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Revivors #2
The Silent Army
Read James Knapp's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community. The pulse-pounding sequel to State of Decay Federal agent Nico Wachalowski must stop Samuel Fawkes from awakening his own private army of zombies even if it means killing the woman he loves-now resurrected as a "Revivor"-permanently.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 11, 2011
Pros: complex plot, characters face difficult ethical decisions
Cons:
I've seen the question of what to do when faced with two equally unpleasant choices dealt with in several books lately (Mockingjay & Monsters of Men come immediately to mind). There are only two choices, pick the lesser of two evils or try to find a third, more acceptable option.
Agent Nico Wachalowski is asked to join forces with the revivors (reanimated dead) against those who can manipulate minds and memories - and kill their leader, Ai. He's asked by Ai to fight with her people against the revivors, who are in possession of 9 nuclear devices and are planning to use them to destroy the city.
Both sides make convincing arguments as to the dangers posed by their enemies. And like most decisions of this nature, when Nico finally makes his choice, he's not satisfied with it.
Meanwhile Zoe Ott is seduced by Ai's agent Penny into joining their side, and Calliope Flax, back from a two year tour of duty, does some dangerous detective work in hopes of impressing Nico and perhaps landing a job with the FBI.
The problem with reading a debut as good as State of Decay is the fear that the sequel won't live up to expectations. The Silent Army does everything right. This is not a filler book for a trilogy. The plot is tight and complex and the characters are forced to deal with difficult situations and make tough choices.
If you haven't started this series, you're really missing out on something great.
Cons:
I've seen the question of what to do when faced with two equally unpleasant choices dealt with in several books lately (Mockingjay & Monsters of Men come immediately to mind). There are only two choices, pick the lesser of two evils or try to find a third, more acceptable option.
Agent Nico Wachalowski is asked to join forces with the revivors (reanimated dead) against those who can manipulate minds and memories - and kill their leader, Ai. He's asked by Ai to fight with her people against the revivors, who are in possession of 9 nuclear devices and are planning to use them to destroy the city.
Both sides make convincing arguments as to the dangers posed by their enemies. And like most decisions of this nature, when Nico finally makes his choice, he's not satisfied with it.
Meanwhile Zoe Ott is seduced by Ai's agent Penny into joining their side, and Calliope Flax, back from a two year tour of duty, does some dangerous detective work in hopes of impressing Nico and perhaps landing a job with the FBI.
The problem with reading a debut as good as State of Decay is the fear that the sequel won't live up to expectations. The Silent Army does everything right. This is not a filler book for a trilogy. The plot is tight and complex and the characters are forced to deal with difficult situations and make tough choices.
If you haven't started this series, you're really missing out on something great.
November 16, 2025
I had a great time rereading this book, and I can't wait to finish out the series!
*First Read May 29th, 2011*
Such an amazing book, I enjoyed it so much, and I'm so glad that I won a copy from Goodreads!
*First Read May 29th, 2011*
Such an amazing book, I enjoyed it so much, and I'm so glad that I won a copy from Goodreads!
September 28, 2011
A different take on the zombie theme. It was interesting enough that I finished the book, but it wasn't great. There are too many other better books to spend time on this one though, unless your really like zombies (that are more like robots).
September 26, 2022
92. The Silent Army by James Knapp
The 2nd book of a trilogy, in which the dead are revived and used as soldiers. This story picks up two years after the first and continues to focus on Nico, an FBI agent tasked with… well, it’s complicated. Suffice to say that both sides he’s tracking have legitimate concerns: there’s Samuel Fawkes, a revivor who is trying to bring down a segment of the population that is manipulating others using mind control, and then the mind controllers who are trying to stop Fawkes and his ‘silent army’ of revivors from destroying their hold on society. Both parties have a point and there’s a lot of grey area, which is interesting. I do feel that the writing just gets too vague and flat, though. It’s an interesting concept, but the writing makes it a bit of a slog to get through sometimes. (Still, I’ll continue to the third book because there’s some stuff set up for the finale and I do want to find out what happens.)
The 2nd book of a trilogy, in which the dead are revived and used as soldiers. This story picks up two years after the first and continues to focus on Nico, an FBI agent tasked with… well, it’s complicated. Suffice to say that both sides he’s tracking have legitimate concerns: there’s Samuel Fawkes, a revivor who is trying to bring down a segment of the population that is manipulating others using mind control, and then the mind controllers who are trying to stop Fawkes and his ‘silent army’ of revivors from destroying their hold on society. Both parties have a point and there’s a lot of grey area, which is interesting. I do feel that the writing just gets too vague and flat, though. It’s an interesting concept, but the writing makes it a bit of a slog to get through sometimes. (Still, I’ll continue to the third book because there’s some stuff set up for the finale and I do want to find out what happens.)
March 8, 2019
This book is groundbreaking. It made me feel like I was in the world of Blade Runner, but grittier and deadlier. What an incredible spin on the undead genre. The idea of the dead animated not by some virus, but via nanotechnology. A fantastic melding of both the science fiction and horror genres. I don’t understand how this hasn’t been made into a movie or tv series. Can’t wait to read book three. Thank you Mr. Knapp. David
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2017
Dialing up to what I hope is a big crescendo in the third book. Gritty, dark, cyber, zombies, thriller.
Also one of the hardest to find book series in a store. Which is too bad.
Also one of the hardest to find book series in a store. Which is too bad.
May 5, 2018
Interesting setting, but the plot just wasn't as compelling.
December 17, 2013
A fun and engrossing sequel to State of Decay --except for every single chapter told from Zoe Ott's POV. Do authors actually enjoy writing from the POV of willfully stupid and self-destructive characters? Does anyone enjoy reading them? They make me crazy. I don't mind when characters make choices that seem like a good idea and then only later turn out to be dumb, but I can't stand it when it's obvious the whole time that they're just digging themselves deeper. Maybe this is why I also hate horror films.
*seething*
Anyways.
This installment ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which would usually have me champing at the bit to get started on the next one, but if I recall correctly from my first reading of the series (this is our, ah, second date, if you will), the 3rd book wasn't quite as awesome as I'd hoped it'd be, so I'm taking a little break before starting on it just yet. Who knows, though-- maybe if I get my expectations low enough, it'll pleasantly surprise me. :D
Mad points, btw, to Knapp for refraining (as so few authors do!) from awkwardly recapping the entire plot of the first book in the first few pages of this one. He uses at most a sentence or two to spur your memory (or orient you if you missed the first book entirely), and it barely distracts from the here-and-now. If he would teach this technique in a class for trilogy-writing authors, it would be a boon to readers everywhere.
*seething*
Anyways.
This installment ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which would usually have me champing at the bit to get started on the next one, but if I recall correctly from my first reading of the series (this is our, ah, second date, if you will), the 3rd book wasn't quite as awesome as I'd hoped it'd be, so I'm taking a little break before starting on it just yet. Who knows, though-- maybe if I get my expectations low enough, it'll pleasantly surprise me. :D
Mad points, btw, to Knapp for refraining (as so few authors do!) from awkwardly recapping the entire plot of the first book in the first few pages of this one. He uses at most a sentence or two to spur your memory (or orient you if you missed the first book entirely), and it barely distracts from the here-and-now. If he would teach this technique in a class for trilogy-writing authors, it would be a boon to readers everywhere.
March 4, 2013
The Silent Army by James Knapp is the second novel in the revivors series and a well thought-out sequel, which builds from the events of Sate of Decay without being totally reliant on them plot wise.
This time out Nico Wachalowski is attempting to find the location of an army of revivors that Samuel Fawkes has gathered to strike New York City. Among this group of the revived dead is Faye Dasalia, former friend and lover of Nico, who must choose between her new purpose and lingering feelings for Nico. Calliope Flax, returning from military service, is helped by Nico to start her new life as a first-tier citizen. Nico reluctantly asks for her help to infiltrate a location that is believed to be associated with Fawkes’ activities. Zoe Ott, who is newly sober with Nico’s help, finds herself deep in the midst of a group of like-minded people that know more about the activities of Fawkes than they are willing to revel to Nico or even Zoe herself.
I loved the driving thrust of the plot of this book. The early part of the novel slowing brings all four characters together in this conspiracy-filled plot that involves revivors, precognitives and weapons of mass destruction. The Silent Army works as science fiction, thriller and human drama. I still had some trouble with the four different viewpoint characters, but the solid prose and strong plotting make The Silent Army a fast-paced gripping read!
This time out Nico Wachalowski is attempting to find the location of an army of revivors that Samuel Fawkes has gathered to strike New York City. Among this group of the revived dead is Faye Dasalia, former friend and lover of Nico, who must choose between her new purpose and lingering feelings for Nico. Calliope Flax, returning from military service, is helped by Nico to start her new life as a first-tier citizen. Nico reluctantly asks for her help to infiltrate a location that is believed to be associated with Fawkes’ activities. Zoe Ott, who is newly sober with Nico’s help, finds herself deep in the midst of a group of like-minded people that know more about the activities of Fawkes than they are willing to revel to Nico or even Zoe herself.
I loved the driving thrust of the plot of this book. The early part of the novel slowing brings all four characters together in this conspiracy-filled plot that involves revivors, precognitives and weapons of mass destruction. The Silent Army works as science fiction, thriller and human drama. I still had some trouble with the four different viewpoint characters, but the solid prose and strong plotting make The Silent Army a fast-paced gripping read!
September 25, 2012
The Silent Army is the fast paced and fascinating second novel in James Knapp's Revivor series. The story is told from the point of view of the same four main characters introduced in
State of Decay
. In book two, their lives become even more intricately intertwined as the plot, as well as the race to save humanity, speeds forward.
After closing this book I sat for a while, thinking about the questions the story raised in my mind. What do we value most about our humanity? Our ability to speak as we choose, to act independently, to think for ourselves? Would our definition of humanity change if one or more of these seemingly intrinsic rights were on the line?
What do you think?
I'm looking forward to finding out how Nico, Faye, Calliope, and Zoe resolve these questions for themselves in the final book of the trilogy Element Zero.
Find out more about the books and the author by checking out James Knapp's blog.
After closing this book I sat for a while, thinking about the questions the story raised in my mind. What do we value most about our humanity? Our ability to speak as we choose, to act independently, to think for ourselves? Would our definition of humanity change if one or more of these seemingly intrinsic rights were on the line?
What do you think?
I'm looking forward to finding out how Nico, Faye, Calliope, and Zoe resolve these questions for themselves in the final book of the trilogy Element Zero.
Find out more about the books and the author by checking out James Knapp's blog.
October 30, 2011
The Silent Army, book 2 of James Knapp's "Revivors" series, picks up pretty much where the first one leaves off. In this installment we continue with the same viewpoint characters as State of Decay: Nico, Faye, Calliope, and Zoe, and everyone's personal plotlines are advanced significantly. Be warned that Faye's status in particular changes hugely, and provides a whole new level of focus to Nico's mission to expose the conspiracy surrounding the use of revivors as secret weapons.
I found this book every bit as gripping as the first one, but really can't say much more about the plot for fear of spoilers. Instead I'll just add that Knapp's prose continued to be very tight, and I burned through this almost even more than I did the first book. As of this one, I was much more comfortable with our lead characters and therefore more invested in how their individual parts of the overall story progressed--as well as how they all interacted with each other.
Book 3 of the series is out and I look forward to reading that as well. For this one, four stars.
I found this book every bit as gripping as the first one, but really can't say much more about the plot for fear of spoilers. Instead I'll just add that Knapp's prose continued to be very tight, and I burned through this almost even more than I did the first book. As of this one, I was much more comfortable with our lead characters and therefore more invested in how their individual parts of the overall story progressed--as well as how they all interacted with each other.
Book 3 of the series is out and I look forward to reading that as well. For this one, four stars.
January 21, 2012
The Silent Army is the second book in the 'Revivor' series. In the future, Revivors take the forefront in battle. Revivors are average citizens who, once they pass away, become a part of the Zombie army sent to fight for the citizens’ freedom. In order to live a better life, free of poverty, citizens must chose to have their corpses re-animated upon their death and enlisted in the military. There, they will commit horrible atrocities.
First things first…this is not your momma’s zombie book. The Silent Army is a most unique zombie tale told in an absolutely original way. This book is horror, sci-fi, thrills, and chills all rolled into one tight, little package. Terrorists and mutants bent on taking over the world, nuclear and biological threats, and an army of undead combating these harrowing forces, The Silent Army is an all-out riot of post-apocalyptic good times.
I’m giving The Silent Army a 4 spider rating and recommending it to all you zombie aficionados out there… good times!
CK Webb
First things first…this is not your momma’s zombie book. The Silent Army is a most unique zombie tale told in an absolutely original way. This book is horror, sci-fi, thrills, and chills all rolled into one tight, little package. Terrorists and mutants bent on taking over the world, nuclear and biological threats, and an army of undead combating these harrowing forces, The Silent Army is an all-out riot of post-apocalyptic good times.
I’m giving The Silent Army a 4 spider rating and recommending it to all you zombie aficionados out there… good times!
CK Webb
January 3, 2011
This is really a great book on it's own. I have not had the opportunity to read the first book to this series (State of Decay). I will now though! This book is very exciting and keeps you going to the very end. What a concept of using reanimated corpses as an army. I love Zombie and post apocolyptic stories. It is interesting to me to see what differences people come up with for these type of stories. Never have I read a truly new concept and interesting way of using "zombies". Like I said I will definitely go and read the first book now and see how this all begins. however this books stands well on it's own if you have not read the other. It is a fascinating, quick (cannot put the book down) read. I hope this author rights much more and even a follow up to this one. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book and read it. I really did enjoy this book. It is one of the best I have read recently.
August 19, 2011
For me, THE SILENT ARMY (Revivors #2) was just as good, if not even slightly better than book one, STATE OF DECAY. In a strong continuation of this urban fantasy full of cyber-punkish zombie (reanimated corpse) soldiers, end of the world conspiracy plots and limitless ethical dilemmas and our beloved hero Nico finds himself once again smack dab in the middle of it all two years after the conclusion of the first installment. Although Zoe and Cal still contribute quite a bit to the story line, book too is definitely Nico focused.
True to the series, THE SILENT ARMY is bursting with heart pumping action, plenty of plot twist and deaths, but Fawkes and the mind manipulators are still the biggest threats to the country’s security. This was definitely a hit in my book (no pun intended) and I can’t wait to start in on the third and final book, ELEMENT ZERO, which I was fortunate enough to win through a goodreads giveaway. (4.5 Stars)
True to the series, THE SILENT ARMY is bursting with heart pumping action, plenty of plot twist and deaths, but Fawkes and the mind manipulators are still the biggest threats to the country’s security. This was definitely a hit in my book (no pun intended) and I can’t wait to start in on the third and final book, ELEMENT ZERO, which I was fortunate enough to win through a goodreads giveaway. (4.5 Stars)
January 20, 2013
Book two really did a good job of rounding out the society for me. (although the war is still really ambiguous) I'm sure part of the reason it took me until book two was just because of how much information was there was to absorb. The tension just kept ratcheting up with each chapter, and I had a hard time putting the book down (homework and classes aside).
This is an interesting book because you get a good look into both sides of the ethical argument that is the main driving plot of the story. I find myself jumping back and forth as to what side I sympathize with more. Both sides are completely blinded by their dedication to stopping each other. Conflicted human nature at its finest.
Once again Knapp did a good job of setting up the next book in the series, making the endgame completely uncertain and hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. I love the diverse cast of characters and can't wait to see how this will all turn out.
This is an interesting book because you get a good look into both sides of the ethical argument that is the main driving plot of the story. I find myself jumping back and forth as to what side I sympathize with more. Both sides are completely blinded by their dedication to stopping each other. Conflicted human nature at its finest.
Once again Knapp did a good job of setting up the next book in the series, making the endgame completely uncertain and hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. I love the diverse cast of characters and can't wait to see how this will all turn out.
April 12, 2011
Yet another zombie story? Why the heck would you want to read something like that? Haven't you read just about every version of the zombie apocalypse?
FBI agent Nico Wachalowski knows he's surrounded by deceit, and as events progress (this is the second book in a series), he finds he must not only stop the mutants trying to take over the world, but also the zombies who are trying to stop the mutants.
Yes, it's a great bind for a hero to be in, isn't it? Add in terrorism complete with biological and nuclear threats, all set in a dismal future, and this is a great little yarn. Knapp's style is never plodding, and his three main characters (two from the previous book, State of Decay) are well realized and engaging.
This is one you'll want to read. And then go for the sequel, Element Zero. I know you'll want to.
FBI agent Nico Wachalowski knows he's surrounded by deceit, and as events progress (this is the second book in a series), he finds he must not only stop the mutants trying to take over the world, but also the zombies who are trying to stop the mutants.
Yes, it's a great bind for a hero to be in, isn't it? Add in terrorism complete with biological and nuclear threats, all set in a dismal future, and this is a great little yarn. Knapp's style is never plodding, and his three main characters (two from the previous book, State of Decay) are well realized and engaging.
This is one you'll want to read. And then go for the sequel, Element Zero. I know you'll want to.
December 15, 2010
The premise of this series sounded really interesting when I first heard about the first book. Unfortunately I have not read the first one yet, but in reading the second, I really want to find a copy of it now. The second stood very well on its own. The author does a very good job of connecting everyone's relationships and interwoven stories from the first. I did not feel like I was missing key points of the story when reading, but since I know there is a full story there, I want to go back and fill in those connections fully.
Looking forward to the continuance. A really fresh face on the risen dead genre.
Looking forward to the continuance. A really fresh face on the risen dead genre.
May 2, 2011
I don't read much Science Fiction - and I started this one before I read State of Decay. After about 80 pages I stopped and got State of Decay and read it first. I am now hooked. I was enthralled and couldn't put either one down. I think I read both in about 2 and 1/2 days. The story line is great and there aren't too many characters to keep up with. It wasn't so scary that I felt like I wouldn't be able to sleep like so many SciFi and Horror books. I can't wait till the next one comes out. I have already passed the first one on to my son to read and will do so with this one as well.
I received this book as part of GoodReads First Read program.
I received this book as part of GoodReads First Read program.
February 15, 2011
I thought the premise of this book was good. It was a different twist on zombies and the life after. I haven't read the first in this series, but the second does stand on its own, which was great! I would recommend the book to anyone interested in a good book with strong characters, action, and a fast pace.
My only dislike of this book was the fact that each character is written in first person in their 'sections'. Personally, I find it very difficult to switch gears and relate to each character this way.
My only dislike of this book was the fact that each character is written in first person in their 'sections'. Personally, I find it very difficult to switch gears and relate to each character this way.
February 3, 2016
This was an excellent second book in the series. I like the twist on the zombie tale, with some hard core SciFi thrown in. Zombies are reanimated by technology, not a virus or radiation. Used on the battlefield and in industry, the reanimated dead form the basis of the shock troops of the future. There are no clearly defined good vs. bad, there are several shades of gray. There is some graphic violence, plenty of gore, and some foul language, so if you wish to avoid those - don't read this book.
decided-not-to-read
February 10, 2011I liked this book's prequel, State of Decay, enough to want to read the sequels. Except this one cranks the gruesome imagery up to 11. I think I'll pass. Yes, I'm a wimp.
December 1, 2010
I looked forward to this one. James Knapp writes a good, gritty thriller -- but this one didn't really take the series anywhere.
September 5, 2011
Good orginal story line. I love Scifi books when the story doesnt depend on the technology...ie Capt kirks transpo beam always saving in the nick of time.
July 2, 2014
it continues the story, and delves deeper into why it's all happening. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3!
September 27, 2014
Pretty good take on speculative zombie fiction.
March 12, 2015
Excellent book. It could've been ended better. It seemed to much like a TV episode where nothing really changes.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews