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A New World #2
Return
Safety is the dream.
Nightmare is the reality. A nightmare where danger lurks around every corner.
Jack Walker, journeyed half way around the world and completed his daring rescue. He must now return home, traversing a world filled with endless hordes of night runners; the genetically altered, ferocious species that now inhabit the dark recesses left over from the demise of mankind and now dominate the planet. The only things more dominate are the billions of corpses left to rot where they died.
It is through this world that Jack must use his special forces training to lead a small group of survivors back home to where there is the faint hope of sanctuary. His training is pushed to the limits as he is confronted with situation after situation coming face to face with the night runners. He must walk that delicate, fine edge between action and keeping his kids out of harm's way; between taking risks and turning away as he continues his quest for survival.
Never having walked away from risky situations, Jack must now carefully weigh his decisions as the stakes are much higher. His kids' very safety hangs in the balance, along with the safety of the few remaining survivors. This gripping, action-packed tale tells Jack's story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with peril.
Safety is the dream.
Nightmare is the reality. Those who have survived remember a time when the dream was the reality. But now, the world has moved on.
Nightmare is the reality. A nightmare where danger lurks around every corner.
Jack Walker, journeyed half way around the world and completed his daring rescue. He must now return home, traversing a world filled with endless hordes of night runners; the genetically altered, ferocious species that now inhabit the dark recesses left over from the demise of mankind and now dominate the planet. The only things more dominate are the billions of corpses left to rot where they died.
It is through this world that Jack must use his special forces training to lead a small group of survivors back home to where there is the faint hope of sanctuary. His training is pushed to the limits as he is confronted with situation after situation coming face to face with the night runners. He must walk that delicate, fine edge between action and keeping his kids out of harm's way; between taking risks and turning away as he continues his quest for survival.
Never having walked away from risky situations, Jack must now carefully weigh his decisions as the stakes are much higher. His kids' very safety hangs in the balance, along with the safety of the few remaining survivors. This gripping, action-packed tale tells Jack's story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with peril.
Safety is the dream.
Nightmare is the reality. Those who have survived remember a time when the dream was the reality. But now, the world has moved on.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2011
78 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
John O'Brien
45 books285 followersJohn 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.
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 24, 2019
Nice!! What a breath of fresh air to have an opportunity to listen to a military bad a- - female (Lynn) who also happens to be the lead protagonist's (Jack) girlfriend. She commands the men beneath her like it is nobody's business, while at the same time uses her natural ability to seamlessly garner their unending respect. All men (whether above or below her in rank) appear to have immense trust and admiration for her, both as a human being, as well as a ranked servicewoman.
Love those "Night Runners!" Added a lot of intense, twists and turns, resulting in some amazing Zombie fighting. So fun to listen to their unrelenting pursuit of human prey, and the phenomenal play-by-play graphic details as they were being read.
Unfortunately, more than a few audible reviewers (why I never read reviews until I finish a book, and wish I had not broken my streak here) revealed a punishable (wish there was such a thing)) spoiler alert or (as in this case), the lack thereof- no alert given. . . NOPE. NADA. Ticked me off! This tremendous reveal happens in the next (#3) edition. Evidently, the "spoiler" is a huge part of the plot. That being said, lesson learned, and still committed to the series. Also does not hurt knowing (the one positive that came out of reading them) the reviews for the next book are stellar.
I like Mark Gagliardi's narration a lot! (Too many hating reviewers out there.) He is the perfect voice for Jack and has done an excellent job developing the characters wonderfully right along with the storyline. Mr. Gagliardi also executes the female voices exceptionally well, (imagine this is not easy for most men) and I am looking forward with great anticipation to hearing him narrate the rest of the series.
Author, John O'Brien, has made an excellent start, as this series is original, and immediately grabbed me. Eager to find out what happens with Jack, Lynn, his kids, etcetera. . . and see how the series progresses. #Hooyah!
Love those "Night Runners!" Added a lot of intense, twists and turns, resulting in some amazing Zombie fighting. So fun to listen to their unrelenting pursuit of human prey, and the phenomenal play-by-play graphic details as they were being read.
Unfortunately, more than a few audible reviewers (why I never read reviews until I finish a book, and wish I had not broken my streak here) revealed a punishable (wish there was such a thing)) spoiler alert or (as in this case), the lack thereof- no alert given. . . NOPE. NADA. Ticked me off! This tremendous reveal happens in the next (#3) edition. Evidently, the "spoiler" is a huge part of the plot. That being said, lesson learned, and still committed to the series. Also does not hurt knowing (the one positive that came out of reading them) the reviews for the next book are stellar.
I like Mark Gagliardi's narration a lot! (Too many hating reviewers out there.) He is the perfect voice for Jack and has done an excellent job developing the characters wonderfully right along with the storyline. Mr. Gagliardi also executes the female voices exceptionally well, (imagine this is not easy for most men) and I am looking forward with great anticipation to hearing him narrate the rest of the series.
Author, John O'Brien, has made an excellent start, as this series is original, and immediately grabbed me. Eager to find out what happens with Jack, Lynn, his kids, etcetera. . . and see how the series progresses. #Hooyah!
March 2, 2025
3.5 but rated higher than the last in actual visible stars (rounded up to four instead of down to three like I did for the first book).
Better than the first, with more action and less detail (there was way too much detail in the first).
I went straight and bought the third.
That says something.
Something good.
Better than the first, with more action and less detail (there was way too much detail in the first).
I went straight and bought the third.
That says something.
Something good.
September 6, 2014
First paragraph: The sound of feet running behind him was constant as he ran through the darkened streets. On this clear, summer night, the moon was out and almost full causing his skin to tingle only slightly from the reflected light. It wasn’t as bad as when the other bright light, which caused immediate and intense pain, was in the sky.
I confess I disliked the first book in this series, which makes my appreciation of this second part of "A New World" that much more surprising and enjoyable, even. In "Return," Jack Walker and his crew must return back home, to McChord AFB, from Kuwait, where he rescued girlfriend Lynn and her mates. The return journey is fraught with danger from the night runners, and rescues of misfortunate souls who have the fortune, actually, of running into Jack Walker.
Jack's got Teflon armor! He's the epitome of military might and common sense and can-do attitude, with a compassion and caring thrown in there. Jack takes on a CDC-building full of night runners and emerges unscathed. He rescues a stray dog. He's MacGuyver. And, he's really grown on me. You can't help but root for the hero.
I also appreciate that the writing in this second book appears more refined towards the story itself. Gone are the long, internal monologues and flashbacks in Jack's head, of endless details on 'how-to-do' something, or a past experience that is recounted ad nauseum. Here, there are a few relevant flashbacks, but they are kept to a minimum. Instead, we gets lots of action, more characters introduced, and a more focused emphasis on the night runners themselves.
A very good read. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I confess I disliked the first book in this series, which makes my appreciation of this second part of "A New World" that much more surprising and enjoyable, even. In "Return," Jack Walker and his crew must return back home, to McChord AFB, from Kuwait, where he rescued girlfriend Lynn and her mates. The return journey is fraught with danger from the night runners, and rescues of misfortunate souls who have the fortune, actually, of running into Jack Walker.
Jack's got Teflon armor! He's the epitome of military might and common sense and can-do attitude, with a compassion and caring thrown in there. Jack takes on a CDC-building full of night runners and emerges unscathed. He rescues a stray dog. He's MacGuyver. And, he's really grown on me. You can't help but root for the hero.
I also appreciate that the writing in this second book appears more refined towards the story itself. Gone are the long, internal monologues and flashbacks in Jack's head, of endless details on 'how-to-do' something, or a past experience that is recounted ad nauseum. Here, there are a few relevant flashbacks, but they are kept to a minimum. Instead, we gets lots of action, more characters introduced, and a more focused emphasis on the night runners themselves.
A very good read. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
January 8, 2024
Review from my audible experience:
I don’t really like the MC or the narrator, both I would describe as arrogant and trying too hard to impress us.
Jack finally takes a backseat one time while the team goes off on another dangerous mission, but of course they fail without Jack who is the only one to be able to complete the mission, single-handedly. And then is called a superhero while the others watch and dutifully ooh and ahhh. All the while, the narrator is using his most Uber man voice to portray this Superman or should I say, Batman with his expensive toys and deep voice?
Ok and with all of that said, there is a lot of action, an interesting story premise and the epilogue in particular makes you Want to keep going. Throw in a ton of details and what if scenarios that the author picks apart and handles flawlessly and you have to admit, it’s a great story.
I don’t really like the MC or the narrator, both I would describe as arrogant and trying too hard to impress us.
Jack finally takes a backseat one time while the team goes off on another dangerous mission, but of course they fail without Jack who is the only one to be able to complete the mission, single-handedly. And then is called a superhero while the others watch and dutifully ooh and ahhh. All the while, the narrator is using his most Uber man voice to portray this Superman or should I say, Batman with his expensive toys and deep voice?
Ok and with all of that said, there is a lot of action, an interesting story premise and the epilogue in particular makes you Want to keep going. Throw in a ton of details and what if scenarios that the author picks apart and handles flawlessly and you have to admit, it’s a great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
This is a direct continuation of the story begun in Book 1. I appreciate the pacing - this story can never be described as slow. I also am coming to value the tone of the book. While it includes a militaristic approach to battle with the "nightrunners," this series' zombie-type creature, using great details for painting attack/defense scenes, it also maintains a tone of lightness and positivity. This is primarily driven by the inclusion of the protagonists children and loved ones into the story. Oh, and a dog. Dogs make everything better.
December 10, 2017
Awesome adventure!!
Just finished reading both the first and second book in this series. Really fresh look on my favorite genre. Can't put this series down, always looking for this kind of story and you have done a great job of getting a different aspect to think of. Would recommend this series to anyone because it is told so well. Thank you Mr. O'BRien! Sincerely, Debora Seifert
Just finished reading both the first and second book in this series. Really fresh look on my favorite genre. Can't put this series down, always looking for this kind of story and you have done a great job of getting a different aspect to think of. Would recommend this series to anyone because it is told so well. Thank you Mr. O'BRien! Sincerely, Debora Seifert
October 14, 2022
Interesting premise and situations make for a darn good read. Very realistic small combat situations against an unforgiving and relentless enemy. I am very much looking forward to continuing this series.
April 29, 2024
a good return on investment.
A fast paced sequel, just as good as the first! The Return is a high adrenaline sequel, lots of quality action, still the great characters and intro to some new ones.
A fast paced sequel, just as good as the first! The Return is a high adrenaline sequel, lots of quality action, still the great characters and intro to some new ones.
August 10, 2017
And the adventures continue awesome story. Take your time and enjoy this gem
July 2, 2018
Better than the first but we are still stuck learning about flying. I don’t need to know details about the plane or read about old flying stories
July 14, 2019
Already addicted to this series! Lots of action and tension. Storyline is strong and the characters are very likeable.
May 3, 2022
Another Winning Book
I love this series. It's my second time reading it and it's so exciting I feel like i gbgt's new! Great characters!
Thank you
I love this series. It's my second time reading it and it's so exciting I feel like i gbgt's new! Great characters!
Thank you
October 29, 2015
ABR's original Return audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
In Chaos, the first book in this series, Jack Walker commandeered an aircraft to rescue his wife from a military base in Kuwait. Now in Return, they must all return home.
O’Brien made me really happy by giving the monster creatures a fantastic name, NightRunners, not zombies. Because they are really not your typical zombies. They really only come out at night or occupy dark building and such. They run fast, can open doors, they even go to the bathroom, err, relieve themselves. I love this simple twist on the classic undead that everyone knows.
On their journey home this group winds up getting the bright idea to try to get more information on what has happened and where the nightrunners came from. Now, where would you go to get such details? The CDC (Center for Disease Control) or course. But along the way they must land every so often for supplies. Because of these two factors they run into hordes, maybe the better term would be several infested buildings. Bringing the action level up to a ten.
Return has so much action and tension early on, it made me want to keep listening for more. So much more than Chaos. One of my favorite parts of the story was the ending, and not because it ended, I know some of you thought I was going to go there. But not at all. What I liked about the ending was, no cliffhanger. Sure there was a great setup for the next book but it didn’t end making me feel like the story was incomplete.
Even though I did not enjoy the huge role that the groups airplane took in the story. The intricacies of flying and all that. I do understand why it was there. It is the first apocalyptic story where the group can actually fly where ever they want, except for maybe Day by Day Armageddon.
If you want a military-ish, high tension, action packed apocalypse story with not so common ghoulish hordes. Look no further than the New World series. I have a feeling that from here on out the story is going to get much more complex.
In the year between the release on the first book and this one Mark Gagliardi has changed his narration style so dramatically that some of the reviewers on Audible think that it is a different guy. Well it is the same narrator and yes Gagliardi has grown much as a narrator. While I think it will still take some getting used to as he is still a bit rough around the edges, I really hope that he continues to grow! There where however some noticeable production issues. In several spots you could really tell that a recording session ended and another began. Volume levels would switch fairly dramatically.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
In Chaos, the first book in this series, Jack Walker commandeered an aircraft to rescue his wife from a military base in Kuwait. Now in Return, they must all return home.
O’Brien made me really happy by giving the monster creatures a fantastic name, NightRunners, not zombies. Because they are really not your typical zombies. They really only come out at night or occupy dark building and such. They run fast, can open doors, they even go to the bathroom, err, relieve themselves. I love this simple twist on the classic undead that everyone knows.
On their journey home this group winds up getting the bright idea to try to get more information on what has happened and where the nightrunners came from. Now, where would you go to get such details? The CDC (Center for Disease Control) or course. But along the way they must land every so often for supplies. Because of these two factors they run into hordes, maybe the better term would be several infested buildings. Bringing the action level up to a ten.
Return has so much action and tension early on, it made me want to keep listening for more. So much more than Chaos. One of my favorite parts of the story was the ending, and not because it ended, I know some of you thought I was going to go there. But not at all. What I liked about the ending was, no cliffhanger. Sure there was a great setup for the next book but it didn’t end making me feel like the story was incomplete.
Even though I did not enjoy the huge role that the groups airplane took in the story. The intricacies of flying and all that. I do understand why it was there. It is the first apocalyptic story where the group can actually fly where ever they want, except for maybe Day by Day Armageddon.
If you want a military-ish, high tension, action packed apocalypse story with not so common ghoulish hordes. Look no further than the New World series. I have a feeling that from here on out the story is going to get much more complex.
In the year between the release on the first book and this one Mark Gagliardi has changed his narration style so dramatically that some of the reviewers on Audible think that it is a different guy. Well it is the same narrator and yes Gagliardi has grown much as a narrator. While I think it will still take some getting used to as he is still a bit rough around the edges, I really hope that he continues to grow! There where however some noticeable production issues. In several spots you could really tell that a recording session ended and another began. Volume levels would switch fairly dramatically.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
June 23, 2012
I really wish I could say that this series is terrible and the writing is horrific, but I can't!! The 2nd book was even better than the first. John O'Brien does a great job of interweaving his past military knowledge with humor and suspense through this book. I found myself laughing at the banter between Jack and Lynn, but even more so when reading Jack's inner dialogue to himself. It sounds just like things I would be saying to myself-minus all the combat/zombie issues.
This really is a great series that is completely different than any "zombie" books I have read. I really like the fact that Jack has him family around him, he has a big heart tempered with a take no bs from anyone attitude, and the story line focuses on a bigger picture than just lots of fight scenes with "night runners" as Jack and his group now call them.
I like the test message that popped up on his open phone lying in his hands, "Are you alive? I need help."
Excellent series. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
This really is a great series that is completely different than any "zombie" books I have read. I really like the fact that Jack has him family around him, he has a big heart tempered with a take no bs from anyone attitude, and the story line focuses on a bigger picture than just lots of fight scenes with "night runners" as Jack and his group now call them.
I like the test message that popped up on his open phone lying in his hands, "Are you alive? I need help."
Excellent series. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
February 21, 2014
Return continues where Chaos left off. Jack was successful in finding his girlfriend and now he is headed home. There are necessary stops along the way and at each one, danger is waiting. As Jack and his group of survivors face these dangers, they learn more about the nature of the Night Runners. They also pick up a few new survivors- some military, some civilians. There is a lot of action in this book, but I like that the author is able to keep the scenes exciting without sacrificing character development. A New World: Return has one of those "What the heck?!" endings that makes you want to read the next book immediately. The good news is, there are seven more books after this one and you don't have to wait for them!
April 16, 2016
I WANT TO LOVE THIS SERIES! But sadly I am not...I like the narrator a whole lot, and I like Jack...and I like his night zombies...its just a bit technical in parts, and military based...and the character development for the other characters, is really slow....I found myself zoning out quite a bit...and a little bored at times...I do like the story concept...and we get more explanation of the virus and monsters in this one....and let me just say, these are scary zombies, they think...and they communicate with each other, and are super fast!!! I am moving on to book 3, the reviews say its the best story line yet...so I am willing to give it another shot...I didn't hate this story at all..its pretty good...I just don't love it...and I like to love my books..especially my zombie fiction!
October 3, 2015
Captain Jack accomplished the Kuwait rescue of his girlfriend along with two dozen additional surviving soldiers from her company. Book two chronicles the return trip home and the difficulties encountered. They pick up another dozen soldiers from one of their fuel stops and then a few more resulting from a radio distress call. They've amassed a nice little force on their trip which will certainly help in their next development stage. Jack's plan is to build a sanctuary for all the survivors for the foreseeable future, or the long haul as he puts it. Hence the lead in to book three "Sanctuary".
January 7, 2013
1. What did you like and what could of been better?
Just like the last book I loved every second of it, it had me on the edge of my seat every second of the way.
2. What kind of diction/syntax did the author use?
The author used more formal language once more of a military presence was built, but he started to glorify the violence a bit more then the last book.
3. What was the books overall message/ moral dilemma?
Never give up hope no matter how bad things look, and that their is always an answer to every problem, it may be confusing, hard, or inconvenient, it is still an answer.
Just like the last book I loved every second of it, it had me on the edge of my seat every second of the way.
2. What kind of diction/syntax did the author use?
The author used more formal language once more of a military presence was built, but he started to glorify the violence a bit more then the last book.
3. What was the books overall message/ moral dilemma?
Never give up hope no matter how bad things look, and that their is always an answer to every problem, it may be confusing, hard, or inconvenient, it is still an answer.
May 24, 2013
I know it is repetitive to say the same thing, but I really just enjoy these! Keep it comming!
I love this series! Normal people, okay maybe they are far more witty than I am, but I wish I had thier smarmy come-backs!
Anyways, way fun, emotional, sorta zombie infected / omega man type ragers who make life hell for our heros!
I reccomend this series for anyone who likes witty, well written post apocalypse, zombie, or adventure stories!
I love this series! Normal people, okay maybe they are far more witty than I am, but I wish I had thier smarmy come-backs!
Anyways, way fun, emotional, sorta zombie infected / omega man type ragers who make life hell for our heros!
I reccomend this series for anyone who likes witty, well written post apocalypse, zombie, or adventure stories!
August 20, 2015
There were things that annoyed me in the series but as I read, it grew on me. You have to suspend disbelief regarding how well prepared is the protagonist and his children but all in all I like the dynamic of the group of survivors as well as the day to day progression of said survival.
There are also hints that I find very intriguing that keep spicing up the entire thing, like what exactly are the "night runners" and how their condition may change.
There are also hints that I find very intriguing that keep spicing up the entire thing, like what exactly are the "night runners" and how their condition may change.
October 24, 2014
This is a really good series of books. (Well, the first two are.) the settings is good and the author's background knowledge of the military and flying add a level of authenticity it's easy to read and the setting is well presented. It's also a nice approach to the "zombie" (I use this word advisedly) setting.
July 7, 2015
A huge drop-off from the first in my opinion. In the first book everything was new. Mistakes should be expected.
Yet in this book the only solution they have for any problem is adding more firepower or sneaking past it not out thinking it and using the assets they have at hand.
I hope book 3 is better or it will be the end of the road for me.
Yet in this book the only solution they have for any problem is adding more firepower or sneaking past it not out thinking it and using the assets they have at hand.
I hope book 3 is better or it will be the end of the road for me.
June 14, 2013
Love the concept, hate the writer's style. I actually skip pages when the author goes into insane detail about how to land a plane, or whatever. Never done that before. I wish the books were on the $2 level instead of $5 because then I might pay to read the rest. :/
May 3, 2014
A must read!
I started with the first book and couldn't sleep so I rushed for the second cause I had to know what was next for jack and his family. I must have and must read, it's addicting!
I started with the first book and couldn't sleep so I rushed for the second cause I had to know what was next for jack and his family. I must have and must read, it's addicting!
February 29, 2012
A great sequel, full of action and adventure, and better written than the first.
May 14, 2012
Love this series. Writer spins a great story and keeps you wanting more. I had difficulty putting the book down. Waiting for the next book to come out so he best get busy now.
August 18, 2012
I really was amazed how these books came out.
October 12, 2012
Just gets better and better.
March 7, 2014
loving this series!
March 23, 2015
Boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews