Excellent, as good as the first

Perfectly voiced which really helps keep the many characters straight. Now On to book 3!

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great story, wish it was longer

I can't wait for the 3rd book. I'm a big fan of Birmingham's work. He writes entertaining books.

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Better than first one and the first one was good.

I liked the pace of the story. I have listened to book one and two and so far this one is my favourite. On to number 3 next.

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Excellent story, but…

Love Birmingham’s stories, but there are a few details that puzzle me:

- Why do all the dogs run in circles when excited? I’ve had several dogs and none were “circlers”. I can’t help but assume that Mr. Birmingham had a bad experience with some dog running in circles around him.
- On that same note, what’s with all the barking? Does Mr. Birmingham assume that if you’re a dog that you bark ALL the time? If that’s the case, then bring on the cats and parakeets for a virtual cacophony.
- How is it that brakes have to be pumped on all vehicles, yet every other feature is modern and state of the art? Everyone knows that ABS will not allow a driver to pump the brakes.
- Why do all the male characters use catch phrases (to the point of using the same words for every character) like “testify”, etc., but the women don’t?
- Why aren’t the women relied upon for major decisions? Sure, they’re consulted, but every decision is ultimately deferred to a male.

These are just a few, and except for how women are portrayed, pretty minor. However after reading three of Birmingham’s novels, these idiosyncrasies get tiresome.

Last, the narration for these novels is beyond compare.

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Good but not round

This is a good continuation of the series but really felt like the middle of a long book more than a typical opening, problem encountered, struggle and then resolution type layout.

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Good book,

This is worth the time invested into the whole series.
Very interesting take on the collapse of a society after a global crisis. Good narration and interesting characters.

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well written dystopic drama

definitely captivated pretty much the whole way through, great book for free! amazing job on narration as well every voice covered in a different fashion

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Can’t believe the talent of both Author and Narrator!

Scared witless by this apocalyptic vision, but just can’t put out down! On to the next!

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*sigh* Disappointed

John Birmingham could have contrived an intelligent speculative geopolitical Technothriller about a plausible civilizational collapse - fed by Climate Change, a societal over-reliance on technology, and global bad actors. Instead, he chooses to deliver a B-Grade shoot-em-up Road Warrior reality with roving rape gangs, pirates, and Biological Weapons (for some reason). The straightforward "fight the crazy bad guys" plot is relatively well done but nothing new.
I was hoping for so much more after reading the thought-provoking 'Zero Day Code' - but instead, I got an unoriginal (if capable) post-apocalyptic survival story. Four small groups of American survivors-on-the-run are the focus for Birmingham's narrative: stocking up on firearms while avoiding hunger & murderous hordes in a quest for food and safety.

A major saving grace for this audiobook is the truly outstanding narration from Rupert Degas. His near-psychic understanding of Birmingham's style & intent results in a pitch-perfect tone. Some of his character voice choices are undeniably terrible (for children, for example).. but spot-on diction, comfortable Australian-tinged timbre & cadence, and great pacing accompany voice modulation effects - such as static with over-the-radio dialogue - to generate a creditable listening experience.

Despite above-average - albeit imperfect - production values, I had trouble setting aside reservations and simply enjoying this silly rollercoaster-ride of an adventure. I rate 'Fail State' 5/10-stars.. acceptable for a 'Plus' selection (and good enough to prompt me to finish the 'End Of Days' trilogy) - but not good enough to warrant a Credit.

[Note: the inner dialogues while in unexpected first-time firefights are some outstanding writing]

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Too much time spent on the narcissist racist.

Lots of great characters and it felt like half the time was spent on the most shallow one. Who didnt even have the decency to die in this novel.

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