of the Apocalypse series. Most of the story takes place after a suicide bomber targets the transit system in San Francisco. The toxins released by the bomb cause people to turn into flesh eating, zombie-like creatures. The number of infected grows and soon, the world is overtaken.

I like the protagonists in the story. Mace is a man with a rough past. His girlfriend, Jade, is tough and smart. My favorite character is the priest who plays a pretty big role in the story. He is edgy and very likable. Some of the other survivors include a brother and sister and a single mom with a young daughter. 

There are also some very bad people in the story. These characters are actually scarier than the monsters created by the blast of the bombs. There is an ample supply of drugs and alcohol, no law enforcement, and a seemingly endless supply of weapons. All this brings out the worst in certain groups of people. 

The story starts with a bang and the action doesn't let up. I will definitely be reading to find out what happens next to Mace, Jade, and the rest of the survivors.

Purchase Mace of the Apocalypse on Amazon.




About the Author

Daniel J Williams grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. Some of his favorite activities as a kid included scaring the bejesus out of kids on Halloween, terrorizing neighbors playing doorbell-ditch, and excelling in the ultimate sport of Dodgeball. He somehow managed to score a business degree and wasted years toiling in the business world, writing technical sheets and marketing materials.

He finally realized what was missing in his life: Zombies! Spending several years working on his breakthrough novel, Mace of the Apocalypse, he then couldn't help himself and penned three more novels with the same characters in a continuation of the story.

Follow Dan on Facebook.

A New World: Storm

Synopsis

A vengeful darkness… 
Gathers in the night… 

One threat has been destroyed - another grows stronger. 

Even though Jack and the teams have won a major confrontation, their lives still hang by a thread. There are decisions to be made, and ones that have never been more critical. 

Leonard continues to try to keep his crew together after being hit by another soul-shattering blow. They’ve only recently become aware of this new world, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon as they silently plunge through the Pacific, looking for answers Leonard knows they may never find. 

Michael knows he can no longer stand idle and wait as he feels thousands of his kind disappear from his mind night after night. The weight of the survival of his kind weighs heavily on his shoulders and he pushes forward to end the threats to their existence. 

The new world must find its balance… 
And the scales are about to tip… 

Publisher: Self
Print Length: 264 pages

Review
I purchased this book from Amazon for my Kindle.
I gave A New World: Storm 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads

I finished reading A New World: Storm a few minutes ago. I was going to wait to write the review until I had a chance to process the story and its ending but decided not to. I want to write while my mind and emotions are still bound to the story. 

I am simultaneously "wowed" beyond words and feeling something else that I will not describe. If I try, I will fail miserably and will most likely end up creating an unintentional spoiler.

In past reviews, I think I have made it clear that John O'Brien is my favorite writer in this genre. I hope I've also made it clear that he is one of my favorite writers of all the genres I've read. Storm solidifies that conviction for me. Why? The answer is simply this: John O'Brien is a talented writer and an amazing story-teller.

The first part of the book is dedicated to tying some loose ends together and setting the stage for the rest. There is not much action during this portion, which is unusual for most of the books in the series.  Rest assured, the necessity to slow down for a bit does not mean it's boring. I mean, this is John O'Brien. Are his stories ever boring? No.

The action picks up once Jack hits the road sky in order to take care of some unfinished business. It continues through the rest of the book as he and his group encounter new threats, as well eliminate some old ones.  In addition, a couple new groups of survivors are introduced and plans to work with them are established. Meanwhile, Jack is doing his best to lead, although he is tired and not always certain he knows the direction he needs to take.

It is the last part of the book that made me clench my Kindle in a state of tightly-wound emotions and caused me to scowl at any poor soul who dared to interrupt my reading. As I write this, I am still reeling from the roller coaster ride Mr. O'Brien created. The ending packs a punch so be prepared, but do NOT read ahead. You will be kicking yourself forever.

As with all of the A New World books, I appreciate the hard work and pride O'Brien obviously poured into writing Storm. He is a first-class writer and can tell a story with the best of them.

If you have not read A New World series, you can find a chronological list of his books here.


About the Author

John O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry in corporate management. Currently, John is writing full-time on the series, A New World.

As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.

A New World
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