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Surviving the Dead #2
This Shattered Land
Eric Riordan doesn't look for trouble, but trouble has a way of finding him.
Two years have passed since the Outbreak. After joining forces with his friend Gabriel he has managed to stay alive by fleeing to the peaks of the Appalachian mountains. With supplies running low, and enemies gathering, the two survivors are forced to begin their journey west to Colorado.
Along the way they will find unexpected allies, reunite with old friends, and make deadly new enemies. As difficult as life has been, the most dangerous times lie ahead.
Nothing is ever easy at the end of the world.
Two years have passed since the Outbreak. After joining forces with his friend Gabriel he has managed to stay alive by fleeing to the peaks of the Appalachian mountains. With supplies running low, and enemies gathering, the two survivors are forced to begin their journey west to Colorado.
Along the way they will find unexpected allies, reunite with old friends, and make deadly new enemies. As difficult as life has been, the most dangerous times lie ahead.
Nothing is ever easy at the end of the world.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2012
244 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
James N. Cook
17 books255 followersJames N. Cook is a martial arts enthusiast, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former cubicle dweller, and the author of the Surviving the Dead series. He hikes, he goes camping, he travels a lot, and he has trouble staying in one spot for very long. He lives in North Carolina.
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 27, 2013
"This Shattered Land" by James Cook is the second book in the trilogy of "Surviving the Dead". I downloaded the first book in the series for free and soon discovered that this unknown author had a talent for writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, finding it engaging and entertaining. Mr. Cook had me hooked and I quickly purchased and downloaded the next two books, confident that I would enjoy them as much. I was not disappointed.
In book two, we learn that after two years from the outbreak, the zombies are less of a threat to the living because they've learned how to distract and kill them. As a result, survivors are grouping together and developing small communities. Crops are grown, specialty stores open, limited manufacturing begins - money doesn't exist anymore, bartering is now a way of life with caravans and trading between communities growing. The U.S. government survived and is trying to regroup the country from deep within the Colorado mountains. Unfortunately, not everyone in the country remains loyal to them, splinter groups and outlaws have joined forces and roam the country in search of these caravans and small communities; once locating them, inhabitants are murdered and their supplies confiscated.
Eric and Gabe come upon a family of three prior to leaving their fortress in the Appalachians, then band together for the trek to Colorado. En route, they continue to battle zombies and outlaws. Once in Tennessee, they are ambushed by one of these outlaw groups - intent on taking the lone female and all their supplies for themselves. Outnumbered three to one, the small team hold their own and kill many of the attackers. However, three in their group are wounded - Eric is the worst and need immediate medical attention. Suddenly, a lone sniper comes to their aid, an acquaintance of Eric's from the first book, taking them to a nearby safe community with a medical doctor and supplies. Their totals number less than a hundred souls, and already have an elected mayor and sheriff; all pitch in to defend the perimeter against the undead and outlaws; both wanting and needed what they are defending.
Eric recovers from his wounds and finds a love interest within the small community. Both he and Gabe decide to stay on for a while, accepting the challenge to develop and train a militia group to destroy the outlaw forces that now have the community surrounded.
Once starting, you don't want to put the book down. The benefit today is that book 3 is already available and I jumped right into it before even writing this review. The first two books in the series are highly recommended...I remain confident that book number 3 will be just as good! Great job Mr. Cook!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries : A Vietnam War Novel
In book two, we learn that after two years from the outbreak, the zombies are less of a threat to the living because they've learned how to distract and kill them. As a result, survivors are grouping together and developing small communities. Crops are grown, specialty stores open, limited manufacturing begins - money doesn't exist anymore, bartering is now a way of life with caravans and trading between communities growing. The U.S. government survived and is trying to regroup the country from deep within the Colorado mountains. Unfortunately, not everyone in the country remains loyal to them, splinter groups and outlaws have joined forces and roam the country in search of these caravans and small communities; once locating them, inhabitants are murdered and their supplies confiscated.
Eric and Gabe come upon a family of three prior to leaving their fortress in the Appalachians, then band together for the trek to Colorado. En route, they continue to battle zombies and outlaws. Once in Tennessee, they are ambushed by one of these outlaw groups - intent on taking the lone female and all their supplies for themselves. Outnumbered three to one, the small team hold their own and kill many of the attackers. However, three in their group are wounded - Eric is the worst and need immediate medical attention. Suddenly, a lone sniper comes to their aid, an acquaintance of Eric's from the first book, taking them to a nearby safe community with a medical doctor and supplies. Their totals number less than a hundred souls, and already have an elected mayor and sheriff; all pitch in to defend the perimeter against the undead and outlaws; both wanting and needed what they are defending.
Eric recovers from his wounds and finds a love interest within the small community. Both he and Gabe decide to stay on for a while, accepting the challenge to develop and train a militia group to destroy the outlaw forces that now have the community surrounded.
Once starting, you don't want to put the book down. The benefit today is that book 3 is already available and I jumped right into it before even writing this review. The first two books in the series are highly recommended...I remain confident that book number 3 will be just as good! Great job Mr. Cook!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries : A Vietnam War Novel
January 23, 2013
As somebody with a military background, I could really appreciate this book. There've been too many zombie books just lately - the market is over over oversaturated - and quite a few are written by people who don't know the difference between a gun and their own backside. The author's remarkable attention to detail makes the story spring to life - this is a mature, intelligent take on the zombie apocalypse theme that makes it sound too real -prophetic, even (touch wood!). Overall, an excellent novel worth every minute of your time.
March 6, 2014
The editing of the second book in this series was better than the first, but that's really not saying much as it was virtually nonexistent in the first. And again, this is a book in desperate need of a proofreader. It is obvious that whoever is doing the proofing, if anyone, is someone who has read previous drafts of the manuscript. How else to explain words that are missing or out of order other than a proofer who is "seeing" the words on the page as they should be and not as they actually are?
The gross misogyny of the first book has been toned down a bit, as has the frat-boy dialogue. And losing those distractions from the first book has resulted in the story being far more entertaining.
Pacing was a huge problem in this book though. To say the first half of the book was many pages of not much action understates the problem. Up to the 48% mark the book consisted of Eric and Gabe introducing three new characters to their cabin, some weapons and fighting training, cooking meals, organizing supplies, and killing zombies. Yawn. This couldn't have been covered in half of that length? Yes, it could have, but only with a good editor who thinks editing involves making the story and the writing better, not just reading a manuscript.
I did like the humanizing of Gabe. He's still too much of a super-soldier, but at least he's getting some nuance to his character.
My other big complaint is the ending, which read like the author realized what his page count was and just stopped. I know it's a series, but it might have been nice to have a resolution of at least a plot line or two. Readers are either going to stick with the series or not, and leaving everything dangling isn't going to get those in the latter category to change their minds (and it might piss off some of those in the former group enough that they walk away).
The gross misogyny of the first book has been toned down a bit, as has the frat-boy dialogue. And losing those distractions from the first book has resulted in the story being far more entertaining.
Pacing was a huge problem in this book though. To say the first half of the book was many pages of not much action understates the problem. Up to the 48% mark the book consisted of Eric and Gabe introducing three new characters to their cabin, some weapons and fighting training, cooking meals, organizing supplies, and killing zombies. Yawn. This couldn't have been covered in half of that length? Yes, it could have, but only with a good editor who thinks editing involves making the story and the writing better, not just reading a manuscript.
I did like the humanizing of Gabe. He's still too much of a super-soldier, but at least he's getting some nuance to his character.
My other big complaint is the ending, which read like the author realized what his page count was and just stopped. I know it's a series, but it might have been nice to have a resolution of at least a plot line or two. Readers are either going to stick with the series or not, and leaving everything dangling isn't going to get those in the latter category to change their minds (and it might piss off some of those in the former group enough that they walk away).
May 4, 2014
Decent enough for a light read. If zombie "end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it" books can be considered light reading.
This built on the first book well enough. The narratives for continuity were kept brief and to a minimum.
This one switches point of view between the two main characters. It makes for some interesting differences in perceptions of the same situation.
This built on the first book well enough. The narratives for continuity were kept brief and to a minimum.
This one switches point of view between the two main characters. It makes for some interesting differences in perceptions of the same situation.
August 9, 2012
This was a great follow up. Only problem not long Enough and the ending was kind of sudden and annoying. But this is a great series. Focusing more on the people than the gore - although there is a lot of that. Cannot wait for next one! Come on James get on with it! ;-)
August 10, 2012
Can't wait for the third one!!!
April 27, 2013
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely look for other titles by the author.
March 21, 2018
Another great extension to the series...
The series marches on... This book, like the others, supports the storyline much like the first. Always kept fresh with new characters, environments, and novel situations.
As I believe I’ve said before...... I did give this book/series five stars because it is one of the better series within the genre. Well thought out. Well written. Fantastic character development. Etc. Believable world.... for a zombie apocalypse lol. ;)
But — it is NOT the best in the genre. No. This book/series kind of drags on. Plenty of “downtime” where there is zero of action. So it reads boring at times. Note: there does not need to be constant action scenes, but tension can be built in. That “omgosh what/where/to whom will something happen??” feeling. That’s very interesting and keeps the pages turning.
Ok! On to the next in the series!.......
The series marches on... This book, like the others, supports the storyline much like the first. Always kept fresh with new characters, environments, and novel situations.
As I believe I’ve said before...... I did give this book/series five stars because it is one of the better series within the genre. Well thought out. Well written. Fantastic character development. Etc. Believable world.... for a zombie apocalypse lol. ;)
But — it is NOT the best in the genre. No. This book/series kind of drags on. Plenty of “downtime” where there is zero of action. So it reads boring at times. Note: there does not need to be constant action scenes, but tension can be built in. That “omgosh what/where/to whom will something happen??” feeling. That’s very interesting and keeps the pages turning.
Ok! On to the next in the series!.......
August 19, 2017
Eric and Gabe make friends with a family of 3 and together start their journey to Colorado. They run into trouble, manage to get through it without getting killed and fall in with a decent group of people with a somewhat stable (post-apocalyptic) community. This community has a looming danger from a nearby militaristic group and they'd like Gabe to stay and help them with that. Will Gabe and Eric remain to help this community with this battle or will they continue on to Colorado? We'll find out in the next book.
Good series which I will continue.
Good series which I will continue.
November 26, 2018
Another interesting look at the apocalypse
James Cook delivers yet again with his ability to balance more than one character and still not lose momentum with his story telling. The Introduction of Gabriel's own story into this book gave an in depth revelation of the character's humanitity and fears. This story is a must read for any fans of the series or any reader who enjoys a good zombie tale.
J.L Perrigo author
James Cook delivers yet again with his ability to balance more than one character and still not lose momentum with his story telling. The Introduction of Gabriel's own story into this book gave an in depth revelation of the character's humanitity and fears. This story is a must read for any fans of the series or any reader who enjoys a good zombie tale.
J.L Perrigo author
November 19, 2017
Damn, this is a great series!!!!
The characters are described and written about so well that one would think that they are real!!! The storyline and ACTION is out of this world!!!! I can't wait to start book three!!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England
The characters are described and written about so well that one would think that they are real!!! The storyline and ACTION is out of this world!!!! I can't wait to start book three!!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England
November 25, 2021
Rereading an excellent series!
I had started reading this series when I had a stroke and went through a difficult period of rehabilitation and adjusting to my new world of physical limitations. Now, instead of starting where I left off, I've started over again.
I had started reading this series when I had a stroke and went through a difficult period of rehabilitation and adjusting to my new world of physical limitations. Now, instead of starting where I left off, I've started over again.
March 2, 2017
Read the first one later. I can't wait to read the rest. Great books.
November 4, 2017
Great series
On j e of the better post apocalypse series I've read so far. The author keeps it simple and brings up important details about certain things that we take for granted.
On j e of the better post apocalypse series I've read so far. The author keeps it simple and brings up important details about certain things that we take for granted.
January 28, 2021
If you love apocalyptic/zombies, you will want to read this.
Love the strong characters and the interactions they have with the world they live in. Keeps you wanting to know more.
Love the strong characters and the interactions they have with the world they live in. Keeps you wanting to know more.
October 10, 2021
Loved it
Really enjoyed the book, I couldn't put it down, it's a real page-turner. Seven more words before I can end this review.
Really enjoyed the book, I couldn't put it down, it's a real page-turner. Seven more words before I can end this review.
February 25, 2021
Very good tale and wonderful characters - well worth the read !! Currently reading the next in the series - -
August 7, 2012
This is not a review. This is a synopsis.
The book opens during spring time with Eric and Gabriel out searching for supplies. They happen to see three people cross the road below them. They track them for a few hours back to their camp. Their camp is only a few miles from Eric and Gabe's cabin. Eric and Gabe go cautiously approach their camp and introduce themselves. It is a family. Tom (dad), Sarah (mom) and son Brian(12). Eric and Gabe come back the next day and have a fresh Venison dinner with them. The day after that Eric and Gabe invite the family to move into their cabin with them. The family agrees.
The family moves into the cabin while Eric and Gabe live in the bunker. They end up all getting along very well. After a week or so E&G tell the family that they are heading to CO and the family can have the cabin. The family is extremely grateful. Sarah is pretty and used to be an FBI agent. One day some some Z's somehow make it through the gate and get into the perimeter. Everyone starts killing Z's and notices that they keep coming. Someone notices that the chain to the gate has been cut. Someone led the Z's here to take care of the family. Eric hops up on a car roof and can see that close to a thousand are coming. E&G send the family into the bunker. E&G end up luring most of the Z's off the back cliff of the property.
The next day as they are cleaning up Eric catches a glimpse of light and looks up in the woods and sees that it is someone with a rifle scope. He has everyone take cover while he fires at the guy and takes off after him. He runs the guy down and ends up shooting him a few times. Before the guy dies he tells E&G that there are a group that plans to take over the cabin.
E&G and the family lay a trap for the group. They set the cabin up to look like it was overrun with the Z's and everyone was killed. Tom and Brian hide in the bunker while Eric, Gabe, and Sarah lay in waiting. When the bad guys show up they kill them all.
This incident makes Tom and Sarah nervous about what happens the next time this happens and E&G are gone for CO. The family decides they are going to CO too.
E&G make a 2-3 day canoe trip to Marion to get some medical supplies, and other stuff. Marion has quite a few Z's around town. Eric lures them off and doubles back. They scavenge quite a few medical supplies and then hit a gun shop. They find a set of matching fancy M4's and tons of ammo. They also get some new axes for everyone from the hardware store. They gather it all up and head back. They see a lone survivor fishing from the dock but she runs off into the woods.
They get back, rest for a day and then head off to CO. The plan is to have 3 people ride the MUV with trailer ahead and then stop and wait for the other to walk and catch up.
Gabe is developing a love interest for Sarah. Gabe knows this is wrong but cant seem to stop himself. Eric politely asks Gabe about it. not much though.
They meet up with a 60 year old man who is a retired sniper. He recounts a story when he was in North Korea and saw a camp that had Z's in it. He also says that after he got out of NK and the Marines he told his grandpa. His grandpa told him that he saw some Z's (or similar) during WWII with the Nazis. All of this was just to say that this has been going on for a long time and the Americans didn't. invent it.
They are on the road for a few days. On the last day of their fuel they run into a road ambush. They take fire and retreat to the tree line. Eric gets shot. The bad guys are surronding them. The bad guys are being led by a guy with a bullhorn. Gabe runs up into the trees through a hole he makes in their line. Gabe gets shot in the shoulder. He takes out a couple bad guys. Brian gets shot in the leg. Gabe goes berserk. Gabe kills picks off bad guy after bad guy from behind their lines. Just as he is about to kill the leader someone else snipes him.
All the bad guys get killed. Gabe and crew get moving before too many Z's show up. Steve (from the last book) pops out of the brush 10 minutes up the road. Steve takes them to a way station and back to the community at Hollow Rock.
This is a walled off community with some hydro power. They seem to be doing all right for themselves. Eric takes a few weeks to recover enough to leave the hospital. Gabe and Brian heal up quickily. Eric has a weird dream during his recovery where his dad gives him some guidance. Eric and the doctor get a thing going on. Tom starts doing construction work for the town. The town mayor asks Gabe to form an army as repayment for the towns medical services. It seems that the group of raiders (name) is slowly surrounding the town and baditing all the shipments coming in. The mayor wants to fight them. Steve fills Eric in on his friends from the community from the last book.
The book opens during spring time with Eric and Gabriel out searching for supplies. They happen to see three people cross the road below them. They track them for a few hours back to their camp. Their camp is only a few miles from Eric and Gabe's cabin. Eric and Gabe go cautiously approach their camp and introduce themselves. It is a family. Tom (dad), Sarah (mom) and son Brian(12). Eric and Gabe come back the next day and have a fresh Venison dinner with them. The day after that Eric and Gabe invite the family to move into their cabin with them. The family agrees.
The family moves into the cabin while Eric and Gabe live in the bunker. They end up all getting along very well. After a week or so E&G tell the family that they are heading to CO and the family can have the cabin. The family is extremely grateful. Sarah is pretty and used to be an FBI agent. One day some some Z's somehow make it through the gate and get into the perimeter. Everyone starts killing Z's and notices that they keep coming. Someone notices that the chain to the gate has been cut. Someone led the Z's here to take care of the family. Eric hops up on a car roof and can see that close to a thousand are coming. E&G send the family into the bunker. E&G end up luring most of the Z's off the back cliff of the property.
The next day as they are cleaning up Eric catches a glimpse of light and looks up in the woods and sees that it is someone with a rifle scope. He has everyone take cover while he fires at the guy and takes off after him. He runs the guy down and ends up shooting him a few times. Before the guy dies he tells E&G that there are a group that plans to take over the cabin.
E&G and the family lay a trap for the group. They set the cabin up to look like it was overrun with the Z's and everyone was killed. Tom and Brian hide in the bunker while Eric, Gabe, and Sarah lay in waiting. When the bad guys show up they kill them all.
This incident makes Tom and Sarah nervous about what happens the next time this happens and E&G are gone for CO. The family decides they are going to CO too.
E&G make a 2-3 day canoe trip to Marion to get some medical supplies, and other stuff. Marion has quite a few Z's around town. Eric lures them off and doubles back. They scavenge quite a few medical supplies and then hit a gun shop. They find a set of matching fancy M4's and tons of ammo. They also get some new axes for everyone from the hardware store. They gather it all up and head back. They see a lone survivor fishing from the dock but she runs off into the woods.
They get back, rest for a day and then head off to CO. The plan is to have 3 people ride the MUV with trailer ahead and then stop and wait for the other to walk and catch up.
Gabe is developing a love interest for Sarah. Gabe knows this is wrong but cant seem to stop himself. Eric politely asks Gabe about it. not much though.
They meet up with a 60 year old man who is a retired sniper. He recounts a story when he was in North Korea and saw a camp that had Z's in it. He also says that after he got out of NK and the Marines he told his grandpa. His grandpa told him that he saw some Z's (or similar) during WWII with the Nazis. All of this was just to say that this has been going on for a long time and the Americans didn't. invent it.
They are on the road for a few days. On the last day of their fuel they run into a road ambush. They take fire and retreat to the tree line. Eric gets shot. The bad guys are surronding them. The bad guys are being led by a guy with a bullhorn. Gabe runs up into the trees through a hole he makes in their line. Gabe gets shot in the shoulder. He takes out a couple bad guys. Brian gets shot in the leg. Gabe goes berserk. Gabe kills picks off bad guy after bad guy from behind their lines. Just as he is about to kill the leader someone else snipes him.
All the bad guys get killed. Gabe and crew get moving before too many Z's show up. Steve (from the last book) pops out of the brush 10 minutes up the road. Steve takes them to a way station and back to the community at Hollow Rock.
This is a walled off community with some hydro power. They seem to be doing all right for themselves. Eric takes a few weeks to recover enough to leave the hospital. Gabe and Brian heal up quickily. Eric has a weird dream during his recovery where his dad gives him some guidance. Eric and the doctor get a thing going on. Tom starts doing construction work for the town. The town mayor asks Gabe to form an army as repayment for the towns medical services. It seems that the group of raiders (name) is slowly surrounding the town and baditing all the shipments coming in. The mayor wants to fight them. Steve fills Eric in on his friends from the community from the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2019
This book is totally great.
May 17, 2013
This Shattered Land took the Surviving the Dead series to another level altogether. The characters seemed to grow and the author obviously put a lot of thought into their growth and the direction the story would take.
Eric and Gabe are all set in the cabin Gabe had prepared for the long haul. They had pretty much everything they needed, including solar panels, hot water, guns and ammo. What they didn’t have, they foraged/scavenged for in the neighbouring towns.
But, as can be expected, it was not an easy existence. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for two people, even good friends, to live in such close proximity to each other for months, or years on end, without interaction with other people. It would drive anyone crazy after a while.
Added to that, was the fact that they had to be constantly on the lookout for zombies, or even worse, other survivors. As in real life, those who do not have, will want what you have, nothing changes, it just becomes more dangerous – a matter of life or death, so they need to be vigilant at all times. This added to the fact that they needed interaction with people eventually started to wear on them and they eventually decide to leave their safe haven, and try and get to Colorado.
While searching for medical and other supplies they would need on the trip, they meet a family of three and decide to join forces and try and get to Colorado together, and so their journey begins.
This was a very good read, but left me with the awful feeling you get when you know you will need to wait months for the next installment. Highly recommended
Eric and Gabe are all set in the cabin Gabe had prepared for the long haul. They had pretty much everything they needed, including solar panels, hot water, guns and ammo. What they didn’t have, they foraged/scavenged for in the neighbouring towns.
But, as can be expected, it was not an easy existence. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for two people, even good friends, to live in such close proximity to each other for months, or years on end, without interaction with other people. It would drive anyone crazy after a while.
Added to that, was the fact that they had to be constantly on the lookout for zombies, or even worse, other survivors. As in real life, those who do not have, will want what you have, nothing changes, it just becomes more dangerous – a matter of life or death, so they need to be vigilant at all times. This added to the fact that they needed interaction with people eventually started to wear on them and they eventually decide to leave their safe haven, and try and get to Colorado.
While searching for medical and other supplies they would need on the trip, they meet a family of three and decide to join forces and try and get to Colorado together, and so their journey begins.
This was a very good read, but left me with the awful feeling you get when you know you will need to wait months for the next installment. Highly recommended
July 29, 2014
This was an improvement over the first book. I found the character development to be better and the details about all the various weapons was not quite as overwhelming and annoying, although the author did still spend what I considered an inordinate amount of time describing them. You are a gun buff...we get it already! :)
The zombies didn't dominate quite as much in this second book. Oh, there were several encounters with them, of course, but the survivors are getting better at eliminating their threat, so the battles with them are becoming almost ho-hum now--like shooting fish in a barrel. But, a different kind of menace is taking the place of the flesh-eating monsters now and is one that is almost more chilling--the cold, heartless survivors who are taking advantage of the situation to kill, rob and terrorize the others.
The pacing of the book was quite slow in places, and I still found there were a lot of unnecessary details about everyday, mundane things. The story needed more action and adventure.
The ending was somewhat abrupt, but it didn't really annoy me too much since I know there is another book in the series.
The zombies didn't dominate quite as much in this second book. Oh, there were several encounters with them, of course, but the survivors are getting better at eliminating their threat, so the battles with them are becoming almost ho-hum now--like shooting fish in a barrel. But, a different kind of menace is taking the place of the flesh-eating monsters now and is one that is almost more chilling--the cold, heartless survivors who are taking advantage of the situation to kill, rob and terrorize the others.
The pacing of the book was quite slow in places, and I still found there were a lot of unnecessary details about everyday, mundane things. The story needed more action and adventure.
The ending was somewhat abrupt, but it didn't really annoy me too much since I know there is another book in the series.
June 28, 2015
Very good read
Can't wait to see what's next! I think this is the best series of survival in a post-apocalyptic world I have ever read and I have read a lot over my years as an avid reader.mi don't just read about the apocalypse, I read what readers in general read, but I always come back to this genre.
The characters are fleshed out nicely, the action is paced nicely as well. There are moments where you have to suspend your beliefs a bit but that makes for a very good story, written or film.
This series never mentions the Z word for the undead, this fictionalized world was not obsessed with Zombies as our world is today apparently! This is my first time reading about an undead end of the world, EMP, alien invasion or comet strikes have been what I looked for until the show Walking Dead, I thought I wouldn't want to read about them, wrong, The End Of The World As We Know It is the hook for me.
I highly recommend this series, I've read 3 already so I have faith that however many is left, I hope quite a few, I am confident I will enjoy them just as much.
Can't wait to see what's next! I think this is the best series of survival in a post-apocalyptic world I have ever read and I have read a lot over my years as an avid reader.mi don't just read about the apocalypse, I read what readers in general read, but I always come back to this genre.
The characters are fleshed out nicely, the action is paced nicely as well. There are moments where you have to suspend your beliefs a bit but that makes for a very good story, written or film.
This series never mentions the Z word for the undead, this fictionalized world was not obsessed with Zombies as our world is today apparently! This is my first time reading about an undead end of the world, EMP, alien invasion or comet strikes have been what I looked for until the show Walking Dead, I thought I wouldn't want to read about them, wrong, The End Of The World As We Know It is the hook for me.
I highly recommend this series, I've read 3 already so I have faith that however many is left, I hope quite a few, I am confident I will enjoy them just as much.
February 16, 2016
Coming right along...
...you know how some Z books are all about run run, bang bang, and run some more? Well, I gotta hand it to Mr. Cook here, he is writing a heck of a story. The core characters really have some substance. Eric (I picture him as Bradley Cooper in my minds eye) and Gabriel, as the author pointed out (think Hugh Jackman, only bigger) Have survived the outbreak. They've traveled together, and every group of people they meet, the two leave a lasting impression. Battle hardened, they March their way through obstacle after obstacle. Their on their way to Colorado to join with a group of Americans (and the President) and the last vestiges of unity left in our country before the U.S. descends into a wasteland of scattered factions and gangs...But Colorado is a thousand miles away. And this latest crisis has stopped them in their tracks. Nice work Mr. Cook. Smooth writing, few mistakes.
...you know how some Z books are all about run run, bang bang, and run some more? Well, I gotta hand it to Mr. Cook here, he is writing a heck of a story. The core characters really have some substance. Eric (I picture him as Bradley Cooper in my minds eye) and Gabriel, as the author pointed out (think Hugh Jackman, only bigger) Have survived the outbreak. They've traveled together, and every group of people they meet, the two leave a lasting impression. Battle hardened, they March their way through obstacle after obstacle. Their on their way to Colorado to join with a group of Americans (and the President) and the last vestiges of unity left in our country before the U.S. descends into a wasteland of scattered factions and gangs...But Colorado is a thousand miles away. And this latest crisis has stopped them in their tracks. Nice work Mr. Cook. Smooth writing, few mistakes.
March 12, 2014
It took me forever to finish this because it really began to drag at the end. At least three of the last several chapters could've been condensed or even omitted to move that plot along. it dragged this down from a solid 4 stars to 3.
That being said, this one's definitely an improvement. We're introduced to plenty of new characters, including a whole new town. (Which reminds me somewhat of the town in The Walking Dead minus the more... questionable of the Mayor's actions.)
There are chapters from Gabe's POV this time, which was alright. It didn't really add a lot to the story but didn't drag it down, either.
I'll wait until book 3 comes up for free before snagging it, just as I've done for this book. It's really not a series I feel is worth paying for, or at least not paying more than 99¢-$1.99 per book.
That being said, this one's definitely an improvement. We're introduced to plenty of new characters, including a whole new town. (Which reminds me somewhat of the town in The Walking Dead minus the more... questionable of the Mayor's actions.)
There are chapters from Gabe's POV this time, which was alright. It didn't really add a lot to the story but didn't drag it down, either.
I'll wait until book 3 comes up for free before snagging it, just as I've done for this book. It's really not a series I feel is worth paying for, or at least not paying more than 99¢-$1.99 per book.
July 21, 2013
James N. Cook continues to impress me. His debut novel before this one was amazing and this one did just as well, if not better. I can't go too into the plot without giving spoilers away. One big difference is that the story is not only told from Eric's point of view, but also Gabe's. The story switches back and forth between the two. I've learned a lot about survival reading these books as well and added what I've learned into my BOB gear binder. There were minor grammar errors, but better than the first one, which was filled with them. If you love zombie survival reads, than read this one. The zombies really aren't that huge of a threat...but humanity is instead. Had a blast reading this and can't wait to read the next one, Warrior Within.
February 28, 2014
“This shattered land” picks up a while after the first book “No Easy Hope” ends. The book stands alone so you don’t have to read the first one but it’s helpful if you do. The story and the writing are very good, but this book is much slower than the first. The zombies aren’t as present as they were in the first book although they’re around a lot, but I found the story to be very interesting. If you’re looking for a mile a minute zombie thriller this probably isn’t the book for you, but if you like the PA genre and want a well told story immersing you in this tough as nails world with some action mixed in I highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2013
I teetered between a three and four star rating on this book. I liked it - a lot, but I didn't REALLY like it. I'd give it a 3.5 star rating if I could. I missed the first book and got this one as a freebie, but I've purchased the next book (Warrior Within) in the series and that'll be the next book I read.
Although I could tell there was some history behind the major characters, I was able to read this as a stand-alone book and enjoy the tale. The characters are well-drawn for this genre; the story is interesting and the details about specific guns weapons and equipment are not overwhelming. The zombies don't dominate the story.
A good read overall and I would recommend the book.
Although I could tell there was some history behind the major characters, I was able to read this as a stand-alone book and enjoy the tale. The characters are well-drawn for this genre; the story is interesting and the details about specific guns weapons and equipment are not overwhelming. The zombies don't dominate the story.
A good read overall and I would recommend the book.
June 7, 2013
Good sequel. I enjoy the story and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series. The character development is great and I'm invested in the characters plight. I do wish they had picked a better editor though. SPOILER: I still don't understand why there was mention of a survivor on the dock (in No Easy Hope) that ran off and no further mention of her in that book or this one. I kept thinking she would pop back into the story, but when I realized she wasn't going to, it felt like a let down. This in no way takes away from my enjoyment of the story though. I will definitely be keeping up this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2015
This second book lowers my rating to 3.5 stars. It feels as though the author took a break and we're running in place waiting for the action to resume. The book revolves around a survivor family of three joining up with our hero pair, Eric and Gabe, accompanying them on their quest to Colorado. Umm...that's it basically. What's pretty funny is that here we are in the midst of the zombie apocalypse and our boy Eric still scores with the ladies in both towns he lays over in (pun intended). Way to go Eric! I hope the next book has more action and adventure content.
October 8, 2014
First book caught enough of my interest, and combined with being home in bed with the flu, this was just light enough entertainment to work.
Storyline is still good, characters are still two-dimentional, even though they have some depth in them - pacing is good and the entertainment-value is in it self worth more than three stars. But still this is far from good literature. I'm comparing this with being the male equivalent of romance-novels.
Still - one of the better Zombie/end-of-the-world serials out there.
Storyline is still good, characters are still two-dimentional, even though they have some depth in them - pacing is good and the entertainment-value is in it self worth more than three stars. But still this is far from good literature. I'm comparing this with being the male equivalent of romance-novels.
Still - one of the better Zombie/end-of-the-world serials out there.
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