A realistic pandemic debut...

Now you know what to watch fot in real life and how to react! Lol

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nothing new, but decent

this group of characters could have gone somewhere. but they didnt. Zach almost gets developed. almost. the story is decent, for what it is, but it doesnt stand out. and for some inane reason RC has to read out and explain every acronym and alpha numeric string - instead of just saying 'he told him the password'. really bogs down the action. poor choice by the producers.

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Good

I enjoyed the book although was kinda surprised with the character outcomes. I would have liked different development for some of them. The main character is only alright.

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1 person found this helpful

WARNING

These guys are seriously conniving, evil geniuses. they roped me in with the first 3 or so books being free, and the next 12 being paid for! Definitely worth it, great series, awesome writing, lots of action. Don't plan to pick up anything else until you have finished the series though!

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2 people found this helpful

solid story - not just a shootem up book

I typically avoid zombie stories... I find, in most cases they lack a story. this one has started well. good story, character development with solid military jargon that's not just jargon ... its explained.

Bray has done a great job with his voice work, and they sound new and not transplanted from other series. Now all that said the narration voice seemed to have a Maine twang to it at the start and it went away... I'll survive.

moving onto the other books included. hoping the story remains solid ...

if I bail it will only be because it gets predictable and repetitive... right now I'm in for two more

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2 people found this helpful

aesthetician prequel

loved it, a great starting story to Arisen. Now I'll have to listen to it all again.

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Setting Up A Fun ZA Twist/Approach

I admittedly much prefer everyday people finding themselves in an end-of-the-world zombie situation - they're more relatable (when well-done the fear is palpable) - but this Special Forces Military approach from Michael Stephen Fuchs opens up great possibilities for violence, strategies, and plotlines outlining how the authorities (governments, law enforcement, and a well-armed/trained army) might deal with the hypothetical crisis of a civilization-ending pandemic.
Fuchs is very good at incorporating tactics, hardware/tech, and military jargon into a plausible initial outbreak scenario out of Somalia.. but focusses on action, mind's-eye vivid gore, and heart-pounding "WTF" terror. The approach is noticeably immature (clearly aimed at the type of younger "This is So Cool!" fanboys that might attend a Comic-Con).. but if you set your standards realistically - don't expect medically-accurate virology discussions or moving emotional prompts, for example - the book is a rollercoaster-ride blast.

Unfortunately, reader R.C.Bray's kryptonite is accented voice-acting. He absolutely turns in his typical peerless diction, spot-on pacing, easily-consumed timbre & cadence, and uncanny understanding of the tone the author intends.. but is asked to do southern drawls and Afrikaans-flavored dialogue. Bray's interpretations are creditable, but I have definitely heard better from him.

Despite slightly awkward pacing, I was able to set aside reservations while listening to this recording. Consequently - when taken altogether - this adrenaline-fuelled audiobook rates 8.5 stars out of 10. I feel fortunate to have gotten it as a 'Plus' selection.. because it merits a Credit (particularly if you are willing to go further with the 'Arisen' seties).

[Note: The main intent of this story - including the origin of Patient Zero and the development/mutation of the zombie virus - is to provide background for books much later in the series. I suggest you read this book at least 4th if you intend to read the 'Arisen' saga - rather than first]

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You won't regret this one

Not your typical zombie story, graps your attention and holds it throughout. The characters are likeable and believable. The narrator does an excellent job.

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1 person found this helpful