Set in the dark heart of Africa, Rotters is a hard-core mix of biology, forensic science, military adventure and graphic zombie horror wrapped up in a leaking body bag.
When a deadly new virus emerges in the Congo river basin of central Africa, Dr. Peter Barry must lead an elite military recon team deep into the heart of the rain forest in a desperate race against time to discover the source of the virus. Each step closer to their goal brings new revelations about the virus, themselves, and the unimaginable fact that zombies are real.
Although this was a standard and fairly satisfying examination of a zombie-type apocalypse, I found that the main character wasn't very believable. In fact, none of the characters were very believable. Reactions were off, motivations didn't really make sense and they didn't go beyond two dimensions. I was actually very surprised to read in the extensive Author's Notes that he had specific people or types in mind when he wrote the book, because they were very cookie cutter and rather illogical. There also aren't any discernible emotions or relationships between various characters.
The premise is that the main character is a scientist who is recruited to go on a mission into Africa to find the source - and hopefully a cure - for a virus that is sweeping the nation.
As an example - here's where the mild spoilers come in.
When the good doctor is recruited, he has pretty much zero emotional reaction to any of the events that follow. He's not worried. He's not scared. He's not mad. He calmly negotiates, gets on a plane and then - jumps out of it. With nary a whimper. A slight hesitation. No bluster, no bravado, nothin'. He just... sort of goes. And lands successfully, I might add. With no training. In fact, he doesn't even react when he's TOLD, while en route, that they're all going to be jumping into location. Uh - really? Because I would be FREAKING. Even if I didn't do it out on the outside - you know, paralyzed with fear - there would be some intense internal dialogue.
Oh. And then they walk - WALK - roughly 110 MILES through Africa. With zombies. Because...????
I ended up giving it three stars because for all its faults, it wasn't a bad read. I mean, I read it all the way through, the ending was decent, and a trek through Africa is pretty interesting. Especially when you're walking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole premise of what caused this zombie outbreak seemed extremely well thought out, making the story that much better. I wish it would have had more zombie chimp action, as well as a little more zombie fighting , but, I am an action freak. All in all, it is a great book, and I was not disappointed at all. I will definitely be looking at and reading more of Mr.Carts works
When a virulent virus takes hold in the Congo a crack unit is sent in to discover its origin.
A well written action packed trek through central Africa which had me hooked from the beginning. A mixture of ‘Wild Geese’ and ‘28 Days Later’ that is fast paced and has its twists and turns.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Great story with strong characters.
I was surprised that this was as good as it was. This book was a pleasant surprise in that I really enjoyed the story and felt that this was one of the best books I have read in this genre. Well done by the author.
This was a little different but interesting. It had the action and some drama but also looked at the scientific side of a zombie outbreak. Very interesting.
I feel like I should rate this story 3 stars, but that would only be because I'd have preferred a different ending- other than that, this story deserves a solid 4 stars. Here is a note I wrote mid-way through: "Why isn't the captain giving Keyes sh*t about all of her "screaming" and "shrieking"?? It's all about some serious noise discipline - except for Keyes' mouth. ? Sloppy. Or, is it not sloppy writing, but rather, misogyny?? I'm surprised she hasn't fallen yet, and needed a man to help her up or save her - oh right, that happened during the chimp scene. Bottom line is, Keyes can be portrayed as a weak or stereotypical woman (even though she started out being characterized as tough as nails), but the captain should be addressing her volume level to remain consistent in his characterization." I read the after-book author comments and he states he was advocating for equal rights regarding Keyes' pay. That's worth something, though not enough to make up for the inconsistency in her characterization (beginning vs middle vs end)- who was she?? Tough or stereotypically soft?
Let me start out by saying that I’m not one who reads novels about zombies, but the description for this book caught my attention. Since I do enjoy thriller novels that deal with viruses, this book met all my expectations for an enjoyable read. The proposed scientific hypothesis that a virus would use a zombie as a host to infect live humans and cause an epidemic was a brilliant idea. The way the story developed and the action involved, reminded me of thrillers I’ve read by Clive Cussler. The mix of characters that made up the military recon team made for an interesting adventure tale. I liked this novel and would recommend it for readers of thriller novels.
Honestly, I enjoyed this book very much. It's the first zombie book I've come across that tries to provide a scientific rationale for the creatures. And it actually makes sense. I won't go into the details, that would spoil it for you. The author clearly knows his biology and his military. I could wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in military thrillers, or zombie books. If I have one complaint about this book, it's that the dialogue seems a little formal and stilted. It's not written in a casual style I'm used to, and since I read with my ears as much as my eyes, it throws me off some. Still, I would gladly recommend this book.
Honestly, I enjoyed this book very much. It's the first zombie book I've come across that tries to provide a scientific rationale for the creatures. And it actually makes sense. I won't go into the details, that would spoil it for you. The author clearly knows his biology and his military. I could wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in military thrillers, or zombie books. If I have one complaint about this book, it's that the dialogue seems a little formal and stilted. It's not written in a casual style I'm used to, and since I read with my ears as much as my eyes, it throws me off some. Still, I would gladly recommend this book.
Wow! Great premise! Great action! Very suspenseful. And when there is a zombie outbreak, and you find yourself in an African jungle, there is one thing that could actually make the situation 1000 times worse. But I'm not telling so you can be as surprised and satisfied as I was! Really cool book. Especially if you like heavy weapons and bad ass special ops kind of guys mowing them down. Two thumbs up!
How All Zombie Novels and Short Stories Should Be Absolutely fantastic. This really gets into the meat and spuds of the zombie virus, explaining the whys and hows in a way that actually makes sense. Characterization, usually a low point, was very well done. There's no cardboard people-shaped blobs here, just a small band of very human beings, complete with flaws and ambitions. Definitely well worth the read!
this was a really well written book. very much unlike many I have read before. just enough technical details for me to become lost in the book. well worth reading.
After reading many zombie novels, I really enjoyed this book! I feel it took a different take on a story generally told the same way. It definitely kept my interest to the very end.