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Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse #2
Soldier On
73700 words. Approximately 300 pages.
Edited by Monique Happy
Monique Happy Editorial Services
Soldier On is Book Two in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series, picking up on day four where “Trudge: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse” left off.
Day one began the same as any other Saturday in Portland, Oregon. After months of rain people were out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of summer.
Cade Grayson dropped his wife Brook and daughter Raven off at Portland International Airport. They were bound for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to visit Brook’s parents.
On that eye opening first day, Cade’s introduction to the new world was hard to wrap his mind around. He was forced, in self defense, to kill his infected neighbors Ted and Lisa.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, nestled in the center of downtown Portland, was but one of the many flashpoints of a viral outbreak in the United States. By evening all of the hospitals in and around Portland were ravaged and teeming with ravenous walking dead. There was no triage, no way to cure them and by evening, for those unfortunate enough to be in a major metropolitan area, no way to escape them.
Day two saw Washington D.C. fall to the reanimated hordes in search of human flesh. After declaring martial law and calling back all of the soldiers, airmen and marines from overseas, President Bernard Odero was never heard from again.
Former Speaker of the House and now President by succession Valerie Clay is saddled with the seemingly insurmountable task of leading the country back from the brink of what may prove to be mankind’s Extinction Level Event. Her first order of business is to set up a safe haven in Colorado Springs as the new Capitol of the United States.
Delta Force commander Mike Desantos embarks on a new mission with his small team of Tier-One operators. They must rescue critical personnel from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia and retrieve any useful information they have gleaned concerning the Omega virus.
Cade Grayson, ex Delta Force operator narrowly escaped Portland, Oregon ahead of the massive exodus. He eventually ended up leading a group of survivors through the western high desert, losing five of them violently along the way.
After battling zombies and humans across the west, and still unsure of the well being or whereabouts of his family, Cade linked up with retiree Harry Conrad and Vietnam-era aviator Duncan Winters in Draper, Utah at Camp Williams, garrison for the 19th Special Forces Group.
While suffering a night of fitful sleep trying to block out the moans of the living dead, Cade made the decision to leave the base and soldier on alone, resuming his cross country search for his loved ones.
Can Valerie Clay bring the United States back from the brink and find a way to deal with the millions of undead?
Will Cade Grayson survive long enough to find his wife and daughter... still alive?
Can Mike Desantos complete his mission to the CDC and return to Colorado Springs in time to attend the birth of his first boy?
Or will the insatiable dead succeed in breaking the indomitable spirit of mankind...?
Edited by Monique Happy
Monique Happy Editorial Services
Soldier On is Book Two in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series, picking up on day four where “Trudge: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse” left off.
Day one began the same as any other Saturday in Portland, Oregon. After months of rain people were out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of summer.
Cade Grayson dropped his wife Brook and daughter Raven off at Portland International Airport. They were bound for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to visit Brook’s parents.
On that eye opening first day, Cade’s introduction to the new world was hard to wrap his mind around. He was forced, in self defense, to kill his infected neighbors Ted and Lisa.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, nestled in the center of downtown Portland, was but one of the many flashpoints of a viral outbreak in the United States. By evening all of the hospitals in and around Portland were ravaged and teeming with ravenous walking dead. There was no triage, no way to cure them and by evening, for those unfortunate enough to be in a major metropolitan area, no way to escape them.
Day two saw Washington D.C. fall to the reanimated hordes in search of human flesh. After declaring martial law and calling back all of the soldiers, airmen and marines from overseas, President Bernard Odero was never heard from again.
Former Speaker of the House and now President by succession Valerie Clay is saddled with the seemingly insurmountable task of leading the country back from the brink of what may prove to be mankind’s Extinction Level Event. Her first order of business is to set up a safe haven in Colorado Springs as the new Capitol of the United States.
Delta Force commander Mike Desantos embarks on a new mission with his small team of Tier-One operators. They must rescue critical personnel from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia and retrieve any useful information they have gleaned concerning the Omega virus.
Cade Grayson, ex Delta Force operator narrowly escaped Portland, Oregon ahead of the massive exodus. He eventually ended up leading a group of survivors through the western high desert, losing five of them violently along the way.
After battling zombies and humans across the west, and still unsure of the well being or whereabouts of his family, Cade linked up with retiree Harry Conrad and Vietnam-era aviator Duncan Winters in Draper, Utah at Camp Williams, garrison for the 19th Special Forces Group.
While suffering a night of fitful sleep trying to block out the moans of the living dead, Cade made the decision to leave the base and soldier on alone, resuming his cross country search for his loved ones.
Can Valerie Clay bring the United States back from the brink and find a way to deal with the millions of undead?
Will Cade Grayson survive long enough to find his wife and daughter... still alive?
Can Mike Desantos complete his mission to the CDC and return to Colorado Springs in time to attend the birth of his first boy?
Or will the insatiable dead succeed in breaking the indomitable spirit of mankind...?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
177 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 23, 2019
Definitely better than book one!
I liked the story of the first book, but the editing was terrible. This book shows some growth for the writer and better editing. I will admit I’m a fan, hoping book 3 will be better yet.
I liked the story of the first book, but the editing was terrible. This book shows some growth for the writer and better editing. I will admit I’m a fan, hoping book 3 will be better yet.
February 10, 2023
"Soldier On (Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse)" is a thrilling and action-packed novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set in a world where zombies have taken over, this book follows a group of soldiers navigating the dangers of this new reality, fighting for survival and searching for a way to end the apocalypse.
The writing in this book is fast-paced and engaging, and the author does an excellent job of building suspense and tension. The characters are well-developed, and the reader will find themselves rooting for them as they face seemingly insurmountable odds. The zombie action scenes are particularly well done, and the author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions of the post-apocalyptic world is sure to delight fans of the genre.
One of the standout features of this book is the depth of its world-building. The author has created a rich, complex world of interesting characters and unexpected twists. The plot is well thought-out, and the reader will be drawn into the story, eager to see how it unfolds.
In conclusion, "Soldier On (Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse)" is a must-read for fans of zombie fiction. The book is well-written, the characters are likable, and the world is rich and immersive. This thrilling and action-packed novel is sure to keep readers entertained from beginning to end and is highly recommended.
The writing in this book is fast-paced and engaging, and the author does an excellent job of building suspense and tension. The characters are well-developed, and the reader will find themselves rooting for them as they face seemingly insurmountable odds. The zombie action scenes are particularly well done, and the author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions of the post-apocalyptic world is sure to delight fans of the genre.
One of the standout features of this book is the depth of its world-building. The author has created a rich, complex world of interesting characters and unexpected twists. The plot is well thought-out, and the reader will be drawn into the story, eager to see how it unfolds.
In conclusion, "Soldier On (Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse)" is a must-read for fans of zombie fiction. The book is well-written, the characters are likable, and the world is rich and immersive. This thrilling and action-packed novel is sure to keep readers entertained from beginning to end and is highly recommended.
May 2, 2020
This was better written than the 1st one was, but I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone could could call it brilliant by any stretch of the imagination. I've read a lot of books in this genre, but I'm not a fan of how this author's biases bleed through his character voices. For example, a new character is introduced who has a chip on their shoulder. Okay, I can buy that this single character might dislike someone on the premise that they're fat. It was taken too far where his inner monologue is requiring him to restrain himself from murdering the guy out of disgust. Fine. But now the protagonist shows back up and has the exact same attitude, despite the fact that none of the character development up to this point has painted him in this light. I just don't buy it and it makes the protagonist a douche.
I get that they are only a week into this crisis, but at which point will people be smart enough to stop wasting ammo and start carrying proper melee weapons?
One big thing that also stands out is all the zombie infants. Don't get me wrong I understand the necessity of realism, but I find it to be sensationalism to have so many in separate areas simultaneously. Also, how did they become zombies? No bite marks are described and as far as I know there has been no indication that they can 'turn' without them. Even if they had been bitten, how would there be enough left to reanimate a newborn? In the NICU (pronounced Nick-Yew), there us no explanation of how a zombie open the neo-natal bassinet, bite the infant without consuming it, and then close it back up. It is sloppy continuity... Meanwhile, we have a delta force operator who becomes overcome with grief and gets killed, but the whole room full of operators is too slow to act also?
There is also an irony to making fun of Duncan's prepper brother when he's clearly the only one who was prepared for shit. Like in a post apocalyptic zombies books you need to remind your audience that you'd never be caught dead with an RPG loser.🙄 The author's writing screams of insecurity.
Damon's character is black with dreads. Okay, not sure why he needs to be referred to as "the black guy" when his character has already been established 1/2 a book earlier.
I generally don't spend time writing negative reviews. Honestly, I rarely write them at all with so much to read. However, in this case I made an exception... I can only hope that the writer continued to improve over time.
I get that they are only a week into this crisis, but at which point will people be smart enough to stop wasting ammo and start carrying proper melee weapons?
One big thing that also stands out is all the zombie infants. Don't get me wrong I understand the necessity of realism, but I find it to be sensationalism to have so many in separate areas simultaneously. Also, how did they become zombies? No bite marks are described and as far as I know there has been no indication that they can 'turn' without them. Even if they had been bitten, how would there be enough left to reanimate a newborn? In the NICU (pronounced Nick-Yew), there us no explanation of how a zombie open the neo-natal bassinet, bite the infant without consuming it, and then close it back up. It is sloppy continuity... Meanwhile, we have a delta force operator who becomes overcome with grief and gets killed, but the whole room full of operators is too slow to act also?
There is also an irony to making fun of Duncan's prepper brother when he's clearly the only one who was prepared for shit. Like in a post apocalyptic zombies books you need to remind your audience that you'd never be caught dead with an RPG loser.🙄 The author's writing screams of insecurity.
Damon's character is black with dreads. Okay, not sure why he needs to be referred to as "the black guy" when his character has already been established 1/2 a book earlier.
I generally don't spend time writing negative reviews. Honestly, I rarely write them at all with so much to read. However, in this case I made an exception... I can only hope that the writer continued to improve over time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2020
This is better than the first book. The women are getting some spunk and are much more realistic, and there are many new and interesting characters that are fleshing out well. One big butt - and that is the main character Cade. First, dumb annoying name. Second, he's a jerk. One character in particular seems to bring on his wrath and his crime? Being fat and a civilian. I'm former military and from a military family and I don't know a single soldier that thinks about civilians so negatively. Particularly special forces guys - they die and kill so that civilians can BE civilians. They stand between the worst the world (and undead ;) have to offer and the civilians they protect. I don't know any who would be so resentful and nasty just because a civilian acted like a civilian - scared s***less, confused, and not in top physical shape. Cade is just a mean jerk and not a good soldier. Other than that, good addition to the series.
February 15, 2013
This series has been a white knuckle read!! My hands have been tightly gripping my Nook from start to finish. I would suggest this author & series to anyone who loves Zombie, Action/Suspense and/or Apocolypse reads! KUDOS TO Shawn Chesser for an amazing series! He rocks! I'd rate this 10 stars if I could.
September 4, 2017
This book kind of dragged on for me...I didn't like how it didn't follow the main characters more...but they are all together now...so I like that!! Ok Start...slow middle and good ending..onto book 3!
April 15, 2013
I would suggest this author and book to anyone. It is full of zombies, military action and is fast paced. I couldn't put it down. YOU rock Shawn Chesser
June 23, 2014
I love Zombies !!! This series is one of the best I have read. Now I am on to book 3.... If you love Zombies I think you will like these ...
April 18, 2022
Again, listening to a book on the "Zombie Apocalypse" may seem to be silly, but I have to say, this series has been a much needed escape and actually an enjoyable read. If you let yourself go and just enjoy it for what it is, it is an enjoyable read. Isn't that what a book is supposed to be anyway?
The story plot is very far fetched, but can't that be said with some of the sci-fi books also. The characters are believable and developed, and the adventurous story line does keep you engaged and wondering what will happen next. It also further reflective in a realistic manner concerning what it would take and how it could possible occur for the collapse of our government, or to render it ineffective. I must say I found it predictable in some portions which is disappointing, figuring out the plot before it happens.
I am undecided if I will continue this series because it is a far fetched story line, but thus far, not a bad read.
The story plot is very far fetched, but can't that be said with some of the sci-fi books also. The characters are believable and developed, and the adventurous story line does keep you engaged and wondering what will happen next. It also further reflective in a realistic manner concerning what it would take and how it could possible occur for the collapse of our government, or to render it ineffective. I must say I found it predictable in some portions which is disappointing, figuring out the plot before it happens.
I am undecided if I will continue this series because it is a far fetched story line, but thus far, not a bad read.
August 31, 2019
Shawn Chesser is the master of the Zombie apocalypse genre. Follow his characters as they travers through a disaster of epic proportions. The human side is portrayed with masterful and thoughtful insite. The characters with their strengths and flaws are blended to give you an example of how you would undertake this journey. Many volumes follow so be prepared to go the distance.
July 22, 2017
I like the characters, lots of action
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more. I do sometimes gets mixed up with who the characters as there are quite a few parallel story lines.
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more. I do sometimes gets mixed up with who the characters as there are quite a few parallel story lines.
September 18, 2017
Another great addition
Only the second book in the series and I'm hooked. Characters are relatable and the book is full of action to keep you on the wedge of your seat the whole time.
Only the second book in the series and I'm hooked. Characters are relatable and the book is full of action to keep you on the wedge of your seat the whole time.
May 4, 2018
Another emotionally epic, well written tale.
Reading this series is like hooked on a top notch TV series. The reader just can’t wait to pick up the next installment.
Well worth the read.
Reading this series is like hooked on a top notch TV series. The reader just can’t wait to pick up the next installment.
Well worth the read.
August 4, 2018
Just getting better
I am really enjoying this series. Just when I think it will get corny it doesn't. Good characters while some stuff gets closure other stuff opens up.
Excited for the next book
I am really enjoying this series. Just when I think it will get corny it doesn't. Good characters while some stuff gets closure other stuff opens up.
Excited for the next book
May 26, 2017
So glad I picked up book 2
Nice follow up to book 1 and the added twist is a big bonus! I also enjoy the new characters along with the old ones!
Nice follow up to book 1 and the added twist is a big bonus! I also enjoy the new characters along with the old ones!
August 28, 2017
Good read. Lot of action, covered different locations, and different characters at once.
January 2, 2018
3.5 Solid series so far in the zombie genre.
January 26, 2018
Second time reading this series it is still great
I enjoy this book series it has ups and downs and not everyone is ready for the end of the world making the story more interesting
I enjoy this book series it has ups and downs and not everyone is ready for the end of the world making the story more interesting
June 7, 2018
Really like book 2 from Shawn Chesser. It starts to be a really cool story. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 18, 2018
Another great book in series.
So I’m on my second reading of this series. It’s better then I remember. You should do yourself a favor and pick it up!
So I’m on my second reading of this series. It’s better then I remember. You should do yourself a favor and pick it up!
October 17, 2018
Highly recommend
January 20, 2021
Non stop action
Outstanding story with many surprises . Who is going to live and who will die(?). A definite must read for zombie fans.
Outstanding story with many surprises . Who is going to live and who will die(?). A definite must read for zombie fans.
August 2, 2021
exciting
May 30, 2022
Cool
Another great book from beginning to the end.the story keeps you reading hard to put down I'm buying book 3 and starting that.
Another great book from beginning to the end.the story keeps you reading hard to put down I'm buying book 3 and starting that.
November 15, 2022
I was hoping the series would get better not worse. I know it's set in a zombie apocalypse but some of the situations are just illogical, confusing, and lame.
October 30, 2018
Intriguing & captivating
Well written story line. Multiple characters keep ones interest. Excellent assessment of how different people might react when faced with the end (or new beginning).
Well written story line. Multiple characters keep ones interest. Excellent assessment of how different people might react when faced with the end (or new beginning).
March 11, 2017
Review to come.
January 4, 2016
The continuing story of Cade and his search for his family during the zombie apocalypse
Former Special Ops Delta Force soldier Cade Grayson is trying to survive. Zombies are everywhere. The “Omega” virus has turned the dead into the living dead. His wife and daughter are out there somewhere, at least he hopes so. Follow Cade and his ragtag group of survivors in the next story in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series.
The narration for Soldier on was done by Chris Patton. Patton did the narration for the first book Trudge also, and since I just listened to Trudge not too long ago I’m really glad that I got to continue with the story. To me, Chris Patton IS Cade Grayson. He has the perfect voice to give you a feeling of complete control all while everything is falling apart around him
Soldier on picks up directly after Trudge did, literally being the next sentence. I’m really glad that I was given the opportunity to listen to this in quick sucession because the story was fascinating to me. Normally a zombie book is all about either a survivor or the zombies. If it’s about the survivor, there are usually two camps, either they are unlikely survivors or likely. Cade falls into the likely category due to his training, but for some reason this book feels completely different from other books like it. I’m going to chalk it up to the way that Chesser writes the story. Cade’s air of confidence while everything around him goes to crap is really interesting, and even though he’s confident, he’s not cocky.
Chesser does a wonderful job painting the scenes without overdoing it. So many times authors will spend page after page describing something that is a passing glimpse. Chesser, thankfully, does not do this. The reader is given just enough information to feel informed, and then he moves on.
Many times I found myself on the edge of my seat. I would say that Solider On kept me up late, but I listened to it in two quick successions because I couldn’t get enough of it!
Another part that I really enjoyed was the slight nod to a backstory, and the new inclusion of some conspiracy theory in too.
Soldier On was better than Trudge, and I loved Trudge. I can’t wait to see where this series is going. Cade, I’m coming with ya!
Former Special Ops Delta Force soldier Cade Grayson is trying to survive. Zombies are everywhere. The “Omega” virus has turned the dead into the living dead. His wife and daughter are out there somewhere, at least he hopes so. Follow Cade and his ragtag group of survivors in the next story in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series.
The narration for Soldier on was done by Chris Patton. Patton did the narration for the first book Trudge also, and since I just listened to Trudge not too long ago I’m really glad that I got to continue with the story. To me, Chris Patton IS Cade Grayson. He has the perfect voice to give you a feeling of complete control all while everything is falling apart around him
Soldier on picks up directly after Trudge did, literally being the next sentence. I’m really glad that I was given the opportunity to listen to this in quick sucession because the story was fascinating to me. Normally a zombie book is all about either a survivor or the zombies. If it’s about the survivor, there are usually two camps, either they are unlikely survivors or likely. Cade falls into the likely category due to his training, but for some reason this book feels completely different from other books like it. I’m going to chalk it up to the way that Chesser writes the story. Cade’s air of confidence while everything around him goes to crap is really interesting, and even though he’s confident, he’s not cocky.
Chesser does a wonderful job painting the scenes without overdoing it. So many times authors will spend page after page describing something that is a passing glimpse. Chesser, thankfully, does not do this. The reader is given just enough information to feel informed, and then he moves on.
Many times I found myself on the edge of my seat. I would say that Solider On kept me up late, but I listened to it in two quick successions because I couldn’t get enough of it!
Another part that I really enjoyed was the slight nod to a backstory, and the new inclusion of some conspiracy theory in too.
Soldier On was better than Trudge, and I loved Trudge. I can’t wait to see where this series is going. Cade, I’m coming with ya!
July 6, 2014
This 2nd book in the series picked up from the first and it basically continues the storyline. The first quarter of the book definitely contained more action than the first book and then the middle part of the book was utterly slow. It introduced a lot of "side storylines" some of which just seemed rather pointless like "Why was this introduced?" when it didn't lead into anything. It felt like there were a lot of pointless fillers in this book. Much of the dialogue in this book didn't really serve to advance the story line much. Rather it was more like "idle dialogue" that was aimed to home in and remind the reader that whatever the protagonist is going through, it is dire and important and "time is of the essence." Despite all these "side storylines" it still felt like a sluggish read from the middle half until towards the end of the 3rd quarter of the book wherein the pace quickly sped up. It was still a good read albeit, it did feel like it bounced around a lot.
February 16, 2014
I'm enjoying this book series at the moment while i'm slowly reading them in between other books. Although brilliantly written, I did find this second novel rather dull. I find that it switches to much between the different characters and so it gets confusing at times to what is happening to who. I also find that it goes to much into the military aspects of the whole situation and would like it to focus more on the main characters and the challenges they are facing with the zombies and their new life they have to live.
All in all i am looking forward to reading the rest of the books but it shall take some time as i find i can't read one after the other.
Would recommend these books to zombie fanatics or people who are into military work and fighting.
All in all i am looking forward to reading the rest of the books but it shall take some time as i find i can't read one after the other.
Would recommend these books to zombie fanatics or people who are into military work and fighting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews