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LZR-1143 #2.5
Perspectives
In a world overrun by the living dead, every victim has a story. These are some of those stories. This collection of six short stories from a world ravaged by the LZR-1143 virus tell the tale of six different people, all of whom fell victim, in different ways, to the deadly plague. From the pilot of a commercial aircraft, overwhelmed in midair, to the lonely soldier stranded high above a world of the undead, the six characters each face their own fears and mortality in different ways. This 20,000 word short-story collection features a unique selection of characters from the original zombie novel by Bryan James, Infection, and from the recently released sequel, Evolution. Each character appears only fleetingly in the longer novels, but each has their own unique thread in the LZR-1143 storyline, all of which are exposed in these short excerpts from their final hours alive. The collection includes The Pilot, The Boy, The Inmate, The Fry Cook, The Subway Passenger, and The Sniper. In The Pilot, a commercial aviator sees his last flight end in a way he never could have imagined. In The Boy, a family trip is cut short, and a lonely homecoming is not at all as he anticipated. We see the surprising genesis and true identity of a traveling companion in The Inmate, while The Fry Cook reveals the final moments of a teenage fast food worker. In The Subway Passenger, we learn that in the case of zombie apocalypse, you’d probably rather be aboveground. And in The Sniper, the surprising truth that there are some fates that cannot be fought, even with a fifty caliber rifle.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2011
120 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 30, 2021
I think this book was a great addition to the series. The book is a collection of short stories about the zombie apocalypse.
Each story is about a different character, a different point-of-view. For fans of zombie horror, this book is for you…and me. 😜
Each story is about a different character, a different point-of-view. For fans of zombie horror, this book is for you…and me. 😜
July 12, 2016
-Instantáneas durante el apocalipsis.-
Género. Relatos.
Lo que nos cuenta. Seis relatos ambientados en el universo de la serie LZR-1143 del mismo autor pero sin continuar exactamente la historia, y que tratan temas como la irrupción de la plaga entre la tripulación y pasajeros de un avión, la misma situación pero en un crucero de recreo desde la óptica de un muchacho de 14 años, también en un restaurante de comida rápida, en una cárcel e incluso en un vagón de metro y el punto de vista de una tiradora de precisión en el tejado del edificio del Capitolio.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Relatos.
Lo que nos cuenta. Seis relatos ambientados en el universo de la serie LZR-1143 del mismo autor pero sin continuar exactamente la historia, y que tratan temas como la irrupción de la plaga entre la tripulación y pasajeros de un avión, la misma situación pero en un crucero de recreo desde la óptica de un muchacho de 14 años, también en un restaurante de comida rápida, en una cárcel e incluso en un vagón de metro y el punto de vista de una tiradora de precisión en el tejado del edificio del Capitolio.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
February 1, 2019
This is a collection of six short stories from the LZR-1143 zombie apocalypse series, each featuring a minor character or moment from the first two books, but unfortunately it's over two years since I read Infection, and a year since the sequel, so I remember very little about them, which made these snippets rather meaningless. I do have the next book to read at some point, and did enjoy the central protagonist, but he doesn't appear here at all.
I don't feel I learned anything new about the world this is set in, this was just some vignettes of how various people died in the early days of the undead epidemic, so all rather depressing, with none of the tongue in cheek humour of the main books. It doesn't add anything to the main storyline (although I wish I could remember how the escaped serial killer fit in) but was a quick read and not badly written.
I don't feel I learned anything new about the world this is set in, this was just some vignettes of how various people died in the early days of the undead epidemic, so all rather depressing, with none of the tongue in cheek humour of the main books. It doesn't add anything to the main storyline (although I wish I could remember how the escaped serial killer fit in) but was a quick read and not badly written.
September 22, 2012
This collection of short stories, in my opinion started well and got progressively weaker. The final story felt rushed. A quick attempt at trying to create some emotion filled piece that ultimately fell flat and to be honest too my thoughts of the collection from a solid 3 and a half to a nervy 3.
The stories, unlike many other collections, were not just based around a common theme, but rather one central event. Each tale was an alternate point of view piece surrounding the same outbreak. There were a few nice tie ins that ran from story to story which I thought were nicely effected.
However, the use of adverbs throughout the collection made it rather hard work in some places, and also there was a repetitive feel to some passages, with the same or incredibly similar words appeared four or even five times within a single paragraph.
The stories were solid in their structure however, and the author did a nice job of creating the atmosphere that most of us have come to expect from Zombie pieces. Blood, terror and mayhem. A break down of civilisation.
The only real cringe moment for me in the collection was during one story, the same page contradicted itself about four times. The approaching station was quiet, then suddenly it was very busy, only to be overshadowed by one that was ten times busier again in the readers own words. The zombies at the station was quiet, but made a lot of noise, hundreds of them groaning and hammering at the train sides, yet the character could hear someone urinate on the floor somewhere in the carriage. Amidst all the screams.
For the rest, the stories had a logical flow through them, and were largely entertaining. If you like zombie fiction, then this collection is certainly worth a go. In terms of story telling, the work is strong, in terms of finished product, it could have benefited from an extra edit; removal of adverbs and repetitive phrases in specific.
Aside from my feelings towards the final 'POV', the biggest let down in the book, and a theme recurring through many books, and something that comes with experience, is that the stories felt oddly flat. The central characters were ok, although could have benefited from a bit more 'fleshing out', however, there was nothing else. There was no depth around them. Ok, this is harder to create in short almost flash fiction tales, than it is in a full novel, but depth should never be overlooked. The importance of background characters, even if only in passing; a glance out of a moving train or figures moving among the shadows. It is the attention to detail that is necessary to make every book pop, to stand out from the crowd.
I would certainly be interested in reading other work by the author, and seeing him grow as a writer, for the talent is there for him to go a long way.
The stories, unlike many other collections, were not just based around a common theme, but rather one central event. Each tale was an alternate point of view piece surrounding the same outbreak. There were a few nice tie ins that ran from story to story which I thought were nicely effected.
However, the use of adverbs throughout the collection made it rather hard work in some places, and also there was a repetitive feel to some passages, with the same or incredibly similar words appeared four or even five times within a single paragraph.
The stories were solid in their structure however, and the author did a nice job of creating the atmosphere that most of us have come to expect from Zombie pieces. Blood, terror and mayhem. A break down of civilisation.
The only real cringe moment for me in the collection was during one story, the same page contradicted itself about four times. The approaching station was quiet, then suddenly it was very busy, only to be overshadowed by one that was ten times busier again in the readers own words. The zombies at the station was quiet, but made a lot of noise, hundreds of them groaning and hammering at the train sides, yet the character could hear someone urinate on the floor somewhere in the carriage. Amidst all the screams.
For the rest, the stories had a logical flow through them, and were largely entertaining. If you like zombie fiction, then this collection is certainly worth a go. In terms of story telling, the work is strong, in terms of finished product, it could have benefited from an extra edit; removal of adverbs and repetitive phrases in specific.
Aside from my feelings towards the final 'POV', the biggest let down in the book, and a theme recurring through many books, and something that comes with experience, is that the stories felt oddly flat. The central characters were ok, although could have benefited from a bit more 'fleshing out', however, there was nothing else. There was no depth around them. Ok, this is harder to create in short almost flash fiction tales, than it is in a full novel, but depth should never be overlooked. The importance of background characters, even if only in passing; a glance out of a moving train or figures moving among the shadows. It is the attention to detail that is necessary to make every book pop, to stand out from the crowd.
I would certainly be interested in reading other work by the author, and seeing him grow as a writer, for the talent is there for him to go a long way.
March 30, 2014
This collection of short stories allows a glimpse into different lives/perspectives as people deal with the zombie outbreak.
Elements of action, compassion, heroism, evil, etc entwine to show how even in times of stress, characters can demonstrate who they are and what they are made of.
Characters are varied, flawed, and have lots to deal with physically and emotionally.
Overall, an intriguing read.
Elements of action, compassion, heroism, evil, etc entwine to show how even in times of stress, characters can demonstrate who they are and what they are made of.
Characters are varied, flawed, and have lots to deal with physically and emotionally.
Overall, an intriguing read.
May 19, 2018
Pretty good introduction to the LZR-1143 zombie storyline
LZR-1143 Perspectives is a pretty entertaining and effective collection of short stories that introduce the reader the the apocalyptic world of Bryan James’ LZR series. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I do find his writing style to be engaging, effective, and entertaining while telling a traditional zombie story and tweaking it just enough to make it feel original and fresh. Some of the stories worked better than others, but overall I found the book to be a good introduction to James and I plan to read some of his other LZR books based on what I read here.
LZR-1143 Perspectives is a pretty entertaining and effective collection of short stories that introduce the reader the the apocalyptic world of Bryan James’ LZR series. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I do find his writing style to be engaging, effective, and entertaining while telling a traditional zombie story and tweaking it just enough to make it feel original and fresh. Some of the stories worked better than others, but overall I found the book to be a good introduction to James and I plan to read some of his other LZR books based on what I read here.
November 30, 2025
A neat little collection of short stories from the LZR-1143 universe. They are not always the most uplifting of reads and are of very different and somewhat darker tone that the main books in the series. However, for those who like the series, these short stories are nice addition and worthy of the read - and this is even more true because the author kindly had this available for free on Amazon when I acquired my copy. That said, they are also readable on a standalone basis.
August 8, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is a book about the end of the world featuring zombies. It is not pretty but full of dark gritty situations that people have to try and figure out. They don't usually figure it out and survive in the majority of these stories.
This is a book about the end of the world featuring zombies. It is not pretty but full of dark gritty situations that people have to try and figure out. They don't usually figure it out and survive in the majority of these stories.
December 24, 2018
Worth it!!
While there were one or two stories that really didn't float my boat, the majority of this collection makes me definitely want to pick up this series. I want to identify these characters in the main story, even if it just means recognizing their bodies, since it's stated they all have only minor parts. Definitely worth the read!
While there were one or two stories that really didn't float my boat, the majority of this collection makes me definitely want to pick up this series. I want to identify these characters in the main story, even if it just means recognizing their bodies, since it's stated they all have only minor parts. Definitely worth the read!
December 27, 2018
LZR-1143
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I chose this book. However, after reading the stories, I am so glad I did. This collection of individual end of life as you know it stories is unique! And I totally love them.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every zombie loving,apocalyptic end of the world reader!
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I chose this book. However, after reading the stories, I am so glad I did. This collection of individual end of life as you know it stories is unique! And I totally love them.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every zombie loving,apocalyptic end of the world reader!
July 16, 2020
Disclaimer: I'm a big fan of Zombie Apocalypse genre. This, perfectly satisfying. I appreciate how this book is simply filling in the authors ZA world a little better. It doesn't add greatly to the series, but it does have a few pleasurable Easter eggs if you are paying attention and have read books 1 and 2 of the series.
December 16, 2017
I like how I was able to read this novella without having to read the first two books of the series. It was a quick one (only 67 pages) and truly entertaining offering a variety of POVs in the apocalyptic world of DC.
January 9, 2020
I definitely skimmed some of this but my two favorites were the ones that had to do with DC. I did like that I could read this without reading any of the others but it would have been way better had I read the others in the series. Not really sure why I owned just this one and no others?
March 11, 2018
Excellent
Short but sweet. A really well done collection with intriguing characters. Highly recommend this apocalyptic fiction entry to anyone interested in the genre.
Short but sweet. A really well done collection with intriguing characters. Highly recommend this apocalyptic fiction entry to anyone interested in the genre.
December 18, 2019
Zombies
I really enjoyed these short stories. The plots were well written and they were interesting. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed these short stories. The plots were well written and they were interesting. I highly recommend this book.
June 10, 2020
I thought this book was fun, all the different perspectives, but it wasn't Mike. Still liked it though.
February 4, 2021
Excellent read
I liked the book but what I didn't like was that it jumped around from person to person and that kind of got me confused.
I liked the book but what I didn't like was that it jumped around from person to person and that kind of got me confused.
June 19, 2023
Good because I love zombies but every story ended so damn sad
May 12, 2025
A "Want To Read" Goals list read.
April 14, 2014
So I have to start by saying I haven't read either Infection or Evolution. So going into Perspectives I really didn't know what to expect, I mean besides zombies!!!! lol. Now, I have a new zombie series to stalk, in fact I have Within, a novella set in the LZR world, and I'm picking up Infection and Evolution as soon as I get a chance.
The book itself isn't that long. It is only six separate stories, but man, those stories really pack a punch. It wasn't just the graphicness of the stories either. Don't get me wrong, there was tons of gore, TONS! But some of them really pulled you in and got you caring for that character. Not something easily done in such a short format. There were parts that actually had me close to tears. (Not sayin' why, don't want to spoil nothin'.)
It wasn't all doom and gloom and eating people though, there were some parts that I literally laughed out loud. Mostly one liners, and dark humor, but still funny.
I'm not going to go into detail on every story, but I really had to say I think James hit the nail on the head with Doreen in The Fry Cook. I almost pissed myself at her description of her drive-thru customers. (If you've never worked fast food, it probably won't be that funny. But if you have, it's soooo true!) I'm not gonna say anymore though, again, don't want to spoil anything.
Yes, Perspectives is gory, yes people die, it's a zombie novel, hello?!? But there is more than just gore and death. Through these tiny windows the reader really gets a look at how these people handle the world being eaten around them. Wish I could review more of his books for this challenge, just so I could have an excuse to put them on the top of my reading pile.
The book itself isn't that long. It is only six separate stories, but man, those stories really pack a punch. It wasn't just the graphicness of the stories either. Don't get me wrong, there was tons of gore, TONS! But some of them really pulled you in and got you caring for that character. Not something easily done in such a short format. There were parts that actually had me close to tears. (Not sayin' why, don't want to spoil nothin'.)
It wasn't all doom and gloom and eating people though, there were some parts that I literally laughed out loud. Mostly one liners, and dark humor, but still funny.
I'm not going to go into detail on every story, but I really had to say I think James hit the nail on the head with Doreen in The Fry Cook. I almost pissed myself at her description of her drive-thru customers. (If you've never worked fast food, it probably won't be that funny. But if you have, it's soooo true!) I'm not gonna say anymore though, again, don't want to spoil anything.
Yes, Perspectives is gory, yes people die, it's a zombie novel, hello?!? But there is more than just gore and death. Through these tiny windows the reader really gets a look at how these people handle the world being eaten around them. Wish I could review more of his books for this challenge, just so I could have an excuse to put them on the top of my reading pile.
June 7, 2012
Wow, now that was intense. Great freebie from Amazon.com
I'm not a huge fan of horror and I've never read a zombie book, so this was my first. What the short stories did very well was create tension. I was tense the entire time I read this. And it was compelling enough that they kept me reading. It was a train wreck I literally couldn't stop reading and I couldn't put it down. The worst part was silly me decided to start reading this late last night before bed because I honestly did not know what to expect. I still did not expect what I got from the stories. I feel like I'm never going to be able to get to sleep in a couple hours as it is now. The images and the descriptions of the carnage was enough to cause my skin to crawl and cause me to look over my shoulder at every little creak in the house.
I'm not sure I can pick up another book like this. I recommend it though to anyone who would enjoy a small collection of stories that are incredibly tense. If you enjoy zombie books and this is to weak for you, then kudos to you and I hope to steer clear of those that make you tense up! To explain my three star rating - I liked the fact that the short stories were able to cause me to feel the rising tension, and the writer did a great job with each story. But personally it was not my cup of tea. I know this now.
I'm not a huge fan of horror and I've never read a zombie book, so this was my first. What the short stories did very well was create tension. I was tense the entire time I read this. And it was compelling enough that they kept me reading. It was a train wreck I literally couldn't stop reading and I couldn't put it down. The worst part was silly me decided to start reading this late last night before bed because I honestly did not know what to expect. I still did not expect what I got from the stories. I feel like I'm never going to be able to get to sleep in a couple hours as it is now. The images and the descriptions of the carnage was enough to cause my skin to crawl and cause me to look over my shoulder at every little creak in the house.
I'm not sure I can pick up another book like this. I recommend it though to anyone who would enjoy a small collection of stories that are incredibly tense. If you enjoy zombie books and this is to weak for you, then kudos to you and I hope to steer clear of those that make you tense up! To explain my three star rating - I liked the fact that the short stories were able to cause me to feel the rising tension, and the writer did a great job with each story. But personally it was not my cup of tea. I know this now.
January 5, 2013
Bryan James, LZR-1143: Perspectives (No publisher listed, no date listed)
Points off for lack of information (no publisher listed, no publication date listed).
Note that line above, because it drops this book from “above average” to “below average”. Which is deserved because the author (one assumes this is self-published, otherwise he needs to drop by his publisher's office and start swinging the proverbial baseball bat) couldn't be arsed to fill in even basic information to have his book come up in a number of relevant searches or that might sway someone who wasn't sure whether to shell out the few bucks, and that's annoying as hell. But the stories herein aren't half-bad. They're nothing great, mind you, the bigs probably aren't going to come busting down Bryan James' door the way they did with Dave Moody or the late Z. A. Recht when the zombie bug hit Bantam Doubleday Dell and its pals, but James' collection of character sketches set in his own LZR-1143-infected world keeps the focus where it should be, on the human factor, at all times. James has a knack for building solid, believable characters, and that is increasingly rare in this highly-oversaturated genre; while I'm only giving this two stars, I have every intention of eventually grabbing and reading the rest of the LZR-1143 books based on what I read here. **
Points off for lack of information (no publisher listed, no publication date listed).
Note that line above, because it drops this book from “above average” to “below average”. Which is deserved because the author (one assumes this is self-published, otherwise he needs to drop by his publisher's office and start swinging the proverbial baseball bat) couldn't be arsed to fill in even basic information to have his book come up in a number of relevant searches or that might sway someone who wasn't sure whether to shell out the few bucks, and that's annoying as hell. But the stories herein aren't half-bad. They're nothing great, mind you, the bigs probably aren't going to come busting down Bryan James' door the way they did with Dave Moody or the late Z. A. Recht when the zombie bug hit Bantam Doubleday Dell and its pals, but James' collection of character sketches set in his own LZR-1143-infected world keeps the focus where it should be, on the human factor, at all times. James has a knack for building solid, believable characters, and that is increasingly rare in this highly-oversaturated genre; while I'm only giving this two stars, I have every intention of eventually grabbing and reading the rest of the LZR-1143 books based on what I read here. **
March 23, 2012
Keeping in mind that the zombie/survival horror genre is one of my absolute favorites, please take in to consideration I am a bit biased at favorite these types of books.
I really enjoyed LZR-1143: Perspectives. The stories were indeed short, but I found that I really got a lot out of the few paragraphs. Each story had it's own unique flair to it that immediately put you in the plot. Kudos to this author to be able to really understand and "feel" the characters, see in their perspective, and not lose the focus of the overall story. Especially with limited words.
Although, it looses a star because I am hesitating buying the other full stories. Yes, it was a fun read about my favorite subject (go zombies!), I am a broke post-college student struggling with bills. So for me to actually buy a full book, I want to be certain that it will be a great read. Several other books have won me entirely over with short previews such as this, but I cannot pin-point what was lacking either.
In stories dealing with zombies, I have seen a lot of books that had me engrossed beginning to end, and those that almost read like other popular zombie movies. I am hoping that if I do break down and buy the others, that it is something new and refreshing for this genre.
I really enjoyed LZR-1143: Perspectives. The stories were indeed short, but I found that I really got a lot out of the few paragraphs. Each story had it's own unique flair to it that immediately put you in the plot. Kudos to this author to be able to really understand and "feel" the characters, see in their perspective, and not lose the focus of the overall story. Especially with limited words.
Although, it looses a star because I am hesitating buying the other full stories. Yes, it was a fun read about my favorite subject (go zombies!), I am a broke post-college student struggling with bills. So for me to actually buy a full book, I want to be certain that it will be a great read. Several other books have won me entirely over with short previews such as this, but I cannot pin-point what was lacking either.
In stories dealing with zombies, I have seen a lot of books that had me engrossed beginning to end, and those that almost read like other popular zombie movies. I am hoping that if I do break down and buy the others, that it is something new and refreshing for this genre.
February 9, 2017
Self-publishing is a great idea that allows anyone to write something and release it into the market. Mr. James seems to be pretty popular, and he makes decent money. I know people who make a fine living publishing erotica and romance novels. The beauty of a piece of writing is in the eye of a reader. So, if you enjoyed this jumble of holes, mistakes, cliches, and poor grasp of the English language, good for you. No amount of talent can make up for actual skill, and that is what James lacks. He needs, at a minimum, an editor. Otherwise, this sixth grade grasp of composition and plotting will remain, as will his future work, tripe that meets the barest qualification of fiction. If he wants to remain a hack, he can, but there is the chance he could get some education in actual fiction writing and learn the craft. Popularity is not the same as quality, and garbage like things brings down the entire class of authors self-publishing.
December 24, 2011
In a world overrun by the living dead, every victim has a story. These are some of those stories. This collection of six short stories from a world ravaged by the LZR-1143 virus tell the tale of six different people, all of whom fell victim, in different ways, to the deadly plague. (Description from GoodReads)
This is a quick, "free" Kindle novella dealing with six individuals (through six separate stories) as they witness and attempt to survive the great apocalypse. The writing was nice, tightly woven and directly stated. The stories moved well and proved to be very entertaining.
If you love zombies you may enjoy this free offering.
Devlin
This is a quick, "free" Kindle novella dealing with six individuals (through six separate stories) as they witness and attempt to survive the great apocalypse. The writing was nice, tightly woven and directly stated. The stories moved well and proved to be very entertaining.
If you love zombies you may enjoy this free offering.
Devlin
May 14, 2012
I loved World War Z by Max Brooks, but I often felt myself longing for more personal stories...stories of common people in the uncommon circumstance of having to fight off hordes of zombies.
This collection of vignettes satisfied that desire.
These short anecdotes of the zombie infestation were raw and real and fascinating and frightening. The type of stories that leave you with that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, that make you look twice over your shoulder, that make you wonder if you should start stockpiling bottles of water and canned goods...
I can wait to read more work by Bryan James.
This collection of vignettes satisfied that desire.
These short anecdotes of the zombie infestation were raw and real and fascinating and frightening. The type of stories that leave you with that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, that make you look twice over your shoulder, that make you wonder if you should start stockpiling bottles of water and canned goods...
I can wait to read more work by Bryan James.
September 1, 2011
This small book is a collection of 3rd person snippets that occurred during the zombie outbreak in LZR-1143: Infection, and contains very minor characters that were briefly seen in Infection, or will be seen in the direct upcoming sequel.
Quick read, and about as deep (read: not). I'm always a sucker for Zombie stories, but it just wasn't enough for me. I did enjoy the first book though, and am looking forward to the official sequel. On to the next book. Think I'll choose Soldier of the Legion, by Marshall Thomas.
Quick read, and about as deep (read: not). I'm always a sucker for Zombie stories, but it just wasn't enough for me. I did enjoy the first book though, and am looking forward to the official sequel. On to the next book. Think I'll choose Soldier of the Legion, by Marshall Thomas.
May 19, 2012
I really enjoyed reading the collection of short shories from all the different perception. I the had some truely relivent points that most people rely intirely on technology that they don't know how to survive without it. The subway shows the fear of the masses and the sniper shows just how reality can kick your ass no matter how prepared.
I liked the change of pace to breaking down the big picture into the small individual ones. I would recommend and look forward to reading the other books about the LZR-1143.
I liked the change of pace to breaking down the big picture into the small individual ones. I would recommend and look forward to reading the other books about the LZR-1143.
October 18, 2014
Like most of my books I purchased this one on the Kindle and waited awhile to read it. There are some good stories and some not so good ones. The first couple are good because you aren't sure how the zombies are going to fit in, but the by the end of the book it was pretty predictable. Also some were confusing or boring and I ended up skipping them. There is a lot of character development in each story since it's a sample of the LZR series, but I didn't think it was good enough to draw me in, I just wanted zombies. I think it would be an alright series but I'm not sure I'll try it.
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