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The Colony #1
Genesis
Forget everything you think you know about zombies.
In under 10 minutes, 99.9% of the world's population will be dead… or changed. Conversion is instant. Headshots just make them angry. And they’re getting smarter.
Ken Strickland has made it through the first moments. But his family is still out there.
Can he survive? Can he find them? Or will he become one more of the creatures that now rule our world?
In under 10 minutes, 99.9% of the world's population will be dead… or changed. Conversion is instant. Headshots just make them angry. And they’re getting smarter.
Ken Strickland has made it through the first moments. But his family is still out there.
Can he survive? Can he find them? Or will he become one more of the creatures that now rule our world?
244 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2013
159 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Michaelbrent Collings
92 books660 followersOne of the most versatile writers around, Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally bestselling novelist, produced screenwriter, and multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. While he is best known for horror (and is one of the most successful indie horror authors in the United States), he has also written bestselling thriller, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, young adult, and middle grade works, and Western Romance.
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 26, 2022
Why did I start reading this book at 9pm? Honestly, as soon as I started reading I knew I would be too wound up to sleep and was right. From start to finish, it was non-stop, gritting my teeth, clenching my hands, but I couldn’t stop reading it. I loved the book it's a page-turner right to the last page. I highly recommend this book.
October 23, 2013
I have been following Michaelbrent Collings since I first picked up his novel The Haunted. Since then, I've been devouring everything I can that he has written. It's an incredible treat to find an author so consistently "unique" in his story lines. That being said, I was a little hesitant at first at starting THE Colony: Genesis, only because of the fact that it is the first of a series. I groaned mentally, thinking of months/sometimes years of waiting for a storyline to be continued. When I realized that the second book in the series was ALREADY out--I jumped right in.
When I mentioned that Collings stories were consistently unique--I wasn't kidding. This novel is a testament to that statement. He takes the concept of zombies to a whole new level. I was so absorbed in this fast moving, breathtaking story, that I read it all in a single sitting. Of the origin of the zombies, very little is known (I expect we'll hear more about that in a later installment). What makes this story so engrossing is the characters, and the desperate urgency in which they are thrust in order to save their lives from this VERY sudden world-wide epidemic.
There wasn't a dull moment in the entire book--nor even a place to pause, and take a break! I'll be getting the second book VERY soon now! :)
Recommended!
When I mentioned that Collings stories were consistently unique--I wasn't kidding. This novel is a testament to that statement. He takes the concept of zombies to a whole new level. I was so absorbed in this fast moving, breathtaking story, that I read it all in a single sitting. Of the origin of the zombies, very little is known (I expect we'll hear more about that in a later installment). What makes this story so engrossing is the characters, and the desperate urgency in which they are thrust in order to save their lives from this VERY sudden world-wide epidemic.
There wasn't a dull moment in the entire book--nor even a place to pause, and take a break! I'll be getting the second book VERY soon now! :)
Recommended!
September 15, 2021
Collings certainly did not cut these characters any slack as it was a not holds bar in the Zombie slaughtering, and considering the plot begins in a school - just use your imagination. . .
This is a zombie series I am onboard for start to finish - it's that good! Unfortunately, Audible currently only offer books 1 and 2 of this seven part series. Really hoping they will make #3-7 available sooner rather than later - There's no comparison - Listening to narrator John Alexander Brancy describe the tearing of throats and shredding of entrails takes the terror and horror a level 10x more intense and imaginative than reading. Not lying. Some books I will only read - IMO the zombie genre should to be heard to fully appreciate what the author wants us to absorb - and that IS the truth!
Moving on to his standalone, 'Strangers' and try to shake it off a little. Intense is putting it mildly -and just how it should be....
This is a zombie series I am onboard for start to finish - it's that good! Unfortunately, Audible currently only offer books 1 and 2 of this seven part series. Really hoping they will make #3-7 available sooner rather than later - There's no comparison - Listening to narrator John Alexander Brancy describe the tearing of throats and shredding of entrails takes the terror and horror a level 10x more intense and imaginative than reading. Not lying. Some books I will only read - IMO the zombie genre should to be heard to fully appreciate what the author wants us to absorb - and that IS the truth!
Moving on to his standalone, 'Strangers' and try to shake it off a little. Intense is putting it mildly -and just how it should be....
September 12, 2021
Nail biting! I haven’t read a book this amazing in a very long while. I finished The Colony: Genesis and couldn’t purchase and read the second book fast enough. If you like a can’t-breathe-can’t-stop-cross-your=legs-so-you-don’t-pee-yourself-good-book,then read this book now! Michaelbrent Collings is right up there with Mr. King!!!
November 9, 2015
I like my zombies with a side of insects ...
Michaelbrent Collings has certainly created his own signature style when it comes to the genre of horror. Fast, shotgun writing with action on every page and a cliff hanger on every other. What I most appreciate about his approach is that he pushes things one step farther than you might expect, leaving one final twist ending you didn't see coming or tacking on another layer to a story where other (lazier) authors might have stopped short.
The Colony falls into this second category, a zombie story but not quite "just another zombie story." These zombies are fast, and they're learning. They're also connected somehow, which has yet to be explained. Add freak plagues of bugs and other baddies and you're not quite certain what's going on. The pace of this story took me a little while to get used to as the entire novel covers only a few miles and possibly few hours. Don't mistake that for meaning the story is slow; it's not. But if you're looking to dive deep into the culture and mythos of this particular zombie tale, be prepared to pony up for another book in the series.
This isn't a genre-bending revelation of a novel, but coming from someone who's been a little burned out on the zombie cliches, it's a quick and fun read and definitely packs enough punch to keep you going till the end.
Michaelbrent Collings has certainly created his own signature style when it comes to the genre of horror. Fast, shotgun writing with action on every page and a cliff hanger on every other. What I most appreciate about his approach is that he pushes things one step farther than you might expect, leaving one final twist ending you didn't see coming or tacking on another layer to a story where other (lazier) authors might have stopped short.
The Colony falls into this second category, a zombie story but not quite "just another zombie story." These zombies are fast, and they're learning. They're also connected somehow, which has yet to be explained. Add freak plagues of bugs and other baddies and you're not quite certain what's going on. The pace of this story took me a little while to get used to as the entire novel covers only a few miles and possibly few hours. Don't mistake that for meaning the story is slow; it's not. But if you're looking to dive deep into the culture and mythos of this particular zombie tale, be prepared to pony up for another book in the series.
This isn't a genre-bending revelation of a novel, but coming from someone who's been a little burned out on the zombie cliches, it's a quick and fun read and definitely packs enough punch to keep you going till the end.
March 25, 2017
So this was book 3 from the Ultimate Undead Collection: The Zombie Apocalypse Best Sellers Boxed Set. This was certainly a very quick read with non-stop action from about the 1st page. I appreciated this since I don't like it when the Zombie action doesn't really get going until halfway through the story. I'm not too crazy about how short this was though; it's not exactly a complete book but part 1 of a 7-book series! I never would have bought it based on that if it hadn't been part of this collection. I also had an issue with how the city of Boise was portrayed and I would be very interested to know if the author actually lives there or had even visited before. The first survivor the main character meets up with is described as a quite strong older woman, so he assumes she must work on a farm since "a lot of women in the area work farms". And the 2nd survivor he finds is a cowboy, an actual cowboy. Having these 2 characters represent a very diverse and urban city like Boise just seemed quite ridiculous to me. And of course it ends with a cliffhanger to entice you to buy the next part of the series. Although I'm very curious what happens, I don't think I want to shell out the money for 6 more books to find out.
August 27, 2013
After reading Collings book Apparition I knew I would have to read everything he has written. I downloaded this one of Amazon and read it in hours I was so engrossed in it I could not put it down. Best Zombie (?) like book I have ever read. He goes in to such great detail that you really get drawn into the book and I could feel my heart races as the main characters run for there lives and try to stay ahead of everything that seems to be falling to pieces around them.I can't wait for the next installment. I could really see this turned in to a show or series just from how awesome the 1st book was.
December 18, 2013
I've never read a zombie book before, except World War Z, which doesn't count. This book was fast paced and I couldn't put it down. 244 pages of a story that spans 6 hours of Ken Strickland's life. As a fan of horror it takes a lot to scare me. This book is the first in my adult life that scared me enough to keep me awake at night.
August 1, 2014
I paid good money for it and had no end to the book you have to buy vol 2 for the end ,will not buy it.
I have never written a review but it was so bad I had to
I have never written a review but it was so bad I had to
October 16, 2013
First off, I received this book free from the author. I responded to a posting on Goodreads for the 2nd Colony book: Renegades, and I ended up with both books I and II.
That said, I really did enjoy this thriller. If you have seen my reviews since March of this year, you know that I LOVE to read zombie books. However, even for me I now feel there are too many zombie books out there. I now have the luxury of picking and choosing which zombie books I WANT to read. When I saw the offer to read a zombie book for free from an author I had read before, I jumped at it.
But being free does not mean I would like the book. Earlier this year an author sent me a book to review. He compared himself to Matt Reilly (action-adventure). I could not finish the book. It was boring and confusing. I sent him back a reply and said no thanks. I did not review the book because I could not finish it. If I gave him a good review then other people would read that review and then they would think I was just blowing smoke.
But I have no qualms here about giving this book 5-stars. Action from almost the very first page. Our lead character Ken, a school teacher, is on the run from the word GO. And Michaelbrent has come up a totally new approach to zombies. Bugs, zombies that spit acid, coordinate together, communicate by making clicking noises, they stop and stare the sky and then resume killing, and all sorts of other strange things. As I said, different. Small parts of a couple of movies: World War Z and 28 Days Later, and a whole lot of NEW stuff.
For one thing, you can't outright kill these things. Headshots just make them MAD (like Mongo in Blazing Saddles). And I really like the band of character that Ken picks up in his quest to find his family (99.9% of the earth's population had turned immediately): Dorcas (older lady), Aaron (middle aged cowboy), Christopher (22 year son of the former governor, who is now a zombie. No blazing gun action, but lots of cliff-hangers and plenty of suspense.
200+ pages and I literally zipped thru it. It was difficult to find a place to stop and pause.
I had read another book by this author before:
. I liked that book very much as well (4 stars?). I compared that story to the movie; Dark City. Where nothing is as it appears to be.
I finished this thriller during lunch at work and quickly resumed Renegades, where I left off at the 15% mark. I am now at the 31% mark and have to go back to work. These books are like Lays potato chips. Hard to stop reading just one book. What happens when I finish Renegades? Agggh!
That said, I really did enjoy this thriller. If you have seen my reviews since March of this year, you know that I LOVE to read zombie books. However, even for me I now feel there are too many zombie books out there. I now have the luxury of picking and choosing which zombie books I WANT to read. When I saw the offer to read a zombie book for free from an author I had read before, I jumped at it.
But being free does not mean I would like the book. Earlier this year an author sent me a book to review. He compared himself to Matt Reilly (action-adventure). I could not finish the book. It was boring and confusing. I sent him back a reply and said no thanks. I did not review the book because I could not finish it. If I gave him a good review then other people would read that review and then they would think I was just blowing smoke.
But I have no qualms here about giving this book 5-stars. Action from almost the very first page. Our lead character Ken, a school teacher, is on the run from the word GO. And Michaelbrent has come up a totally new approach to zombies. Bugs, zombies that spit acid, coordinate together, communicate by making clicking noises, they stop and stare the sky and then resume killing, and all sorts of other strange things. As I said, different. Small parts of a couple of movies: World War Z and 28 Days Later, and a whole lot of NEW stuff.
For one thing, you can't outright kill these things. Headshots just make them MAD (like Mongo in Blazing Saddles). And I really like the band of character that Ken picks up in his quest to find his family (99.9% of the earth's population had turned immediately): Dorcas (older lady), Aaron (middle aged cowboy), Christopher (22 year son of the former governor, who is now a zombie. No blazing gun action, but lots of cliff-hangers and plenty of suspense.
200+ pages and I literally zipped thru it. It was difficult to find a place to stop and pause.
I had read another book by this author before:
. I liked that book very much as well (4 stars?). I compared that story to the movie; Dark City. Where nothing is as it appears to be.I finished this thriller during lunch at work and quickly resumed Renegades, where I left off at the 15% mark. I am now at the 31% mark and have to go back to work. These books are like Lays potato chips. Hard to stop reading just one book. What happens when I finish Renegades? Agggh!
January 27, 2021
Rather a unique book to review especially as it is my first exposure to Michaelbrent Collings. I didn’t know what to expect, and there were a number of things that surprised me. The first of these would have to be the chronology of the book. All of the action appears to take place over a very few hours at the beginning of an apocalyptical event. I have read many books over the years but I am struggling to remember many (if any) that took place over such a short period of time.
Secondly there is the nature of the apocalyptical event itself. At first it looks like it’s going to be an insect invasion story as the windows of the classroom where the story starts get covered in them. Then it appears to migrate to a standard zombie story, but it doesn’t seem to be quite that either. This is because the creatures (or ‘creepers’ as one of the characters calls them) do not behalf like your run of the mill zombies. They seem to be able to co-ordinate and cooperate with each other to achieve simple goals in their pursuit of living flesh.
Thirdly the characters in the story so far at least appear to be of the ‘average Joe’ type and not your typical survivalists that over seem to dominate in this genre. Of course, that has upsides and downsides, the up being that as a reader you can empathise with the characters more easily, but you are missing some of the typical ‘bad ass’ fight scenes typical of apocalyptical stories.
The book itself was an easy to read, fast paced horror story with a small cast of characters (there are only 4 by the end of book 1). Collings does not pull his punches when it comes to the gory side of ‘zombie’ story, but he doesn’t let it dominate the book at the expense of story telling and character development. Being book one of series there are naturally many of the storylines are left hanging over for the rest of the series, so don’t expect a nice tidy ending as you will be disappointed. Looking forward now for book 2 of the series and other stories by Mr Collings.
Secondly there is the nature of the apocalyptical event itself. At first it looks like it’s going to be an insect invasion story as the windows of the classroom where the story starts get covered in them. Then it appears to migrate to a standard zombie story, but it doesn’t seem to be quite that either. This is because the creatures (or ‘creepers’ as one of the characters calls them) do not behalf like your run of the mill zombies. They seem to be able to co-ordinate and cooperate with each other to achieve simple goals in their pursuit of living flesh.
Thirdly the characters in the story so far at least appear to be of the ‘average Joe’ type and not your typical survivalists that over seem to dominate in this genre. Of course, that has upsides and downsides, the up being that as a reader you can empathise with the characters more easily, but you are missing some of the typical ‘bad ass’ fight scenes typical of apocalyptical stories.
The book itself was an easy to read, fast paced horror story with a small cast of characters (there are only 4 by the end of book 1). Collings does not pull his punches when it comes to the gory side of ‘zombie’ story, but he doesn’t let it dominate the book at the expense of story telling and character development. Being book one of series there are naturally many of the storylines are left hanging over for the rest of the series, so don’t expect a nice tidy ending as you will be disappointed. Looking forward now for book 2 of the series and other stories by Mr Collings.
November 16, 2021
I love reading books with lots and lots of zombies. I can’t seem to get enough of zombie books. I have read so many that it is very hard to surprise me with the zombies but Michaelbrent Collings has done just that as he has written a zombie book quite unlike any I believe I have read before. I loved the twist that he added to the zombies.
Genesis started out with a bang with zombies at the starting gate and believe me I loved each and every minute of it. That beginning pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through to the end. I don’t believe I even took a breath from the moment it all began, well, of course, if that was even possible that is.
Michaelbrent Collings knows how to make each and every scene come alive. The descriptions are so real and vivid that you have no problem none what so ever picturing it all in your head as if you are standing right there witnessing each and every zombie bite.
Genesis kept reminding me of that movie World War Z or maybe it was more the zombies themselves. I’m not quite sure what it was that reminded me of the zombies in World War Z. Maybe it was how fast they were. I kept thinking that any minute now the zombies would start piling on top of each other or something like that.
I sure would like to see Genesis on the big screen as I would love to have another zombie TV series to watch. The Walking Dead is my favorite TV show ever. I am going to miss it big time. But I still have Fear the Walking Dead to look forward too or at least I sorely hope so.
I love zombies so much that I highly recommend Genesis to all those zombie fans out there! One-click your copy of Genesis today for a thrilling walk with zombies!
Genesis started out with a bang with zombies at the starting gate and believe me I loved each and every minute of it. That beginning pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through to the end. I don’t believe I even took a breath from the moment it all began, well, of course, if that was even possible that is.
Michaelbrent Collings knows how to make each and every scene come alive. The descriptions are so real and vivid that you have no problem none what so ever picturing it all in your head as if you are standing right there witnessing each and every zombie bite.
Genesis kept reminding me of that movie World War Z or maybe it was more the zombies themselves. I’m not quite sure what it was that reminded me of the zombies in World War Z. Maybe it was how fast they were. I kept thinking that any minute now the zombies would start piling on top of each other or something like that.
I sure would like to see Genesis on the big screen as I would love to have another zombie TV series to watch. The Walking Dead is my favorite TV show ever. I am going to miss it big time. But I still have Fear the Walking Dead to look forward too or at least I sorely hope so.
I love zombies so much that I highly recommend Genesis to all those zombie fans out there! One-click your copy of Genesis today for a thrilling walk with zombies!
December 5, 2019
First book I have read/listened to from the Author. So I was pleasantly surprised by the story and really enjoyed it.
It always nice to see a twist on the whole zombie thing. Felt more alien based. But again you don’t really know, because the characters don’t know. Also, the whole kill zombies in the head thing was a nice twist.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
It always nice to see a twist on the whole zombie thing. Felt more alien based. But again you don’t really know, because the characters don’t know. Also, the whole kill zombies in the head thing was a nice twist.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
July 1, 2021
Book one what a thrill ride, from the moment you go into the last page it is a nonstop action-packed Zombie onslaught of action. So many great characters and such a thrilling ride to read jumping into book 2. Read the complete collection this is a zombie apocalypse who are walkers but something else lol. The author made me feel as if I was alongside the cast of people, such good writing. It took me a bit to read because I only read it on breaks at work so took longer than I wanted but I plan to read normally the next books in the series
May 25, 2021
Well, I totally flew through this one! Can’t believe the story only takes place over a few hours. I’m not a big zombie fan, super done these days, but the action in this one really grabbed me. The minute I finished I ordered the next one and continued on. I like the characters so far, and I want to know more about what’s happening and why. And isn’t that what you want in a good series?
May 29, 2020
I'm not going to put down the author or the plot.
The series simply was not to my tastes.
This is my opinion and I encourage prospective readers to try it for themselves and form their own opinion.
The series simply was not to my tastes.
This is my opinion and I encourage prospective readers to try it for themselves and form their own opinion.
April 23, 2021
Wow!
Legion is still my favorite MBC character, but I could not put this book down! I’ve been on an 18-month post-apocalyptic novel binge, and this story is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Excellent! Can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
Legion is still my favorite MBC character, but I could not put this book down! I’ve been on an 18-month post-apocalyptic novel binge, and this story is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Excellent! Can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
April 15, 2022
I'm astonished this book is so good!
A 'no-hope-for-recovery' fan after only a few years, I've gone and bought every Kindle book I didn't have. I can't believe the old (8 years) books are also 5-star books. (Was he that good at birth?)
A 'no-hope-for-recovery' fan after only a few years, I've gone and bought every Kindle book I didn't have. I can't believe the old (8 years) books are also 5-star books. (Was he that good at birth?)
January 3, 2022
Great book
Ok. I just downloaded this book a few hours ago. Finished it. Just couldn't put it down. I am going to get the next one. I can't wait to see what happens. (I would love to see this as a movie)
Ok. I just downloaded this book a few hours ago. Finished it. Just couldn't put it down. I am going to get the next one. I can't wait to see what happens. (I would love to see this as a movie)
June 16, 2020
Great start to a truly great series. The action doesn't give you time to breathe in this one, and there is so much to learn about what just happened to the world. out of the gate at a sprint.
October 14, 2020
New take on zombies fast paced.
April 27, 2021
What an amazing opening book! The end of the world in 10 minutes or less! Absolutely loved it! Definitely a huge fan of this series now. I will definitely continue reading!!
June 28, 2021
Short and fast paced
October 1, 2022
I love zombie novels, and I love what the author wanted to do with this book - write a hopeful horror novel with terrifying zombies. Unfortunately, this book failed on both those counts.
While there were some things I liked about this book - a scene at the end is very powerful, there are some interesting hints at what might make these zombies different (although they’ve a lot in common with the World War Z movie zombies and the ones from Cell) - not much happens in this book. There’s the usual outbreak, destruction and banding together of survivors. Even though this is the first in the series, it has no resolution to this episode.
So, the pacing didn’t work for me. I think this whole book could have been covered in two chapters. The first 20 chapters or so were very difficult to read as they were written in short, fragmented sentences. I think this was to create tension, but it had the opposite effect because it was over used. Despite everything being described in minute detail, I struggled to picture the scenes.
The characters didn’t work for me either. None of them behaved in a realistic way. There’s our protagonist, Ken, who dislikes strip Jenga, is an expert in martial arts, and has the strongest plot armor I’ve seen in a while. He survives because he meets other people whose sole mission in life is to save Ken. They’ve no interests of their own, they don’t know him, but they decide to continually save him.
I love zombie books because of the symbolism of the zombies and the strength of the characters, but this book didn’t intrigue me on either count. What a shame.
While there were some things I liked about this book - a scene at the end is very powerful, there are some interesting hints at what might make these zombies different (although they’ve a lot in common with the World War Z movie zombies and the ones from Cell) - not much happens in this book. There’s the usual outbreak, destruction and banding together of survivors. Even though this is the first in the series, it has no resolution to this episode.
So, the pacing didn’t work for me. I think this whole book could have been covered in two chapters. The first 20 chapters or so were very difficult to read as they were written in short, fragmented sentences. I think this was to create tension, but it had the opposite effect because it was over used. Despite everything being described in minute detail, I struggled to picture the scenes.
The characters didn’t work for me either. None of them behaved in a realistic way. There’s our protagonist, Ken, who dislikes strip Jenga, is an expert in martial arts, and has the strongest plot armor I’ve seen in a while. He survives because he meets other people whose sole mission in life is to save Ken. They’ve no interests of their own, they don’t know him, but they decide to continually save him.
I love zombie books because of the symbolism of the zombies and the strength of the characters, but this book didn’t intrigue me on either count. What a shame.
February 2, 2024
2.6 stars
I have read two books by this author, and the first one had a supernatural theme. I appreciate the variety in the author's writing. Though it's been a while, I remember enjoying the story, even though I wasn't very impressed with the characters at that time. The characters in this book are interesting, but their development is just beginning, and I hope to see more. The setting is different from where most stories like this begin - we're in the center of the country, rather than a major city, which presents them with a fresh set of challenges.
Forget what you think you know about zombies. In less than 10 minutes, 99.9% of the world's population was either dead or had turned into zombies. The conversion process was instantaneous and headshots only made them more aggressive. Additionally, it seemed that the zombies were getting smarter with time.
Ken Strickland is a history teacher who thought it would be a regular day. Suddenly, the insects around him start behaving strangely and planes start crashing from the sky. In the midst of the chaos, his only thought is to find his family, who are still out there somewhere. All he wants is to survive long enough to locate them and he can only hope that they're still alive.
I found the beginning of this book a bit slow, and it took me some time to connect with the main character. However, as I continued reading, the story began to flow more smoothly. While I appreciate shorter chapters, I felt that there were too many in this book, and some ended abruptly instead of completing the thought. Overall, I wouldn't say this was the best start to a series, but it also wasn't the worst.
I have read two books by this author, and the first one had a supernatural theme. I appreciate the variety in the author's writing. Though it's been a while, I remember enjoying the story, even though I wasn't very impressed with the characters at that time. The characters in this book are interesting, but their development is just beginning, and I hope to see more. The setting is different from where most stories like this begin - we're in the center of the country, rather than a major city, which presents them with a fresh set of challenges.
Forget what you think you know about zombies. In less than 10 minutes, 99.9% of the world's population was either dead or had turned into zombies. The conversion process was instantaneous and headshots only made them more aggressive. Additionally, it seemed that the zombies were getting smarter with time.
Ken Strickland is a history teacher who thought it would be a regular day. Suddenly, the insects around him start behaving strangely and planes start crashing from the sky. In the midst of the chaos, his only thought is to find his family, who are still out there somewhere. All he wants is to survive long enough to locate them and he can only hope that they're still alive.
I found the beginning of this book a bit slow, and it took me some time to connect with the main character. However, as I continued reading, the story began to flow more smoothly. While I appreciate shorter chapters, I felt that there were too many in this book, and some ended abruptly instead of completing the thought. Overall, I wouldn't say this was the best start to a series, but it also wasn't the worst.
June 30, 2025
Last week, I was waiting for the bus to take me to work when, out of nowhere, this booger-eating pencil-head in a red sports car (think Lightning McQueen) zoomed by. He had to have been going AT LEAST 120 km. In a thirty zone. During school hours, no less. I could smell the burning rubber off his tires as he zoomed by, cutting in front of the person next to him. Without signaling!
As I read Michaelbrent Collings' thriller, Colony: Genesis, I was brought back to that moment. At times, I was the driver. Hyper focused; red hot and desperate to get away from whatever was tailing me. Other times, I was the observer, nervous and tense. The danger was real. I could smell it in the air. In my inner-eye, I sensed some as-of-yet unmaterialized child. Nine, maybe ten years old. She would be run down, only three steps into the road at a legal crossing. In that moment, she was me, and I was her, and even before the collidion, I could TASTE the aftermath, all blood, guts, and brain matter.
Of course, if you have read anything by this author, you know that this is how all of his books are. The characters are far more real than they aught to be. So, when they are in danger, we are in danger. When they experience loss, we mourn. And so on.
Looking forward to book two!
As I read Michaelbrent Collings' thriller, Colony: Genesis, I was brought back to that moment. At times, I was the driver. Hyper focused; red hot and desperate to get away from whatever was tailing me. Other times, I was the observer, nervous and tense. The danger was real. I could smell it in the air. In my inner-eye, I sensed some as-of-yet unmaterialized child. Nine, maybe ten years old. She would be run down, only three steps into the road at a legal crossing. In that moment, she was me, and I was her, and even before the collidion, I could TASTE the aftermath, all blood, guts, and brain matter.
Of course, if you have read anything by this author, you know that this is how all of his books are. The characters are far more real than they aught to be. So, when they are in danger, we are in danger. When they experience loss, we mourn. And so on.
Looking forward to book two!
January 10, 2024
First, I don't read horror. However, for some reason I wound up with this book from the author, was in a 'hate the world ' mood, (neighbors put up a Trump sign and I want to go brain them with a hammer) and cracked open this book. I was immediately hooked.
The suddenness of the contagion grabbed me immediately and didn't let go. There was no drag of isolated outbreaks and dogged build up. Just suddenness, horrifying realization, and blinding terror. I have watched a few shows about zombies and laughed or groaned, but the stark believability of this story stole my breath.
I don't like things like The Walking Dead, just too much power hungry humanity trying to take advantage and making themselves out as gods, but these characters so far are downright saints in comparison and give you hope that humanity is not populated solely by monsters of the human kind. Humans are animals - but at least some are evolved past the flashing of teeth in the darkness.
I read from the author that this will be a long story, and I see the next is out so I am diving in... but maybe not until the sun comes up!
The suddenness of the contagion grabbed me immediately and didn't let go. There was no drag of isolated outbreaks and dogged build up. Just suddenness, horrifying realization, and blinding terror. I have watched a few shows about zombies and laughed or groaned, but the stark believability of this story stole my breath.
I don't like things like The Walking Dead, just too much power hungry humanity trying to take advantage and making themselves out as gods, but these characters so far are downright saints in comparison and give you hope that humanity is not populated solely by monsters of the human kind. Humans are animals - but at least some are evolved past the flashing of teeth in the darkness.
I read from the author that this will be a long story, and I see the next is out so I am diving in... but maybe not until the sun comes up!
December 8, 2017
OK, that was a quick reading. I got through the book for 3 and a half hours.
It's not a bad book but:
The whole thing shouldn't have taken more than three scenes to be completed. There is a lot of repetitive action and almost no dialog.
It goes like this: a guy witnesses the beginning of a zombie apocalypse, runs, meets 3 other people, cuts off his own fingers, gets to his home and finds his family gone. The end.
Now, if there were more about the characters or any hint of what had happened or why it had happened, it may have been a better story, but no. We learn nothing about the characters or the event.
Maybe it's just I, but books missing a story or character arcs are not good books.
It's not a bad book but:
The whole thing shouldn't have taken more than three scenes to be completed. There is a lot of repetitive action and almost no dialog.
It goes like this: a guy witnesses the beginning of a zombie apocalypse, runs, meets 3 other people, cuts off his own fingers, gets to his home and finds his family gone. The end.
Now, if there were more about the characters or any hint of what had happened or why it had happened, it may have been a better story, but no. We learn nothing about the characters or the event.
Maybe it's just I, but books missing a story or character arcs are not good books.
November 20, 2019
A high energy, fast paced and slightly annoying race through the apocalypse.
I say slightly annoying because of the author's decision to make chapters of one or two paragraphs, most with a minor cliffhanger. I could see this becoming tiresome if continued throughout the series. In such a fast paced, horrifying tale one usually needs at least one respite.
Having said all that, it is a compelling story with realistic characters in dire, outrageous situations which kept me turning the pages. I shall be moving onto the next book.
Recommended.
I say slightly annoying because of the author's decision to make chapters of one or two paragraphs, most with a minor cliffhanger. I could see this becoming tiresome if continued throughout the series. In such a fast paced, horrifying tale one usually needs at least one respite.
Having said all that, it is a compelling story with realistic characters in dire, outrageous situations which kept me turning the pages. I shall be moving onto the next book.
Recommended.
January 29, 2018
Good Page Turner
A great page Turner. Probably won't go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest novels of all time, but for what it is, it is great. Lots of good gorey fun. I started reading it casually and ended up finishing it in a couple of hours. The only reason why it didn't get a full five stars is the "and then he heard a scream" chapter endings got a bit tedious after 20 chapters. Definitely a great choice for a rainy afternoon.
A great page Turner. Probably won't go down in the annals of history as one of the greatest novels of all time, but for what it is, it is great. Lots of good gorey fun. I started reading it casually and ended up finishing it in a couple of hours. The only reason why it didn't get a full five stars is the "and then he heard a scream" chapter endings got a bit tedious after 20 chapters. Definitely a great choice for a rainy afternoon.
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