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The Reaper Virus #1
The R33PR Virus
Enjoy the end of the world through the eyes of a desk-bound civil servant. Nathan is a middle-aged father and husband working as a police dispatcher for the campus police of a large university in Richmond, Virginia. During late night working hours he gathers details on the R33PR Virus, dubbed the Reaper Virus, as it spreads from the far reaches of the globe into a pandemic that begins infecting the city around him. As the city rapidly succumbs to the Reaper Virus, Nathan becomes trapped at the police station while his family waits in their barricaded home. Driven by an obsessive determination to save the ones he loves, Nathan travels through a hellish world having to battle himself as much as the living and dead evils that plague the land.
268 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2012
9 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Barnes
18 books31 followersNathan lives in Richmond, Virginia with his two kids and lovely wife. Whenever he can he is exploring creative hobbies of writing, photography and some graphic design. Nathan is a long time reptile enthusiast that enjoys dabbling in the many outlets of doomsday preparation. His first novel, THE REAPER VIRUS, came from the ongoing blog by the same title that is periodically posted at reapervirus.com. This story uses many real life people and places set against an apocalyptic turn of events. Its sequel, THE REAPER VIRUS: WHAT REMAINS will be released by Permuted Press in January of 2015. He also wrote the darkly humorous novella, MY FRIEND ASMODEUS, and has stories featured in several horror anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 24, 2014
A new pandemic has emerged. The R1PR Virus shares similar origins to the H1N1 virus, but unlike its H1N1 brethren, the R1PR Virus mutates at an exponential rate. In a few short months, the virus undergone thirty-one mutations. Those infected with the R32PR Virus suffered circulatory issues resulting in thicker, darker blood, and black veins visible on their epidermis. The contagion levels have increased and the virus mutates one last time. Strain thirty-three, appropriately named the R33PR Virus became known as The Reaper Virus. And with this new mutation came the violence, and the infected undead.
The central story in 'The Reaper Virus' revolves around Nathan, self proclaimed dork, husband, and father. As the violence reaches critical mass, Nathan finds himself cut off from his family when, against his better judgment, he goes to work instead of whisking his family to remote safety. As a Richmond, Virginia police dispatcher, fear of losing his job overshadows the niggling inner warning bells telling him to flee. Now Nathan must traverse the hostile streets to keep his promise and reunite with his family.
"Maybe it's true that women are always right."
It's true, Nathan...we are.
'The Reaper Virus' is told in first person narrative by the main character Nathan. However, the closing line of the preface led me to believe the book would be in journal form. Each chapter was given a subheading of time, but it did not feel like the written accounts of the narrator.
"If you're reading this, then you've been out in the unfortunate position of judging me. I ask that you judge me for who I am and what I've fought for, not what I've done."
The writing is excellent and the book has been edited impeccably. I was immediately taken in by the story. The main character's change from mild mannered to battle ready warrior is written in such a way that it feels organic as opposed to the author telling readers of the progression. The character development in 'The Reaper Virus' is a perfect example of show vs. tell. Nathan's emotions are raw; there is no sugar coating, and the struggles he faces scream with authenticity. This is exactly what you'd expect in the zombie apocalypse.
The book maintained a solid five star rating up to the final chapter. I'm all for leaving a reader wanting more, but the book ends in two very intense cliffhangers. I had a little WTF moment, and then sighed a breath of relief when I realized there was a prologue. I felt certain at least one of these hangers would be answered. Instead, the epilogue was an abstract prose of the human heart. It felt disjointed and left me confused and befuddled.
After providing thanks and acknowledgements, the author tacked on a short story titled 'Hellacious', providing readers with an alternate ending. He makes sure to mention this was the direction the story could have gone, but didn't. It reminded me of the chaotic ending in 'Clue', and since it had no bearing on the story, I did not read on for fear of muddying the waters when the promised sequel is released.
The central story in 'The Reaper Virus' revolves around Nathan, self proclaimed dork, husband, and father. As the violence reaches critical mass, Nathan finds himself cut off from his family when, against his better judgment, he goes to work instead of whisking his family to remote safety. As a Richmond, Virginia police dispatcher, fear of losing his job overshadows the niggling inner warning bells telling him to flee. Now Nathan must traverse the hostile streets to keep his promise and reunite with his family.
"Maybe it's true that women are always right."
It's true, Nathan...we are.
'The Reaper Virus' is told in first person narrative by the main character Nathan. However, the closing line of the preface led me to believe the book would be in journal form. Each chapter was given a subheading of time, but it did not feel like the written accounts of the narrator.
"If you're reading this, then you've been out in the unfortunate position of judging me. I ask that you judge me for who I am and what I've fought for, not what I've done."
The writing is excellent and the book has been edited impeccably. I was immediately taken in by the story. The main character's change from mild mannered to battle ready warrior is written in such a way that it feels organic as opposed to the author telling readers of the progression. The character development in 'The Reaper Virus' is a perfect example of show vs. tell. Nathan's emotions are raw; there is no sugar coating, and the struggles he faces scream with authenticity. This is exactly what you'd expect in the zombie apocalypse.
The book maintained a solid five star rating up to the final chapter. I'm all for leaving a reader wanting more, but the book ends in two very intense cliffhangers. I had a little WTF moment, and then sighed a breath of relief when I realized there was a prologue. I felt certain at least one of these hangers would be answered. Instead, the epilogue was an abstract prose of the human heart. It felt disjointed and left me confused and befuddled.
After providing thanks and acknowledgements, the author tacked on a short story titled 'Hellacious', providing readers with an alternate ending. He makes sure to mention this was the direction the story could have gone, but didn't. It reminded me of the chaotic ending in 'Clue', and since it had no bearing on the story, I did not read on for fear of muddying the waters when the promised sequel is released.
May 16, 2019
The Reaper Virus is about a man who works for a College Campus police station when the zombie apocalypse hits his town. Our protagonist, Nathan tells us about the quick decline of civilization via a communications log style, and so we get a small glimpse of his daily work life before the crap hits the fan. He is forced to escape his location in an attempt to get back to his wife and child who are across the city.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator sounds like he's giving orders to troops throughout most of the story. His attempts to do other voices, especially female voices, is awful until he gets to a character named Phil at which point he suddenly seems to master the ability. The female voice issue isn't that his natural voice is too low, it's how he imagines feminine voices appear to sound. It's grating.
At some point in the story, I either developed an appreciation for the narrator or Stockholm syndrome type feelings towards his vocal style. It's also possible he softened his tone and got better; I'm not sure which.
The story itself reads at first like a prep list for the Zompacalpyse and later like a "how to escape" from various exercises - added to a "here's how every zombie looked"- list. It's repetitive and dull.
Halfway through the story the character, Nathan, cleverly named after the author, started mentioning God when it hadn't really come up before. I wouldn't care except it started getting pretty heavy, but it wasn't in the "I'm starting to believe because holy crap I might be eaten in a few mins!" kind of way. In one line he calls God cruel and a moment later talks about how he can't wait to see him. I can't say much without spoiling the story, but it was illogical.
There was zero point to the epilogue. The ending was too hurried, and the words spent in the epilogue could have been used to enrich the end. It didn't feel hurried in the "gotta do it!" kind of way; more like the writer ran out of juice. It was disappointing.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator sounds like he's giving orders to troops throughout most of the story. His attempts to do other voices, especially female voices, is awful until he gets to a character named Phil at which point he suddenly seems to master the ability. The female voice issue isn't that his natural voice is too low, it's how he imagines feminine voices appear to sound. It's grating.
At some point in the story, I either developed an appreciation for the narrator or Stockholm syndrome type feelings towards his vocal style. It's also possible he softened his tone and got better; I'm not sure which.
The story itself reads at first like a prep list for the Zompacalpyse and later like a "how to escape" from various exercises - added to a "here's how every zombie looked"- list. It's repetitive and dull.
Halfway through the story the character, Nathan, cleverly named after the author, started mentioning God when it hadn't really come up before. I wouldn't care except it started getting pretty heavy, but it wasn't in the "I'm starting to believe because holy crap I might be eaten in a few mins!" kind of way. In one line he calls God cruel and a moment later talks about how he can't wait to see him. I can't say much without spoiling the story, but it was illogical.
There was zero point to the epilogue. The ending was too hurried, and the words spent in the epilogue could have been used to enrich the end. It didn't feel hurried in the "gotta do it!" kind of way; more like the writer ran out of juice. It was disappointing.
October 30, 2014
I won't rehash the plot, other reviewers have done that very well. What can I say, it's a zombie apocalypse novel. Don't take that wrong, that's not a bad thing. What I'm saying with that is that there's nothing unexpected in the overall milieu of the book. A virus turns people into ravening hordes and overwhelmed survivors struggle to stay alive in the new normal.
BUT
What I liked about this book is the protagonist. The central character is an everyman. He's out of shape, not a super hero, and struggles to cope with the horror he sees and is forced to enact. Too many zombie books have the square jaw action movie hero who wades through the zombies while getting the girl; not this book. Your narrator is just a shlub like you and me who is doing whatever he has to in order to reach his family.
Some of the exposition is very well written. You gain empathy for the character through the nearly lyrical prose. Other parts are fast and gritty, exactly like you expect from the apocalypse.
I've met the author, a nice guy, that hasn't formed my opinion of this book. It's a well written piece by a budding author that you really should read.
BUT
What I liked about this book is the protagonist. The central character is an everyman. He's out of shape, not a super hero, and struggles to cope with the horror he sees and is forced to enact. Too many zombie books have the square jaw action movie hero who wades through the zombies while getting the girl; not this book. Your narrator is just a shlub like you and me who is doing whatever he has to in order to reach his family.
Some of the exposition is very well written. You gain empathy for the character through the nearly lyrical prose. Other parts are fast and gritty, exactly like you expect from the apocalypse.
I've met the author, a nice guy, that hasn't formed my opinion of this book. It's a well written piece by a budding author that you really should read.
September 23, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cant wait for the next installment. GO BARNES!
March 4, 2014
The book starts with a middle-aged, over-worked police dispatcher who over thinks everything and is seemingly bitter. As the story unfolds, the pace picks up and I was quickly sucked into the story. This is a zombie story and it has a ton of well written and appropriately gory action but I felt the book was more about the emotional deterioration of survivors and the drive that a regular person can find in himself to push on. The Reaper Virus follows the main character, Nathan, as he tries to get back to his family, which is all that really matters to him. He does things that push boundaries and cause moral dilemmas as the world he once knew falls apart. This is the second edition (from a different publisher than the first) and has an alternative ending nestled in the end. The alt ending titled "Hellacious," was a jaw dropper and well worth the purchase!
I have an extended review with more background on the story here: http://prettynputrid.blogspot.com/201...
I have an extended review with more background on the story here: http://prettynputrid.blogspot.com/201...
November 16, 2015
First half of the book was rather slow and I even considered tossing in the towel. The second half picked up considerably to the point it almost seemed like a different book. Nathan and Phil, the friend he rescued, embarked on a journey to reach safety. Nathan continued his quest to find his family, a common plot line. (Spoiler...) The story takes a twist to the weird side when it is discovered that Phil had been bitten and was turning into one of the infected zombies. Nathan winds up disposing of Phil, but then curses himself for taking a life, when in fact Phil was a hair away from becoming a zombie and had attacked Nathan. I'm confused. Either Nathan is loosing his mind or the author has given Nathan an odd sense of duty and honor. Nathan continues to bash and torture himself, proclaiming himself a murderer, leaving me wondering where the detour took place and how did I miss it.
September 11, 2014
Excellent book! It grabbed me right away with the way the virus that brings about the end of civilization is so completely believable and therefore scary as hell. What follows is from the point of view of such an average guy - a self-proclaimed fat-ass desk jockey. This is nothing like your typical 'hero' vs zombies story. All this poor, chubby bastard wants is to get back home to see his family. It felt like I was finding out at the same time as he was whether or not he would be able to adapt, survive and make it back. Kept me hooked till the bitter end.
August 2, 2012
This book is one of the best zombie novels i have ever read
March 19, 2014
Fabulously thrilling, suspenseful, and realistic! You get absorbed in the main character, and cringe and gasp and yell out throughout the story!! A "Must-Read" for sure!!
September 25, 2018
I was happy that the book came from a civilian point of view. What made it lack luster was it was mostly about one guy and his plight to get home. I wish there were more characters and different storylines. The fact that this guy is on his own most of the time makes this book just ok. He seems to be flying by the seat of his pants, and dumb luck propels him through to the end. I kind of want to read pt. 2, but then again, this is enough of a stand alone that if I don't it'll be alright.
December 4, 2018
It was a decent story, but the main character was just too annoying most of the time. Too much nagging, self-deprecating introspection. It would have been pretty enjoyable if not for having to listen to him whine about being a murderer, undeserving of his family, just for having to kill some zombies and defend himself. I suppose I'm just too easily irritated with stupidity. Otherwise, the plot itself, although not hugely original, was still good enough.
August 18, 2023
I do believe thus may be my hands down favorite zombie novel. Nathan Barnes has an amazing storytelling ability. Finally, a zombie novel that seems real. No GI Joe saving the world... no bullshit heroics or unbelievable story plots.... just plain old fashion shit hit the fan, and now it's survival mode. 10 out of 10 stars!!!
July 18, 2014
It pains me to say it, but “The Reaper Virus” is a massive disappointment.
The book starts out strong. The first chapters set up the “infection” and introduce the main character, Nathan, establishing him as an ordinary guy, a bit of a loser, under-achiever that for some reason is married to a wonderful woman and has two wonderful kids. Fair enough. Its a story about a regular man in a horrible situation. It has potential. He´s not Rambo, he´s not Ash, he´s just an overweight, middle aged guy like you or your neighbor.
The writer manages to slowly create tension, a feeling of uneasiness, as Nathan, having access to more information for working as a police dispatcher starts to piece the strange circumstances and events pilling up and anticipates that something truly horrible is coming his way.
Then everything starts to go wrong, for Nathan, the world and the book. Nathan goes to work and when the dead start walking he´s cut off from his family. There starts the real plot of the book. Nathan´s journey back home as society crumbles around him and death awaits at every step.
The problem is that Nathan should never have been away from his family. Like I said, Nathan knew things were bad. He knew the crap was about to hit the fan. His parents had a secluded farm out in the middle of nowhere and ask him to go there with his family. His wife, after he explains her the situation with the virus and what he thinks might happen, begs him not to go to work. And yet, he goes... because frankly, the plot demands it.
If the guy was just caught off guard by the whole zombie thing, its understandable. He wasn't.
Still I struggled to get past this flaw. The author still manages to maintain a sense of dread and danger and the disgusting zombies and horrific situations keep things interesting. The first part of the book is an amazingly compelling read and I thought maybe the book would hold it together.
The problem is that once our main character starts traveling alone, the pacing slows and the book starts to suffer from lacking a proper plot.
Like Nathan, the book´s only purpose is the journey home. There are few characters and pretty much no story, just the journey. The rest of the book is a long description of an eerie journey of survival through what is now a wasteland. Nathan is not a strong enough character to hold the book in his shoulders alone. His main or only trait is that he´s ordinary and loves his family. Not exactly complex stuff.
The close calls with the zombies start to get repetitive. The zombie kills start to get repetitive. Again and again we read in how much physical pain he´s in. How his muscles cant take it anymore. How much it hurts. Again and again.
After a while there´s no interaction with any characters. Its just Nathan alone, predictably surviving against the odds. Sure its bleak. Its sad and you feel for the guy but its also a bit tedious after a while. Suddenly Nathan starts feeling guilty for “all he´s done” to get home but to be honest, in the context of the story and for the genre, his actions are not that shocking. Nothing he does is really that morally reprehensible to support such remorse.
So the second part of the book drags with an infinite journey through a train track, some looting and some zombie killings.
Then we have the ending. There isn't any. Its the final nail in the coffin. This isn't the kind of ending that leaves a few plots unresolved or teases a story for the sequel. No, this is the kind of ending that leaves everything unresolved. There is not the slightest resolution to anything relating to the character, his family or even his journey. The book just cuts off. It reminds me of “The Sopranos”. Its not an ending. It just stops there. Fortunately the author informs you there will soon be a sequel and then offers an “alternative” ending which I thought was very amusing. Amusing because although its different, it also offers no resolution at all.
I felt I only read half the story. I probably will never read the rest. A cliffhanger is acceptable but some resolution, no matter how small must be given to the reader. This... well this felt like a cheap marketing trick.
In the end, it was all a waste of time.
The book starts out strong. The first chapters set up the “infection” and introduce the main character, Nathan, establishing him as an ordinary guy, a bit of a loser, under-achiever that for some reason is married to a wonderful woman and has two wonderful kids. Fair enough. Its a story about a regular man in a horrible situation. It has potential. He´s not Rambo, he´s not Ash, he´s just an overweight, middle aged guy like you or your neighbor.
The writer manages to slowly create tension, a feeling of uneasiness, as Nathan, having access to more information for working as a police dispatcher starts to piece the strange circumstances and events pilling up and anticipates that something truly horrible is coming his way.
Then everything starts to go wrong, for Nathan, the world and the book. Nathan goes to work and when the dead start walking he´s cut off from his family. There starts the real plot of the book. Nathan´s journey back home as society crumbles around him and death awaits at every step.
The problem is that Nathan should never have been away from his family. Like I said, Nathan knew things were bad. He knew the crap was about to hit the fan. His parents had a secluded farm out in the middle of nowhere and ask him to go there with his family. His wife, after he explains her the situation with the virus and what he thinks might happen, begs him not to go to work. And yet, he goes... because frankly, the plot demands it.
If the guy was just caught off guard by the whole zombie thing, its understandable. He wasn't.
Still I struggled to get past this flaw. The author still manages to maintain a sense of dread and danger and the disgusting zombies and horrific situations keep things interesting. The first part of the book is an amazingly compelling read and I thought maybe the book would hold it together.
The problem is that once our main character starts traveling alone, the pacing slows and the book starts to suffer from lacking a proper plot.
Like Nathan, the book´s only purpose is the journey home. There are few characters and pretty much no story, just the journey. The rest of the book is a long description of an eerie journey of survival through what is now a wasteland. Nathan is not a strong enough character to hold the book in his shoulders alone. His main or only trait is that he´s ordinary and loves his family. Not exactly complex stuff.
The close calls with the zombies start to get repetitive. The zombie kills start to get repetitive. Again and again we read in how much physical pain he´s in. How his muscles cant take it anymore. How much it hurts. Again and again.
After a while there´s no interaction with any characters. Its just Nathan alone, predictably surviving against the odds. Sure its bleak. Its sad and you feel for the guy but its also a bit tedious after a while. Suddenly Nathan starts feeling guilty for “all he´s done” to get home but to be honest, in the context of the story and for the genre, his actions are not that shocking. Nothing he does is really that morally reprehensible to support such remorse.
So the second part of the book drags with an infinite journey through a train track, some looting and some zombie killings.
Then we have the ending. There isn't any. Its the final nail in the coffin. This isn't the kind of ending that leaves a few plots unresolved or teases a story for the sequel. No, this is the kind of ending that leaves everything unresolved. There is not the slightest resolution to anything relating to the character, his family or even his journey. The book just cuts off. It reminds me of “The Sopranos”. Its not an ending. It just stops there. Fortunately the author informs you there will soon be a sequel and then offers an “alternative” ending which I thought was very amusing. Amusing because although its different, it also offers no resolution at all.
I felt I only read half the story. I probably will never read the rest. A cliffhanger is acceptable but some resolution, no matter how small must be given to the reader. This... well this felt like a cheap marketing trick.
In the end, it was all a waste of time.
August 5, 2014
The Reaper virus delivers a well-crafted story that delivers a memorable tale in a well-trodden genre. Why the book deliver nothing new with the tale of a man battling his way home through a city full of zombie. It does deliver it extremely well in a fast paced, engaging and brutal way.
I found myself drawn back to the book at every opportunity, as if reading it would help the hero make it home to his family. This for me is a sign of the author’s talent for realistic character development. I found myself thinking what would I do in his place and this drew me even further into the story. Overall this is a well constructed ‘Zombie” novel that in my opinion is sticking its head above the norm in the genre. I am looking forward to read some of these authors other offerings in the near future
I found myself drawn back to the book at every opportunity, as if reading it would help the hero make it home to his family. This for me is a sign of the author’s talent for realistic character development. I found myself thinking what would I do in his place and this drew me even further into the story. Overall this is a well constructed ‘Zombie” novel that in my opinion is sticking its head above the norm in the genre. I am looking forward to read some of these authors other offerings in the near future
June 3, 2016
The Journey
Wow, I liked the way the book was set up and I liked the characters, and storyline; however, SPOILER ALERT
I didn't like the ending. Now, I understand what his thought process was and I realize everyone can't live through a zombie apocalypse, but I felt bad for his wife and kids who waited for him only to have him get there and then turn. It makes me think they have no chance either and then I'm mad that she didn't get the kids someplace safe. I also realize this is a book and not real life and I realize the writer has the alternate ending, and that looks like it will lead to a second story.... so I'm happy about that!
Wow, I liked the way the book was set up and I liked the characters, and storyline; however, SPOILER ALERT
I didn't like the ending. Now, I understand what his thought process was and I realize everyone can't live through a zombie apocalypse, but I felt bad for his wife and kids who waited for him only to have him get there and then turn. It makes me think they have no chance either and then I'm mad that she didn't get the kids someplace safe. I also realize this is a book and not real life and I realize the writer has the alternate ending, and that looks like it will lead to a second story.... so I'm happy about that!
June 28, 2014
Meh
I've read better, it seemed like even though there should have been a lot going on, it seemed more like a lot of nothing, but I've also read a lot worse so I guess it's sort of in between.
I've read better, it seemed like even though there should have been a lot going on, it seemed more like a lot of nothing, but I've also read a lot worse so I guess it's sort of in between.
December 29, 2016
I'm not a Zombie fan but I have to say this was a god read not because my friends husband wrote it but because it was that good. I could picture Sarah whenever he Nathan mentioned her. Can't wait for others to come out.
July 29, 2015
Very well done! Main character was very human, and believable. Not everything came easy to him. Can't wait for the sequel!
July 25, 2014
This is a story of just a man wanting to get home to his family.
Fairly well written and very engaging.
Fairly well written and very engaging.
December 30, 2014
Loved that main character is ordinary guy desperate to reach his family.
March 1, 2016
Unbelievably boring.
May 15, 2014
YAYYYYYYYYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews