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Contamination #1
The Onset
White Mist, New Mexico
Population: 1
After the murders of his wife and daughter, Sam Cooke is rebuilding a peaceful life as White Mist’s sole resident. Without warning, a strange man enters his store, and Sam is attacked and forced to flee town.
Noah and Kendall just finished moving a young couple from Las Vegas to Albuquerque. On the return trip, they stumble upon a bloody scene in a small southwestern town. They are soon entangled in a struggle for survival, accompanied by the frightened storeowner of White Mist and a mysterious girl.
The infected are taking over. The contamination has begun….
Population: 1
After the murders of his wife and daughter, Sam Cooke is rebuilding a peaceful life as White Mist’s sole resident. Without warning, a strange man enters his store, and Sam is attacked and forced to flee town.
Noah and Kendall just finished moving a young couple from Las Vegas to Albuquerque. On the return trip, they stumble upon a bloody scene in a small southwestern town. They are soon entangled in a struggle for survival, accompanied by the frightened storeowner of White Mist and a mysterious girl.
The infected are taking over. The contamination has begun….
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2012
148 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
T.W. Piperbrook
111 books393 followersT.W. Piperbrook lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. He is the author of the CONTAMINATION series, the OUTAGE series, and co-author of THE LAST SURVIVORS, as well as the author of THE RUINS. In his former lives, he has worked as as a claims adjuster, a touring musician, and a business systems analyst for a Fortune 500 company.
Now he spends his days fighting zombies, battling werewolves, and roaming Ancient cities.
For NEW RELEASE ALERTS AND A FREE STORY, sign up for the author's mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/qy_SH
LIKE him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/twpiperbrook
Now he spends his days fighting zombies, battling werewolves, and roaming Ancient cities.
For NEW RELEASE ALERTS AND A FREE STORY, sign up for the author's mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/qy_SH
LIKE him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/twpiperbrook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 9, 2015
3.5 Stars
After reading the introduction / prequel book "Contamination: Zero" yesterday, I immediately went on to read books one & two today. In book one, The Onset, we follow the progression of the deadly disease that turns people into fast, aggressive zombie-like creatures and how it affects four people desperately trying to survive - Sam, Delta, Noah and Kendall.
I felt the writing was a little bit stilted and choppy, especially with the frequent abrupt endings and paragraph switches. That being said, it was mostly a minor niggle and in general I found it a book that was easy to read, with a lot of action. It's fast paced and the characters are interesting, engaging and easy to empathise with, whilst the scenario itself is different enough to the rest of the post-apocalyptic books I've read to keep my attention. I think I preferred book 0 as the plot was tighter and a little more interesting, but having read book two I can tell you things get a lot more interesting when the two groups from book 0 & 1 meet up, and this is still worth reading for the backstory of the characters.
After reading the introduction / prequel book "Contamination: Zero" yesterday, I immediately went on to read books one & two today. In book one, The Onset, we follow the progression of the deadly disease that turns people into fast, aggressive zombie-like creatures and how it affects four people desperately trying to survive - Sam, Delta, Noah and Kendall.
I felt the writing was a little bit stilted and choppy, especially with the frequent abrupt endings and paragraph switches. That being said, it was mostly a minor niggle and in general I found it a book that was easy to read, with a lot of action. It's fast paced and the characters are interesting, engaging and easy to empathise with, whilst the scenario itself is different enough to the rest of the post-apocalyptic books I've read to keep my attention. I think I preferred book 0 as the plot was tighter and a little more interesting, but having read book two I can tell you things get a lot more interesting when the two groups from book 0 & 1 meet up, and this is still worth reading for the backstory of the characters.
August 25, 2017
This book was a bit disappointing after enjoying the prequel book a lot more. This book lacks the tension and tight plot that the other book had. The book seems to involve a haphazard plot that doesn't really seem to be going anywhere. Our heroes are running around the place getting chased but never seem to get very far. We get hints about how this outbreak started with contaminated meat and a slight suggestion that the trucker at Sam's place might have been transporting it but we don't really see how that has caused these attacks we are witnessing. We get very little about the reasons behind what is happening and I find it all a bit frustrating.
If the meat has turned ordinary people into psycho monsters, why do these creatures get described in a way that makes you think they have paranormal abilities? Sam talks about the creature appearing out of nowhere as if it was a spirit made out of dark mist that can disappear on you. How does that make sense? That was the image I got in my head each time they appeared-mist creatures like The Fog who become flesh to attack you then fade away again. It doesn't really fit with the zombie type creatures we saw in the prequel.
While I liked Sam and the boys, I never saw the point of Delta. Why would you drive all the way to this guy's house just to tell him that the killer of his family, your father, is dead??? Send a letter! Has it occured to her that she might be the last face he wants to see since he saw her in court when the killer was sentenced? Delta just does not interest me and I see little point to her. I never felt connected to her or her story and didn't really care what happened to her.
This felt more like a B Movie than a zombie novel and while I would like to know what happens to Sam, and I'm keen to see Dan again, I'm concerned about what I'll think about the rest of the series.
If the meat has turned ordinary people into psycho monsters, why do these creatures get described in a way that makes you think they have paranormal abilities? Sam talks about the creature appearing out of nowhere as if it was a spirit made out of dark mist that can disappear on you. How does that make sense? That was the image I got in my head each time they appeared-mist creatures like The Fog who become flesh to attack you then fade away again. It doesn't really fit with the zombie type creatures we saw in the prequel.
While I liked Sam and the boys, I never saw the point of Delta. Why would you drive all the way to this guy's house just to tell him that the killer of his family, your father, is dead??? Send a letter! Has it occured to her that she might be the last face he wants to see since he saw her in court when the killer was sentenced? Delta just does not interest me and I see little point to her. I never felt connected to her or her story and didn't really care what happened to her.
This felt more like a B Movie than a zombie novel and while I would like to know what happens to Sam, and I'm keen to see Dan again, I'm concerned about what I'll think about the rest of the series.
March 11, 2015
Enjoyed book zero, however the follow up book one was a bit of a disappointment. The new characters were less interesting, and the storeowner's backstory didnt really add anything..i guess it becomes a more critical plot point further into the series.
This volume seemed to just bounce from one zombie fight to another without any real driving plot. Hope the next volumes get back to the St Matthews characters and motivation of the instigators.
This volume seemed to just bounce from one zombie fight to another without any real driving plot. Hope the next volumes get back to the St Matthews characters and motivation of the instigators.
August 11, 2019
This book was a bit better than the first one but there were a few questionable scenes that I did not care for. I am still baffled at how Kendall magically transformed in the car at the worst moment or about the bathroom scene. I liked how the main characters stories overlapped until they all came together though. I am still confused on why someone was trying to run them off the road in the first place. Overall the book was decent but a few things did not make sense. I hope that later books help this one make more sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Excellent!!! Im hooked! Every word jumped off the page and had me hooked
I loved loved loved the writers style of writing. When you forget you're reading a book and feel like you're watching a movie you know it's a good book but when you feel like you were right there with the characters experiencing it first hand it's and excellent book. This book did that for me. I am excited to read the next books. Only negative I have to say is wish it was longer much longer. Also great editing. Don't think I found an error anywhere. T.w. You're my new favorite author!
I loved loved loved the writers style of writing. When you forget you're reading a book and feel like you're watching a movie you know it's a good book but when you feel like you were right there with the characters experiencing it first hand it's and excellent book. This book did that for me. I am excited to read the next books. Only negative I have to say is wish it was longer much longer. Also great editing. Don't think I found an error anywhere. T.w. You're my new favorite author!
February 6, 2017
I enjoyed this way more than the prequel.
The characters were more interesting and real, and the plot was exciting and action packed from start to finish. There were several storylines at the beginning, and I found it a little hard to keep up, but they merged pretty quickly and it was hard to stop reading. I also like how short these books are, it was a real fast paced read.
I am looking forward to the next instalment!
The characters were more interesting and real, and the plot was exciting and action packed from start to finish. There were several storylines at the beginning, and I found it a little hard to keep up, but they merged pretty quickly and it was hard to stop reading. I also like how short these books are, it was a real fast paced read.
I am looking forward to the next instalment!
October 3, 2018
This book was quite good. I felt that it was how I felt about the book 0.
There were many things I didn't see coming in the book and at the end of the book, that's what made me grip the book. It should be continued into a further journey and the readers can follow on with the story to find out what happens next.
Overall, this was a very good book and would love to read it again. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next.
There were many things I didn't see coming in the book and at the end of the book, that's what made me grip the book. It should be continued into a further journey and the readers can follow on with the story to find out what happens next.
Overall, this was a very good book and would love to read it again. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next.
October 9, 2018
This book picks up at a different spot than zero, which was little confusing at first. I quickly got over that. The book is amazing. I'm invested in the story and the characters, and I'm ready for more. I will say, I'm thankful for the box set. Because it ends on a cliffy. But, it's good enough writing that I'm hopping into the next one right away. Quickly becoming a big fan.
July 3, 2017
A little jarring with a change of characters but still a great read.
July 11, 2017
Fast paced and quick read.Very enjoyable
July 17, 2017
Awesome writing with loads of action, loved it!
October 25, 2017
A different set of characters than Book 0, but the story progresses.
January 2, 2018
This book was better than the first.
November 9, 2018
I have read most of the contamination series. The characters are well described and the plot will keep you reading past your bedtime.
May 9, 2019
slightly better than contanimation #0
May 25, 2020
Brilliant,twist and turns in every chapter can't wait to read the rest
October 30, 2020
Quick read. On to book two.
March 8, 2021
Absolute rubbish. A young adult novel. Poorly written with little to no depth in characters or world design.
August 31, 2021
The onset
The onset grabbed your attention from the first chapter. This is one I’ll read more than once. Very much exciting.
The onset grabbed your attention from the first chapter. This is one I’ll read more than once. Very much exciting.
March 20, 2017
Installment two introduces more characters into this surprising turn of events - people becoming monsters.
The reasons are revealed but the whys are still obscure.
Loved the writing style and fast pace.
The reasons are revealed but the whys are still obscure.
Loved the writing style and fast pace.
July 21, 2024
All Over the Place
I don’t like being negative of other people’s writing, but it’s best to be honest.
First, the good stuff. The setting in the desert Southwest. The plot is semi-original in the source of the infection. Sam has the makings of a solid character.
Now for the bad stuff. The flow of the story is off. There are some time continuity issues and the characters make really dumb decisions. Not that this is an issue from time to time, but I had a hard time getting attached to any of the characters. The characters are two dimensional.
Plus, there are so many things that could have been described in more detail to make each scene come alive.
Also, exactly what are these creatures? Aliens? Zombies? How can they push shelves with super human strength? Many questions with zero explanation or answers.
I won’t be continuing the series.
I don’t like being negative of other people’s writing, but it’s best to be honest.
First, the good stuff. The setting in the desert Southwest. The plot is semi-original in the source of the infection. Sam has the makings of a solid character.
Now for the bad stuff. The flow of the story is off. There are some time continuity issues and the characters make really dumb decisions. Not that this is an issue from time to time, but I had a hard time getting attached to any of the characters. The characters are two dimensional.
Plus, there are so many things that could have been described in more detail to make each scene come alive.
Also, exactly what are these creatures? Aliens? Zombies? How can they push shelves with super human strength? Many questions with zero explanation or answers.
I won’t be continuing the series.
May 25, 2015
The Onset did a nice job setting up the next book in the series except for one thing- Pipenbrook is really drawing out letting his readers know what is wrong with the infected people.
Contaminated meat has flooded the southwest, turning those that eat it into murderous beings. But what sort of beings? Some seem to be mindless zombies, some seem to be clever and capable of thought. Perhaps in a later book we'll learn there is a progression but right now I am confused.
The Onset has well-rounded characters and dry prose. The narrative is molasses slow- at this rate it's going to take 25 volumes to get through a week.
Contaminated meat has flooded the southwest, turning those that eat it into murderous beings. But what sort of beings? Some seem to be mindless zombies, some seem to be clever and capable of thought. Perhaps in a later book we'll learn there is a progression but right now I am confused.
The Onset has well-rounded characters and dry prose. The narrative is molasses slow- at this rate it's going to take 25 volumes to get through a week.
February 11, 2015
Book two starts with some new characters. Same great narration and audio. Story lacks a bit of something that book one had. Maybe the intensity and the introduction is now over so it's missing something. Still fantastic. I'm curious if the characters from book one are going to show up somewhere later in the series. I'm really hoping readers aren't introduced to characters that mean nothing to the overall story, but this is horror so it would not surprise me. Overall this one didn't have enough oomph but still solid for a beginning to the story.
Received by audiobookreviewer.com for an honest review.
3.5/5
Received by audiobookreviewer.com for an honest review.
3.5/5
August 19, 2015
So I have been reading this series non stop for the past couple of days. I would have givin it 5 stars but the only reason is the swearing. Most people it is fine but I don't like to bring products into my house that my children can't read which is why I tend to stick with teen and young adult. This is one book I'll remove from my tablet when I am done. As for the story goes I did enjoy it. Very typical for a Zombie book and as I stated above I couldn't put it down. I just wish there wasn't such bad language in it. Easy to read and characters are developed and the author is quite descriptive. This item is free on amazon at the moment.
December 27, 2014
As part of the box set I bought I was compelled to read this book after really enjoying book 0.
I was however very disappointed. The book hadmore gore less plot and an attemp to set some characters by fluffing them out while almost totally ignoring the characters introduced in book one.
That said, i have listeed to book 2 already and I can honestly say, stick with it. It gets better fast.
As for the audio aspect. Volume is still a problem and will be until the ed of the series.
The volume should be a taf bit louder since I miss bits due to by Fire already being on top volume.
WaAr
I was however very disappointed. The book hadmore gore less plot and an attemp to set some characters by fluffing them out while almost totally ignoring the characters introduced in book one.
That said, i have listeed to book 2 already and I can honestly say, stick with it. It gets better fast.
As for the audio aspect. Volume is still a problem and will be until the ed of the series.
The volume should be a taf bit louder since I miss bits due to by Fire already being on top volume.
WaAr
November 7, 2019
CONTAMINATION- THE ONSET #1
Good beginning that introduces the characters in this story. I read book #0 and I don't know if this story is about zombies or some killing kind of monster that has caught a virus and had once been a human. I looked ahead to the last book #7, and the description reads like this; the ending is a cliff hanger, but tells the reader to go back and read book 0! I read book 0 and its about how St. Matthews town and how the virus started. Also a rogue cop who knew about the infected meat and water.
Good beginning that introduces the characters in this story. I read book #0 and I don't know if this story is about zombies or some killing kind of monster that has caught a virus and had once been a human. I looked ahead to the last book #7, and the description reads like this; the ending is a cliff hanger, but tells the reader to go back and read book 0! I read book 0 and its about how St. Matthews town and how the virus started. Also a rogue cop who knew about the infected meat and water.
January 20, 2015
Contaminated
The first book being free was a great way to cast a line for readers, I bit, how could I not? The story is so well written that it grabbed me, wanting more, so much so that I bought the next two volumes, am about to purchase #3 & 4! Truly a very scary and not your typical SHTF tale, characters build up is quite good too. Well if you'll excuse me I have books to read LOL. Try it, first one is free, nothing to lose.
The first book being free was a great way to cast a line for readers, I bit, how could I not? The story is so well written that it grabbed me, wanting more, so much so that I bought the next two volumes, am about to purchase #3 & 4! Truly a very scary and not your typical SHTF tale, characters build up is quite good too. Well if you'll excuse me I have books to read LOL. Try it, first one is free, nothing to lose.
February 14, 2014
I'm actually really enjoying this series but I just can't give 5 stars to zombies that run and use weapons. Half the terror for me is the complete lack of co ordination and thought. Zombies are dead! That's why they are so scary. There is no reasoning by them or with them. Change that and for me they are not zombies at all...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews