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A New World #4
Taken
Dark clouds gather
A storm is breaking...
With the sanctuary built, there is a respite from the nightly night runner assaults. Jack Walker and the group of survivors have bought themselves a little breathing room. Or have they?
A peaceful daytime outing turns into yet another nightmare sweeping Robert and Bri up with it. The world has changed. Another danger has emerged. Ferocious packs of night runners still prowl at night and Jack must now locate and rescue his kids. With vengeance on his mind, he heads into the heart of an armed camp. Night runners own the night and encircle the encampment. Jack must thread his way through this ring of fire to bring his kids to safety. Will his actions bring safety or invite more harm? With Night runners behind and armed men in front, Jack's skills are pushed to the limit.
Mistakes were made.
Payment is coming....
Book I - A New World: Chaos
Book II - A New World: Return
Book III - A New World: Sanctuary
Book IV - A New World: Taken
A storm is breaking...
With the sanctuary built, there is a respite from the nightly night runner assaults. Jack Walker and the group of survivors have bought themselves a little breathing room. Or have they?
A peaceful daytime outing turns into yet another nightmare sweeping Robert and Bri up with it. The world has changed. Another danger has emerged. Ferocious packs of night runners still prowl at night and Jack must now locate and rescue his kids. With vengeance on his mind, he heads into the heart of an armed camp. Night runners own the night and encircle the encampment. Jack must thread his way through this ring of fire to bring his kids to safety. Will his actions bring safety or invite more harm? With Night runners behind and armed men in front, Jack's skills are pushed to the limit.
Mistakes were made.
Payment is coming....
Book I - A New World: Chaos
Book II - A New World: Return
Book III - A New World: Sanctuary
Book IV - A New World: Taken
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2012
53 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
John O'Brien
45 books286 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 33 reviews
March 4, 2016
Not the best one in the series, but still a good series all-around. The characters are top notch, the "New World" O'Brien has created is interesting, and the overall story lines are entertaining. O'Brien himself is a very talented writer, even if some of his characters' introspection and anxiety get to be a bit much sometimes. This one just seemed to be lacking the usual big events that make the series great. I'll continue the series as I do want to find out what happens to everyone next. I just hope the book 5 has some better stuff going on.
December 18, 2015
My original Taken audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Taken picks up after little bit of time has passed since Sanctuary. Their fortress is now secure, yet far from complete, and the night walkers have seemed to have moved on to easier prey.
As the title of this story suggests, somebody is taken. As it always seems, in true zombie apocalypse style, those you need to be worried the most about are the other human survivors. On a routine patrol Jack’s kids are taken prisoner by a group of unknown survivors and taken to an unknown location. If you have listened to the previous audiobooks in this series, you will know that Jack does not take something like this lightly. The search is on. All other tasks are put on hold until his kids are found. Once the location is revealed Jack and his team storm the premises to attempt a rescue. Then of course the night walkers show up.
The rest of the book is setting us up for the next book, as needs to happen with an epic series like A New World. Other survivors are discovered. There is something very strange going on with Jack. He finds that his hearing, for one, is becoming freakishly good. Being able, at times, to hear a vehicle coming from what seems like miles away. Because of this and a few other things that you will have to listen to know about, his group is becoming concerned for his well being.
Again O’Brien teases us with, a larger part of the narrative than previous, the story told from one of the night walkers point of view. I cannot get enough of this aspect. Zombie like creatures getting smarter, forming attack plans and the like. Making me crave for more and more from this point of view. I really hope we get more of this and I hope that it goes somewhere breathtaking.
Compared the prior books Taken is the most action packed book yet. With a majority dedicated to the rescue of Jack’s kids. All of the planing involved. Dispatching the stupid souls that disrupted their “normal” in the apocalypse. The team got themselves in the position to have to deal with a huge horde of the creatures. Combat scenes delivered with military precision and finesse. There was one scene where Jack was sneaking into the fortress where my heart was beating so fast.
Fans of military zombie apocalypse stories will love this book and the rest of the series.
I will be getting the next in the near future. O’Brien has made me care about Jack, his kids, and the other survivors in his group. I am excited to know this story is going as there are so many possibilities.
With each one of the books in this series I’ve been able to enjoy Mark Gagliardi’s performances more and more. Delivering the story with the bravado you would expect from a military man in this position. His characterizations are getting better, every character is much more distinct than in previous audiobooks in the series. O’Brien picked a good one for this project and, so far, has been smart enough to keep Gagliardi on task throughout the series.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
Taken picks up after little bit of time has passed since Sanctuary. Their fortress is now secure, yet far from complete, and the night walkers have seemed to have moved on to easier prey.
As the title of this story suggests, somebody is taken. As it always seems, in true zombie apocalypse style, those you need to be worried the most about are the other human survivors. On a routine patrol Jack’s kids are taken prisoner by a group of unknown survivors and taken to an unknown location. If you have listened to the previous audiobooks in this series, you will know that Jack does not take something like this lightly. The search is on. All other tasks are put on hold until his kids are found. Once the location is revealed Jack and his team storm the premises to attempt a rescue. Then of course the night walkers show up.
The rest of the book is setting us up for the next book, as needs to happen with an epic series like A New World. Other survivors are discovered. There is something very strange going on with Jack. He finds that his hearing, for one, is becoming freakishly good. Being able, at times, to hear a vehicle coming from what seems like miles away. Because of this and a few other things that you will have to listen to know about, his group is becoming concerned for his well being.
Again O’Brien teases us with, a larger part of the narrative than previous, the story told from one of the night walkers point of view. I cannot get enough of this aspect. Zombie like creatures getting smarter, forming attack plans and the like. Making me crave for more and more from this point of view. I really hope we get more of this and I hope that it goes somewhere breathtaking.
Compared the prior books Taken is the most action packed book yet. With a majority dedicated to the rescue of Jack’s kids. All of the planing involved. Dispatching the stupid souls that disrupted their “normal” in the apocalypse. The team got themselves in the position to have to deal with a huge horde of the creatures. Combat scenes delivered with military precision and finesse. There was one scene where Jack was sneaking into the fortress where my heart was beating so fast.
Fans of military zombie apocalypse stories will love this book and the rest of the series.
I will be getting the next in the near future. O’Brien has made me care about Jack, his kids, and the other survivors in his group. I am excited to know this story is going as there are so many possibilities.
With each one of the books in this series I’ve been able to enjoy Mark Gagliardi’s performances more and more. Delivering the story with the bravado you would expect from a military man in this position. His characterizations are getting better, every character is much more distinct than in previous audiobooks in the series. O’Brien picked a good one for this project and, so far, has been smart enough to keep Gagliardi on task throughout the series.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
January 6, 2015
I'm really enjoying the story itself - especially Jack's increasing headaches and acute hearing, and the evolution of some of the night runners. But the writing style is still wearing on my nerves, and I found myself skimming sections throughout the book.
December 18, 2017
"Holy Cow" Fantastic series!!!!
Just finished book 3 and 4. I can not put this book down. It has kept me reading for hours. This the best series I have ever read. I'm not exaggerating this at all. You seem to take a new look at a story line that has been done before but I have never been so excited to get my book and read before. Can't wait to read more. Have to stop for now because I want to get to reading the next book. Thank you so much, Sincerely, Debora Seifert
Just finished book 3 and 4. I can not put this book down. It has kept me reading for hours. This the best series I have ever read. I'm not exaggerating this at all. You seem to take a new look at a story line that has been done before but I have never been so excited to get my book and read before. Can't wait to read more. Have to stop for now because I want to get to reading the next book. Thank you so much, Sincerely, Debora Seifert
July 11, 2018
Total bridge book. This book mostly just leads to more books. Introduce a cured wife and don’t use the info at all. What the hell...and jack gets scratched and gets super powers? Cmon explain that gene changing theory...
April 8, 2019
Once again incredible!
Wow I am reading through this series so fast. So much more then just a zombie book. So many twist and love that he writes from zombie prospective but not too much just enough!
Wow I am reading through this series so fast. So much more then just a zombie book. So many twist and love that he writes from zombie prospective but not too much just enough!
August 3, 2023
By far, best book of the series so far, where O'Brien demonstrates how THIS zombie apocalypse series will not be your average one. Well-written, great action, good family feels - and creative zombies that maybe aren't? REALLY enjoyed this book, and moved right on into the next one!
October 4, 2023
Surprises abound
Good things happen in this part of the series. But not everything is good, of course. Then there's just the plain odd. What does it mean? What's going to happen? It's leaves me hungry for more!
Good things happen in this part of the series. But not everything is good, of course. Then there's just the plain odd. What does it mean? What's going to happen? It's leaves me hungry for more!
October 31, 2016
This is a pretty good read. It could have done with a little more editing and proof reading but still a fun read.
February 14, 2018
OMG, I’m riveted, the story line has not faltered, I can’t put he book down. Can’t wait to find out how everything pans out for them
June 22, 2021
Lynn 1/5
August 30, 2019
The book is very great.
January 4, 2013
This series is quickly going to become one of those that sticks with me for life. I've been measuring zombie books against Mira Grant's Feed series. And this series very much measures up for me.
John O'Brien has managed to turn his personal military experiences into an amazing piece of fiction, and I am so happy he decided to do so. All of Jack's thoughts/movements/ailments feel realistic, which makes the tension in combat scenarios realistic as well. Major characters have already been taken out, so I'm always on edge waiting for somebody else that I've fallen in love with to get killed.
My family last night kept asking me "What ARE you reading??" because I had a death grip on the Kindle and my eyes were about as wide as they could get. Love the new wrinkle introduced at the end of this book and can't wait to start the next one. I am still hoping that we eventually get more explanation on the beginnings of the virus and/or the vaccine that caused all of the problems in the first place.
These books are graphic in their descriptions of what happens when you shoot/stab someone, and those descriptions can get tedious to slog through. That's the only thing preventing them from getting 5 stars. I find myself skimming some sections of those descriptions because I feel like I've already read them. But they are at least very realistic. This author doesn't sugarcoat what happens to a dead body. And I love it!
John O'Brien has managed to turn his personal military experiences into an amazing piece of fiction, and I am so happy he decided to do so. All of Jack's thoughts/movements/ailments feel realistic, which makes the tension in combat scenarios realistic as well. Major characters have already been taken out, so I'm always on edge waiting for somebody else that I've fallen in love with to get killed.
My family last night kept asking me "What ARE you reading??" because I had a death grip on the Kindle and my eyes were about as wide as they could get. Love the new wrinkle introduced at the end of this book and can't wait to start the next one. I am still hoping that we eventually get more explanation on the beginnings of the virus and/or the vaccine that caused all of the problems in the first place.
These books are graphic in their descriptions of what happens when you shoot/stab someone, and those descriptions can get tedious to slog through. That's the only thing preventing them from getting 5 stars. I find myself skimming some sections of those descriptions because I feel like I've already read them. But they are at least very realistic. This author doesn't sugarcoat what happens to a dead body. And I love it!
October 3, 2015
First half of book four details the abduction of Jack's two children Robert & Brie, Robert's girlfriend, and babysitter Corporal Gonzales by a renegade group of slavers. And of course the corresponding rescue recon, plan, and mission. The slavers were capturing and holding survivors to work the fields of crops and any other required tasks. No sexual atrocities were reported, so that was a pleasant surprise. The captives actually appeared to be well treated, which unfortunately did not seem to be the norm in these type of lawless scenarios. The slavers compound was a deserted high school surrounded by chain link and barbed wire. No sooner did our boys free the captives and defeat the slavers then the Night Runners attacked in force. The Night Runners are gaining a consciousness of their past lives thus acquiring memories and skills from that life. They are becoming more and more dangerous as their abilities increase. With the additional survivors from the slavers compound their numbers total 200 now. Their idea of sanctuary must expand to accommodate their growing numbers since Cabela's capacity is no longer sufficient. The idea of clearing and settling portions of Fort Lewis begin to take shape and a plan is formulated to accomplish this while using Cabela's as a base. Meanwhile a scratch Jack received while fighting Night Runners is having strange effects on him; improving his senses of vision, hearing, and smell...similar to the Night Runners! [dramatic music here]
April 17, 2016
I almost quit this series after book 2, but the reviews convinced me to continue...and I am glad I did, because I am now starting book 5....These books get progressively better as they go on..the characters are getting very well developed and fleshed out now, and there is a bit of mystery going on here...so I am super intrigued....In this one, Jacks kids and a member of red team get kidnapped and it is a search and destroy mission to get them back...in the process the kids find their mom, who seemingly has recovered from this crazy night runner virus...and other night runners are coming back into there human thought process also, as if these people are recovering....
They also rescue a bunch of survivors, and start missions to find others...also Lynn's mom and brother finally make it...and that is a big relief for Lynn...they also are going to start searching for the soldiers families in the group, and taking back the city by clearing small areas 1 step at a time...Jack also is now discovering he can almost communicate with these creatures and his senses are heightened....I knew this from the ASW series, but I see how it happened now...he was scratched and it enhanced him...I think I remember him saying that in ASW1....This was the best installment for me so far...and I am on to book 5....This story just keeps getting more and more intriguing....
They also rescue a bunch of survivors, and start missions to find others...also Lynn's mom and brother finally make it...and that is a big relief for Lynn...they also are going to start searching for the soldiers families in the group, and taking back the city by clearing small areas 1 step at a time...Jack also is now discovering he can almost communicate with these creatures and his senses are heightened....I knew this from the ASW series, but I see how it happened now...he was scratched and it enhanced him...I think I remember him saying that in ASW1....This was the best installment for me so far...and I am on to book 5....This story just keeps getting more and more intriguing....
August 5, 2016
Good book.. Short, but to the point.. Only question I had was:
Good Work John O'Brien!
Good Work John O'Brien!
July 23, 2014
Interesting read only if you have the required skill of skimming. The first person narrative doesn't change through the books. Slow, repetitive, overly detailed and overly descriptive. For example, reading the gun shot descriptions becomes tedious, as it sometimes takes half a page to describe the trajectory of the bullet, taking out the eye and pulverising the cheekbbone, making its way through the cranial vault and exiting the brain stem in an explosion of grey matter. That was a precis. The other thing I skim through are the extremely detailed backstories. They're just distractingly unnecessary. Another issue I have is that the narrative becomes one dimensional. Characters are introduced and are never talked about again. Eg. Jack's mum, Bob's daughter and grandson, Miguel, Isabella, etc. Despite all these obstacles in reading these books, I found the story becoming more and more engaging. But I'm finding myself reading just to find out what happens to them. Good ideas but not executed well. David Moody does a better job with his very similar Hater series.
March 10, 2025
Super Epic, couldn't put down!
I know it is repetitive to say the same thing, but I really just enjoy these! Keep it comming! On the edge here!
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!
April 30, 2014
I read this book months ago, but realized I never left a review. Taken is the fourth book in O'Brien's A New World series. As with most books written in a series, it would be most beneficial to read the others (in order) before reading this one. In this book, a new threat is introduced and it doesn't come from the Night Runners. Jack must take on this threat and save those he loves the most-- his kids. Taken is exciting, fast-paced, and well-written.
May 3, 2014
Thriller, action, suspense and night runners!
what creeps me out the midst is how these night runners are quickly evolving and thinking. by far their ways of communication is bizarre and expanding. I really hope when the real z day happens they are not like these but with fear of the daylight is a plus
what creeps me out the midst is how these night runners are quickly evolving and thinking. by far their ways of communication is bizarre and expanding. I really hope when the real z day happens they are not like these but with fear of the daylight is a plus
January 1, 2013
These stories are great, I don't want them to end. I'm starting book 5 and there is so much story to flesh out I have a hard time believing it can end with book 5, hopefully there will be more coming soon.
August 9, 2013
I love this series my only problem was too much useless detail like I dnt need to kno the name of each gun or the name of everything inside the airplane I skip those part but beside that super good book
July 2, 2012
The author's style is getting smoother as compared to other books. I'm looking forward to finding out how the different storylines progress...
May 29, 2014
wow these books just get better am now officially addicted
October 13, 2012
Just gets better and better.
April 11, 2013
I started book 1 not knowing it was a 6 book series. I just finished book 4 and downloaded 5 and 6. Yes these are addicting lol.
November 29, 2013
Getting bored.
March 30, 2014
can't put this series down.
August 23, 2014
The continuing adventures of Jack Walker and company against the cannibalistic "night runners".
June 26, 2015
Another good book in this series. The authors experience with military actions really shines through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews