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Breakers #0.5
Outcome
Ellie Colson is the only one who believes in the end of the world.
As an agent of the Department of Advance Analysis, she's one of a handful of people who knows about the spread of a new virus—one she believes will wipe out mankind. WIth her bosses in denial, she flies to New York to get her ex-fiance Chip to safety.
But he's already been scooped up and quarantined—and so has his adopted daughter. Pursued by her own agency, Ellie will stop at nothing to break Chip out before the virus claims them all.
___
Outcome is a prequel novella to the Breakers series. It's best to read it before book three.
As an agent of the Department of Advance Analysis, she's one of a handful of people who knows about the spread of a new virus—one she believes will wipe out mankind. WIth her bosses in denial, she flies to New York to get her ex-fiance Chip to safety.
But he's already been scooped up and quarantined—and so has his adopted daughter. Pursued by her own agency, Ellie will stop at nothing to break Chip out before the virus claims them all.
___
Outcome is a prequel novella to the Breakers series. It's best to read it before book three.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2013
64 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Edward W. Robertson
73 books1,238 followersEd is the author of the post-apocalyptic Breakers series and the epic fantasy series The Cycle of Arawn. A former New Yorker and Idaho-guy, he currently lives in the LA area. His short fiction has appeared in a whole bunch of magazines and anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 26, 2017
Picked up the Breakers Omnibus on Audible and I'm a fan. The beginning starts off a bit clunky with too many details to sort but I shrugged it off and kept listening to the story as I worked on other things. Pieces scatter in tempting bites as tension is hammered into you, the fallibility of humans is presented, a very likable character is trotted out, events quickly unfold and it's three hours later. The prequel is over and I can't wait to see what else is in store.
Listening to audiobooks is a new deal for me. I'm pretty picky on vocal storytellers and not everyone does a great job for each story. I find that the sample recording isn't quite long enough to decide if I will really enjoy the narrator but I think I have finally figured out what works for me or not. Ray Chase does a great job! I really enjoy the way he tells the story and expresses the characters.
I also picked up the ebooks just in case I get impatient with the audiobook pace. But! I really do like the way Ray Chase narrated the story. I will probably keep with the audiobook to hear him tell the story.
Listening to audiobooks is a new deal for me. I'm pretty picky on vocal storytellers and not everyone does a great job for each story. I find that the sample recording isn't quite long enough to decide if I will really enjoy the narrator but I think I have finally figured out what works for me or not. Ray Chase does a great job! I really enjoy the way he tells the story and expresses the characters.
I also picked up the ebooks just in case I get impatient with the audiobook pace. But! I really do like the way Ray Chase narrated the story. I will probably keep with the audiobook to hear him tell the story.
December 9, 2013
After configuring number and looking over statistics, Ellie Colson knows that she needs to get to New York before the outcome of the disease. A disease called Panhandler which makes people cough up the blood until they die and will take over the world in short time.
Getting to New York was supposed to be fast since all she needed to do is find her ex-fiance Chip and his daughter Dee and bring them to safety. But after finding out that Dee is missing, they have to find her before they could catch the disease.
I love when authors have novellas before series to have a short introduction of what is going to happen. It’s the right amount of story to capture attention, set the mood, and figure out if I enjoy the writing. Which, I have to admit, I absolutely loved!! The story was consistent and always captured my attention. I cannot wait to start Breakers which is the first book in this series.
Sounds interesting? Get this ebook on Amazon for free and see for yourself if this is something you will like!
Getting to New York was supposed to be fast since all she needed to do is find her ex-fiance Chip and his daughter Dee and bring them to safety. But after finding out that Dee is missing, they have to find her before they could catch the disease.
………………………………………………………………
I love when authors have novellas before series to have a short introduction of what is going to happen. It’s the right amount of story to capture attention, set the mood, and figure out if I enjoy the writing. Which, I have to admit, I absolutely loved!! The story was consistent and always captured my attention. I cannot wait to start Breakers which is the first book in this series.
Sounds interesting? Get this ebook on Amazon for free and see for yourself if this is something you will like!
February 18, 2015
Ellie sees what the numbers of a flu that will become worse than any worldwide plague before it. She sees them for what they are, without the bias of fear that the world would rather be broken or fallen to ruin. Yet others who see the numbers refuse to believe it could be that bad in the end. As Ellie goes to New York to save her ex fiancee, Chip, who she can't leave behind or forget.
Since the seven years apart Chip's life has been focused on his adopted daughter, Dee, when they are detained by a officer after Chip coughs in a subway, Ellis pulls in resources to get him out of the hospital - a hospital that Dee isn't in. Chip won't leave New York City without Dee, and Ellie won't leave without Chip after risking everything to get him safe.
As the world falls sick and dies, the city rots within it's subways, where the search ends, one life is saved and another is lost...I have to wonder too if every story in this series has it's own characters to follow or if we will see these ones again.
Since the seven years apart Chip's life has been focused on his adopted daughter, Dee, when they are detained by a officer after Chip coughs in a subway, Ellis pulls in resources to get him out of the hospital - a hospital that Dee isn't in. Chip won't leave New York City without Dee, and Ellie won't leave without Chip after risking everything to get him safe.
As the world falls sick and dies, the city rots within it's subways, where the search ends, one life is saved and another is lost...I have to wonder too if every story in this series has it's own characters to follow or if we will see these ones again.
March 1, 2024
An interesting novella, that hits after COVID 19 very different than 2013 when this was written. But it's scary how well Robertson was imagining a global deadly pandemic.
July 30, 2013
Outcome sets the stage for Edward Robertson's Breakers series. When Ellie Colson, an agent with the Department of Advance Analysis, sees the rate of infection she knows if she doesn't make it to NYC now she may never see her ex-fiancé again. So, against orders, she heads out in hopes that she's able to find him in time to get to safety. Meanwhile, in NYC, Chip and his adopted daughter are shuffled off the Metro into quarantine. Separated from his daughter and with no one answering his questions, Chip is beyond confused and frustrated when Ellie bursts in his cell to break him out. Can the two find Dee before it's too late? Ellie knows the virus progresses quickly, but Chip will not leave the city without his daughter.
I really enjoyed this short. I like Edward's style of writing, although it's a bit King-esque in parts (which I consider a positive and a negative at times). I also like his characters sense of humor, strength, and determination. I may continue the series, which begins with Breakers.
{Rating: 3.5★}
I really enjoyed this short. I like Edward's style of writing, although it's a bit King-esque in parts (which I consider a positive and a negative at times). I also like his characters sense of humor, strength, and determination. I may continue the series, which begins with Breakers.
{Rating: 3.5★}
February 4, 2013
Edward Robertson has a way with characters. It's been evident in everything I've read by him so far (which includes the other two Breakers books and THE ROAR OF THE SPHERES) and it's evident in this one. OUTCOME is a more focused story than the novels, describing Ellie's efforts to find the one person she really loves in New York City as the city goes crazy in response to the Panhandler virus. It ends a little different from a lot of this type of story, and I really appreciated that.
Edward Robertson is a real talent and a find in the expanding world of independent authors. I'll be looking at more of his work.
Edward Robertson is a real talent and a find in the expanding world of independent authors. I'll be looking at more of his work.
April 9, 2015
This novella was interesting and kept my attention, but I did get a bit irritated with Chip's attitude after Ellie helps him. He questions everything she does and won't give in a millimeter on his opinions. I didn't feel like he was grateful at all at the incredible sacrifice Ellie made for him and his daughter. I found it hard to connect with either character and that both of them were described as being a certain way but then acted completely oppositely. Hopefully the next book will develop more of an emotional connection to the characters. Perhaps I am just used to reading female authors : )
February 25, 2013
More promise than delivery. Good start but the balance of the story involved nothing more than the search for the daughter of one of the characters through a city filled with people dying or dead from a viral plague. I found the characters difficult to identify with, many of their actions did not fit their personalities. No real plot and very bleak and grim in tone. Not my kind of book.
January 23, 2013
Quick read and well worth your time.
I would suggest you read this before reading the other books in the series.
It gets you ready for what happens next.
I would suggest you read this before reading the other books in the series.
It gets you ready for what happens next.
September 2, 2025
Revisiting the Breakers series after recommending it to someone as the best PAF that I, a dedicated fan of the genre, have read. In fact I loved Edward W Robertson’s writing so much that I’ve also read his Cycle of Galand series and some of his space books too!
This reread revealed that this is a very dark story! The story starts with a woman who works for the CDC discovering that the flu virus currently going around is a world killer. She drops everything to get to New York to warn her estranged lover. He refuses to leave the city without his adopted daughter. The search for her reveals the depth of the devastation that is overwhelming the city.
We’re also introduced to another New Yorker, a writer who fears that his girlfriend is going to leave him, and a couple who live hand to mouth in LA. These people survive the initial flu and we get to witness how they deal with the end of civilization as we knew it.
The world that Robertson created is very realistic and filled with believable, sympathetic characters. The plot twists are surprising as he develops multiple storylines and we get to know these unique individuals and see how they deal with the situations life throws at them.
Very readable, rereadable and highly recommended.
This reread revealed that this is a very dark story! The story starts with a woman who works for the CDC discovering that the flu virus currently going around is a world killer. She drops everything to get to New York to warn her estranged lover. He refuses to leave the city without his adopted daughter. The search for her reveals the depth of the devastation that is overwhelming the city.
We’re also introduced to another New Yorker, a writer who fears that his girlfriend is going to leave him, and a couple who live hand to mouth in LA. These people survive the initial flu and we get to witness how they deal with the end of civilization as we knew it.
The world that Robertson created is very realistic and filled with believable, sympathetic characters. The plot twists are surprising as he develops multiple storylines and we get to know these unique individuals and see how they deal with the situations life throws at them.
Very readable, rereadable and highly recommended.
January 19, 2019
This is a prequal novella for the Breakers series. Real short just a couple of hundred pages. I picked up The Breakers Omnibus on Audible read by Ray Chase. So far Ray is the deciding factor in continuing this book. His dynamic voice brings life to sometimes mealy characters and and attitudes.
For an end of the world scenario everyone seems a little lackadaisical and nonchalant . The male female relationship is mirrored. The female lead is the strong and hardcore type and the male is diminutive and timid. Which is cool with me. A strong female that carries the weight is pretty awesome.
FBI Agent Ellie Colson the only smart one in the book knows the shit is about to hit the fan. No one else can see the light. She is hardcore but lacks any kind of substance to make her memorable. She flies to New York to get her fiance Chip and save him. You wish by the end Chip probably should have died sooner. He ultimately saves the day and proves everyone has some redeeming qualities. Apparently being a world class surgeon and mind reader finding a property he only heard about and never saw. And able to delve out its location by clairvoyance.
For an end of the world scenario everyone seems a little lackadaisical and nonchalant . The male female relationship is mirrored. The female lead is the strong and hardcore type and the male is diminutive and timid. Which is cool with me. A strong female that carries the weight is pretty awesome.
FBI Agent Ellie Colson the only smart one in the book knows the shit is about to hit the fan. No one else can see the light. She is hardcore but lacks any kind of substance to make her memorable. She flies to New York to get her fiance Chip and save him. You wish by the end Chip probably should have died sooner. He ultimately saves the day and proves everyone has some redeeming qualities. Apparently being a world class surgeon and mind reader finding a property he only heard about and never saw. And able to delve out its location by clairvoyance.
July 30, 2018
Prequel novella to the main series, setting up the scenario for Breakers. Ellie works for a government agency and learns about a new virulent virus. Believing that it may mean the end of the civilised world she leaves and covertly flies to New York with the intention of rescuing her ex-fiancé. Alternate chapters deal with the fiancé and his adopted daughter as they become scooped up by the authorities attempting, too late, to cope with the emergency. The two strands of narrative intersect for the last section of the book as the two search for the daughter.
Reading this after the first couple of books in the main series I obviously had a good idea of what was likely to happen. The ending is a tad downbeat, however - even for a series in which not everyone survives...
Ellie's story picks up again in Book 4 Reapers.
Reading this after the first couple of books in the main series I obviously had a good idea of what was likely to happen. The ending is a tad downbeat, however - even for a series in which not everyone survives...
Ellie's story picks up again in Book 4 Reapers.
April 10, 2020
After my third read, and in the midst of the current pandemic, I found this short story highly realistic in terms of the beurocratic events that take place at the beginning. I can't be sure about the indiscriminate shooting of colleagues and grunts in the way. I feel like that is more of a U.S. sentiment, however I guess if you were certain the world was ending, then maybe your inhibitions on killing people would lower. Anyway, a very short taste of Robertson's excellent Breakers series.
September 9, 2017
An auspicious beginning to what looks like a long tale. I was drawn to the end of the world epidemic story because most of the end of the world zombie apocalypse stories I've tried lately haven't been all that terrific. The characters are endearing and feel deeper the the mere 90 pages of this volume. There's no Hollywood ending here for sure.
Will move to volume 1 with haste.
Will move to volume 1 with haste.
October 23, 2017
Chip is a whiny little bitch. A strong woman like Ellie would never have any feelings for a spineless a-hole like him. This woman risks her life, murders a man (for him) does everything but give up and he just keeps whining and whining bitching complaining, being too loud, being uncooperative, unhelpful, abrasive. Chip SUCKS!!!!
Read
March 19, 2018Waaaaay too short! I want more, more, more! I’ve read all the other books in the series and I was so happy when I found this little gem. Can never get enough of that first phase of the apocalypse! Absolutely loved it!
February 8, 2023
The Innocence Of Writing This Book In 2013 As Compared To Where We Are In 2023
First Time Reading This Book, Good Thing This Book Was Written In 2013 and NOT 2023, Considering As To What Has Happened Since Covid 2019 Pandemic, I Will Read The Rest Of the Breakers Series Now......
First Time Reading This Book, Good Thing This Book Was Written In 2013 and NOT 2023, Considering As To What Has Happened Since Covid 2019 Pandemic, I Will Read The Rest Of the Breakers Series Now......
January 25, 2024
I enjoyed this prequel, which introduces readers to this story world. It begins with the inception of the virus, the concealment of its existence by the government, the pandemonium that ensues when it culminates into a global pandemic.
August 11, 2017
4.5 at least, can't wait to do whole series if its this good!!!
November 5, 2018
Didn't understand her motives at all. Now she's stuck with the same thing she broke up with the man for. Didn't hold me enough to read the rest of the series right now.
September 6, 2019
Not a bad prequel.
August 14, 2020
For you conspiracy theorists... You will love this short story. No need to be up on the other books to enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2021
Very good, short prequel to the Breakers series. Well worth picking up and reading. Not necessary to read it first; I read it after Book 3.
December 29, 2022
Solid. I want more Dee and Ellie, though it looks like the rest of the series follows different characters.
I also had to check when it was written several times...2014.
I also had to check when it was written several times...2014.
June 8, 2023
3 hour audio book free with Audible Plus. Great story!
April 13, 2024
Enjoyed it
It's been sat on my kindle for a while. Scary how the book sounds similar to covid! Will be reading the breaker books that follow 😊
It's been sat on my kindle for a while. Scary how the book sounds similar to covid! Will be reading the breaker books that follow 😊
October 26, 2018
One of the best apocalypse novellas I've read to date. Enough twists and turns to make it interesting, a somewhat unwilling group working together, and just enough unexplained for you to come up with your own reasons for various events.
If you're a fan of the stand and have some spare time, check out this novella.
If you're a fan of the stand and have some spare time, check out this novella.
October 30, 2017
Having just started the series not sure how to interpret this one. It was engaging and confusing. I am giving it five starts as it made me want to know more about the story line and the characters. I’m looking forward to book 1.
Looking forward to number 4 to learn more about these characters.
Looking forward to number 4 to learn more about these characters.
March 5, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and am definitely going to read all the books in the series. I haven't read any of the Breakers' series yet, aside from Outcome, so this review is based solely on my first experience with Edward Robertson's books.
As a fan of the general post-apocalyptic story lines, I thought Outcome would be a great starting point to a series and it lived up to my expectations. But I think that maybe somewhere, somehow, it could have been better.
The story line is simple enough - a virus is going to be more dangerous than anyone expects and Ellie wants to get her ex-fiance and his daughter to safety along with her. But her own allies are against her (what's a good story have if not friends turned foes?). The story moves fast and has loads of action. The action itself is well depicted and makes it extremely easy to actually see the situation unfolding in front of your eyes. The flow of the story is smooth too, especially considering that it jumps a longer period than expected at occasional intervals. Characters are easy to associate with and what I liked most was the determination in each an every one of them. Determination to help a loved one, determination to not leave someone behind regardless of the associated cost, determination to survive in the face of impossibility and determination to simply not give up or back down.
I can only think of one real drawback as such. I would have liked to read more about the characters, their lives and their past. Maybe they're explained in greater detail in the following books but a little more about them and their relationship would have been welcome.
While the book did move along at a good pace and the story progressed, I did find it a tad boring in the middle - like something more needs to happen, something needs to move. At this point, I wasn't sure if I'd read more of the series. But the last few chapters made the decision for me. I'm going to read this series because I loved the end of Outcome. Unexpected twists and turns that you simply don't see coming and the only feeling I was left with at the end was (although some people may disagree) that it could not have ended in a better way.
As a fan of the general post-apocalyptic story lines, I thought Outcome would be a great starting point to a series and it lived up to my expectations. But I think that maybe somewhere, somehow, it could have been better.
The story line is simple enough - a virus is going to be more dangerous than anyone expects and Ellie wants to get her ex-fiance and his daughter to safety along with her. But her own allies are against her (what's a good story have if not friends turned foes?). The story moves fast and has loads of action. The action itself is well depicted and makes it extremely easy to actually see the situation unfolding in front of your eyes. The flow of the story is smooth too, especially considering that it jumps a longer period than expected at occasional intervals. Characters are easy to associate with and what I liked most was the determination in each an every one of them. Determination to help a loved one, determination to not leave someone behind regardless of the associated cost, determination to survive in the face of impossibility and determination to simply not give up or back down.
I can only think of one real drawback as such. I would have liked to read more about the characters, their lives and their past. Maybe they're explained in greater detail in the following books but a little more about them and their relationship would have been welcome.
While the book did move along at a good pace and the story progressed, I did find it a tad boring in the middle - like something more needs to happen, something needs to move. At this point, I wasn't sure if I'd read more of the series. But the last few chapters made the decision for me. I'm going to read this series because I loved the end of Outcome. Unexpected twists and turns that you simply don't see coming and the only feeling I was left with at the end was (although some people may disagree) that it could not have ended in a better way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews