Jack Walker and the other survivors continue their search for others. Unbeknownst to them, the night runners have initiated their own gathering and, with Michael's leadership, they are adapting. The survivors learn about some of these adaptations and strive to stay one step ahead. Their continued existence depends on it.
Factors enter the picture which could fracture both groups. Jack fights for the survival of humankind while Michael must do the same for the night runners. Heading off to search for other remnants of humanity, Jack is unaware of the danger that lurks within the heart of the sanctuary - an act of kindness, seemingly so small, that could bring about the destruction of all he holds dear.
While both sides fight for their very survival, an infatuation arises that could destroy both of them.
John 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.
What an ending to (book 6) Dissension! One thing that is good about being late to the party (starting a series years after the original release date) is the fact that as I am listening to a phenomenal series (such as "A New World") I am never left in a state of suspension. . . itching at the bit for the next in series to be released. This way I get to listen to all of them. . . one right after the other. Yay!
This series reeled me right in from the start since it is not only thrilling (filled with lots of Zombie fighting and exciting mayhem) "A New World" is exceptionally clever.
Sending kudos to Mr. O'Brien for the incredible narrative, and also to narrator, Mr. Mark Gagliardi, who flawlessly brings these episodes to life. . . nailing every character he voices. Much thanks for the hours of nail-biting, non-stop listening pleasure!
This series is so amazing. I want to take everyone that is so enamored of zombies right now and make them buy these books! Each book sees the author's writing become just that much better and the plot become that much thicker. And each time I think I've got it figured out where things might end up, I am surprised, and in a very good way.
Many new characters introduced in this one, some of whom seem like they may play bigger roles in subsequent books, and some of whom seem like I'm not going to like them much. More familiar characters get some time for their POV to shine, which I love.
Lots of time spent in the minds of the nightrunners in Dissension. And several different ones too. My only dislike (which isn't really a dislike) is coming from the plot line involving Sanda.
More time spent in this one showing the stupidity of going up against armed military personnel, this time with tanks. Pure awesomeness, with no messing around and trying to reason with people that don't deserve reason.
I am so in love with the essential crew at this point. My girl crush on Gonzalez is complete after seeing her with Bri more. McCafferty is a very close second. The banter between them all has made me laugh out loud several times and just feels like exactly what would be happening. Greg & Jack's interactions keep me giggling. The attention to detail is once again present in this one, lending credibility to a thankfully very fictional world.
I was heartbroken at the end of this one, both because of events in the plot and because I have to wait for another book!
First of all I really liked the series. Having said that there are quite a few annoyances in regards to the story I wish would have been more realistic. For instance: Why does every single building have to be pitch black only a few feet from the doors? Don’t windows and reflected light work the same way in this universe as it does in ours? Just open up all the windows and leave the doors open.
Want to raid the local Costco? Don’t just go in you idiot, climb up to the roof in the middle of the day and remove the corrugated sheet panels that make up the roof and let the sunlight flood the interior before you go in. Once the interior is well lit you can safely walk in an take whatever you like without fear of night runners. See how easy I make it? You can even raid the pharmacy in said Costco for medication.
Why build your sanctuary in a busy corridor between huge cities? In the real world as soon as Jack suggested cabela’s as their sanctuary someone would have told him that there are much better alternatives which are farther from the cities and thus the hoards of night runners. Why go through all the effort to clean out the Cabela’s then build miles of walls when there are nearby areas with natural defenses or use distance as a protective measure. If night runners need shelter during the day then just pick an isolated spot far enough away that it would be impossible for any night runners to get there on foot without getting caught by the rising sun.
If being close to the Tacoma- Seattle area was so importante then Wouldn’t it be better if they built their sanctuary on one of the many large islands in the area which already have infrastructure. Destroy any bridges and slowest clear out any night runners on the island. Then get a few boats and use those to move between the island and the mainland as needed. if there is no airport on the island then build a runway for the C130 and the “spooky” and there you go, a much safer place with infrastructure in place and without the constant fear of being invaded by hoards every night.
I know this is just a fantasy but if the author took some time to actually make the story more believable it would have made it immensely better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
John O’Brien has a clear vision in mind for the arc of this 10-book series, and I love how the story is progressing (and escalating). Fascinating to see what he’s doing with the “zombies” of this tale. I loved this book: the characters, the challenges, the surprises. Moving right on to the next book.
What a great storyline, the series is fantastic and how the characters are used just captures the reader and I was as engrossed as I would be watching a film, in my head I was saying all the things you say when watching a good scary, thrilling, exciting film.
Holy smoke this is a great series ! As the sixth book it still doesnt slow down and is thrilling all the way through. Love the humour between Jack and Greg ! You won't be disappointed.
There are two distinct Night Runner leaders, a male Michael and a female Sandra. The two have also learned to speak verbally as opposed to the mental image sending communication the rest of the packs use. The Night Runners continue to evolve. Our boys are contacted by a submarine oblivious to the status of the world above the waves. A brief lesson given to the sailors trying to restock by going into the dock warehouses and the sub captain is made distinctly aware. Supply agreements are reached and our group will make contact again with the sub in three days. Roadblocks are met and disabled with the surviving roadblock members accepted into the fold; another 40 survivors added. The Night Runners that seem to be reverting back to human are definitely a mystery; a mystery that's going to bite our survivors in the butt. One such convert is being held within the sanctuary, supposedly guarded, but not well enough. Jack said something to the effect of "once turned can turn back." They should have heeded his words more closely. The female Night Runner Sandra is on a very strange and totally misplaced jealousy rampage to seek out, capture, and kill Lynn (Jack's girlfriend). Jack is finding others like himself that have acquired Some of the Night Runners abilities due to surviving a Night Runner injury. Many strange things going on and one wonders where it will lead.
In this series, the descriptions and details of battle action can be a bit repetitive. Since I don't understand the differences between various model numbers of military equipment, I get the feeling that some parts of the story just go over my head as gobbledygook. In my mind, the author never explained how a sporting goods store with its own well for water can handle the toilet usage for more than 200 people for several months. In my experience, buildings with their own well will also have their own septic system - and I just don't understand how that would have the necessary capacity. I think I can point out one other plot problem without giving a spoiler - the motivation of the female enemy is incomprehensible to me. If you accept her emotional motivation (for whatever reason), then I can't understand her actions in regards to Lynn. Nonetheless, I congratulate the author for writing a story that can still hold a reader through 6 books
Literally fell in love with Jack! So anxious to find out about Lynn and the new characters being introduced! John O'Brien makes you think of things that you Normally would never think of in the event of an apocalypse. While also introducing bits of wisdom to ponder on. All of his books in this series just keep getting better and better! Love the twists and the unexpected revelations of the night Runners and their abilities that are unfolding!!
I love these stories! Not your canned Zombies off the shelf! Yes there is blood and guts, aplenty, great descriptions of aircraft, ground vehicles, and all the guns and warriors to go with them. I can hardly wait till the next book. Oh yes has anyone found the novella "A Shrouded World" co-written with Mark Tufo, I'm assuming Amazon is sitting on it.
This was good installment, not my favorite, but a good one...In this one, we find more survivors...and even ones who can sense the night runners like Jack can...and we find Lynn in supreme danger....Jack is going to lose it when he finds out!! On to book 7!!!!