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Badlands Trilogy #1
Into the Badlands
It’s been three years since a devastating pandemic transformed most of the world’s human population into vicious, wild animals. Ed Brady and his two sons have relied solely on each other in order to survive a world completely devoid of stability and structure. Their goal: reach the city by the river where they may have some chance of finding salvation.
As Ed and his boys travel across the wasteland that was once the Midwestern United States, they encounter other survivors along the way: Trish Connor, who discovers that some of the worst monsters in the new world aren’t the infected. Dave Porter, his wife and their friend, who eke out a living scavenging houses until their survival is threatened by two gunmen. Brenda Peterson and Tammy Koch, misfits in the old world, whose friendship will be tested by new acquaintances. And Mitchell Burdette, a grizzled old gunslinger who finds redemption and purpose after losing everything to the virus.
As their paths inevitably intertwine, Ed must remain steadfast that his sworn mission to see that his boys know safety and happiness is not compromised. Surrounded by the constant threat of attack, can they make it to the city before their luck runs out? And if they can, what will be waiting for them there when they arrive? Will the city be the safe haven they so desperately need, or will it be just another ruined metropolis teeming with hordes of the infected?
As Ed and his boys travel across the wasteland that was once the Midwestern United States, they encounter other survivors along the way: Trish Connor, who discovers that some of the worst monsters in the new world aren’t the infected. Dave Porter, his wife and their friend, who eke out a living scavenging houses until their survival is threatened by two gunmen. Brenda Peterson and Tammy Koch, misfits in the old world, whose friendship will be tested by new acquaintances. And Mitchell Burdette, a grizzled old gunslinger who finds redemption and purpose after losing everything to the virus.
As their paths inevitably intertwine, Ed must remain steadfast that his sworn mission to see that his boys know safety and happiness is not compromised. Surrounded by the constant threat of attack, can they make it to the city before their luck runs out? And if they can, what will be waiting for them there when they arrive? Will the city be the safe haven they so desperately need, or will it be just another ruined metropolis teeming with hordes of the infected?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2011
30 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Brian J. Jarrett
22 books30 followersBrian J. Jarrett is a computer programmer and a horror/thriller writer. His debut novel, Into the Badlands, went on to spend months in the Amazon horror top 100 list. He’s since written a sequel and more than a half-dozen novels featuring horror, crime, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic themes, all delivered in a fast-paced thriller style that will grab you and keep you turning those pages.
Bored with long-winded backstory and a fan of all things horror, Brian writes books that will appeal to fans of Stephen King, J.A. Konrath, Blake Crouch, Keith C. Blackmore and Tim Curran, to name a few.
Brian currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and children. When not writing he can be found building star schemas, walking arrays and occasionally disappearing into the woods where no cell phone phone signal can be found.
Bored with long-winded backstory and a fan of all things horror, Brian writes books that will appeal to fans of Stephen King, J.A. Konrath, Blake Crouch, Keith C. Blackmore and Tim Curran, to name a few.
Brian currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife and children. When not writing he can be found building star schemas, walking arrays and occasionally disappearing into the woods where no cell phone phone signal can be found.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 15, 2013
For a self-published book, this was a great endeavor. I am a grammar and spelling Nazi, and I didn't find too many mistakes like you do in a lot of self-published works. The book did nothing new, so far as zombie books go, and there was no explanation of the outbreak (was it government, terrorists, a vaccine gone wrong, etc.). There were quite a few loose ends left dangling - that I won't mention here, so as not to create spoilers. Indeed, a few times, I truly wondered if the author has been sued by TWD and Zombieland? He calls his zombies "carriers" and "The Walking Death"...and there's one scene, that immediately made Tallahassee spring to mind...
Still, I gave it four stars, because it was good enough for me to read in an afternoon, and because I did like most of the characters. I think, if there is a sequel, a little more exposition and better denouement are in order. Maybe clear up some "huh, why did that happen?"
Still, I gave it four stars, because it was good enough for me to read in an afternoon, and because I did like most of the characters. I think, if there is a sequel, a little more exposition and better denouement are in order. Maybe clear up some "huh, why did that happen?"
May 2, 2012
Brian J. Jarrett brings a fresh (If possible!) new look at zombies even though the story isn't about them, but rather more about the survivors. Lots of suspense and solid plot that moves quickly along. Especially for being a self-published book, this book is an excellent effort.
August 5, 2013
I enjoyed it. Not the best zombie book but not even close to the worst. The character development was not as strong a it could have been on most areas and lacking with others.
I had pockets and moments of being lost in the story and then it didn't get deep enough. It was two-dimensional. When a character dies I should have felt something but didn't.
I'm glad it wasn't a good ole boy zombie read with whose stockpile of looted guns is bigger than yours. But It really could have been so much more. Everything was either a ,"who give a s*" moment or left me hanging wanting more. Predictable to a fault.
But I sit her wondering should I rate it a 2 or 3 star or smack-dab in the middle and I think if it wasn't for Ed (the father) I would have rated this a sold 2. Ugh if we had 1-10 this would very a 4. So I will leave my 3.
Do I recommend it? Zombie aficionados read, watch and take anything than can grab. It's worth checking out if your one. But it's not a strong recommendation. I bought it or got it free on a KDP day ..I think..who knows. I don't consider my time wasted. Like I said I thought it was OK and like it enough. I just feel it was too flat and did not have any breath-holding moments zombie books should have. I never was caught off guard. Ever.
I had pockets and moments of being lost in the story and then it didn't get deep enough. It was two-dimensional. When a character dies I should have felt something but didn't.
I'm glad it wasn't a good ole boy zombie read with whose stockpile of looted guns is bigger than yours. But It really could have been so much more. Everything was either a ,"who give a s*" moment or left me hanging wanting more. Predictable to a fault.
But I sit her wondering should I rate it a 2 or 3 star or smack-dab in the middle and I think if it wasn't for Ed (the father) I would have rated this a sold 2. Ugh if we had 1-10 this would very a 4. So I will leave my 3.
Do I recommend it? Zombie aficionados read, watch and take anything than can grab. It's worth checking out if your one. But it's not a strong recommendation. I bought it or got it free on a KDP day ..I think..who knows. I don't consider my time wasted. Like I said I thought it was OK and like it enough. I just feel it was too flat and did not have any breath-holding moments zombie books should have. I never was caught off guard. Ever.
May 8, 2016
WOW, I don't say that often like never...but if you like the Walking Dead you have to try this series.
In this first book we encounter different group of people and at some point they'll merge together to survive, you know the "safety in numbers" etc....
It's a stories of friends, fathers and sons, wives and hopefully for them those zombies don't need to be killed with a bullet in the brain because even if they're like some ravenous animals they could be killed like any human (ie bullet in the chest) but some are quite fast and they can put theirs hands up to block a blown (WTF ! lol)
There's some time when you cry, you laugh and you jump in your seat.
Can't wait to start Book 2.
In this first book we encounter different group of people and at some point they'll merge together to survive, you know the "safety in numbers" etc....
It's a stories of friends, fathers and sons, wives and hopefully for them those zombies don't need to be killed with a bullet in the brain because even if they're like some ravenous animals they could be killed like any human (ie bullet in the chest) but some are quite fast and they can put theirs hands up to block a blown (WTF ! lol)
There's some time when you cry, you laugh and you jump in your seat.
Can't wait to start Book 2.
June 11, 2013
It was okay. No real story arc, just a "we're on the road and bad things happen" story. The ending was anti-climatic and not that original. It started out decent, but went downhill. Lots of plot elements that got old; crying, lots of crying, walking along some highway hitting an exit, over-and-over-and-over, find some food, stay on highway, nothing will get you...
Also, the writing structure was all tell, no show. Little glimmers here and there that it could have been better, but it was basically, okay.
Also, the writing structure was all tell, no show. Little glimmers here and there that it could have been better, but it was basically, okay.
January 11, 2012
Listened to most of it on kindle. What I read looked like it needed some editing, but the story was good enough and characters interesting enough so the few mistakes weren't that distracting. Enjoyable, fast-paced, suspenseful.
February 10, 2013
Story was good but writing was lacking. Too many repeats of the same idea over and over, lots of 'huh?' moments, and predictable plots lines. Other times the author skimmed over explanations of why someone made the choice they did. Seemed hastily written.
June 18, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
June 12, 2012
One of the better zombie books I've read. More character than action driven. Good writing and pacing. Recommend for z-book lovers.
January 5, 2013
A quick read, engaging story, but abrupt ending. Not the best zombie story I've read, but a decent read while waiting for Walking Dead to come back on TV.
April 28, 2013
Well done with nothing flashy. Worth a read.
April 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and it seemed very real. I understood the passion the father felt to save his sons.
October 23, 2012
Great zombie story..
October 17, 2012
WoW! I sure wouldn't want to live thru something like this. Who knows? Is it that far fetched?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews