Ground Zero: A Zombie Apocalypse

by Nicholas Ryan

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Aboard a freighter bound for Baltimore harbor, an Iranian terrorist prepares to unleash an unimaginable horror upon the United States. The ‘Wrath’ is an undead plague – an infection that consumes its victims with a maddening rage and turns them into mindless blood-thirsty killers.
Jack Cutter is just an ordinary guy dealing with a dreadful guilt when the virus tears through his home town. Before it’s too late, Cutter will have to find a way to survive, and find a reason fight:
HIS REDEMPTION.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Thriller

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2013

About the author

To keep up to date with all the latest Nicholas Ryan news and new book release information visit him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nickryanauth...

You can contact Nick directly at nicholasryanpublicist@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Georgianna Price · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that this writer is obsessed with breasts.

I honestly can't see anyone rating this book higher than three stars. The story line is generic, the storytelling is flawed at best and there is absolutely nothing that I will remember about this book a week from now.

Here are some fine examples of the type of narrative you can expect:

"She turned to run, but suddenly a figure crashed through the glass front of a Chinese restaurant. It was a man - and he was on fire."

Apparently... James T Kirk... is telling... this story.

"... They were killed in a car crash last week."

He heard Glenda gasp softly. "Oh God. I'm so sorry," she said and Cutter believed her. "Was... was it an accident?"

No. Apparently "car crash" implies that the driver did it on purpose. Or maybe it was an act of God. Here's your sign.

I'm just sorry I waited a month to read this instead of the seven day period for getting my money back. YAY for you if you liked this book, but anybody who compares Nicholas Ryan with Max Brooks must only be reading the Cliff's Notes.

[Books & Vodka Sodas · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I read this book via my Kindle Unlimited Subscription. I received NO compensation for this review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

This was a rough zombie read for me. To complete my full disclosure, I am aware that this author has multiple pen names in other genres. I was curious when I saw him post under his erotica pen name this zombie book. I'm a big zombie fan, but I'm also a very picky zombie fan. I have HUGE pet peeves that are very dominant in the genre.

I was going to label this book a 2 star when I was midway done. The zombie scenes seemed like they were working for me--until they didn't. The author couldn't make up his mind if he wanted to write normal, Romero zombies, or the 'fast zombie' which is actually a metaphor for the youth of america's short attention span. (See, like I said, zombie fan I even know metaphors.) To further on the 'fast zombie' thing, he was mimicking scenes from World War Z. I've seen that movie enough to know when it's been used. I would've liked to see him use his own mythology, which I had high hopes for. I mean the start of the zombie virus was totally brilliant. A terrorist attack. I was like YAY! Something good! I was in it. Then the warning flags came up. The first women we see are stupid, and in the sex trade.

It didn't get much better. Once the plague was in full swing, and group of survivors were all hunkered down in the shipping warehouse of a bookstore. All the living females were crying, curled up in a ball, and then given tasks you would give--woman--in the 1950's!!!! Why couldn't a woman stand watch? Why couldn't you allow a woman to have a gun and defend the fort?

Oh, that's not all.

Then the women started to offer themselves up to all the big, strong men, in return for keeping them safe.

-headdesk-

What! You're kidding me right? I was so livid I wanted to stop, but I kept reading. Then the author has a female character give a monologue for her actions:

“You know, we think we’re civilized. We think we’ve evolved in the thousands of years man has walked the earth. Women have more independence and have been completely empowered – and yet – within twenty four hours of the world going to hell, we revert back to those base animal instincts that we’ve always inherited but learned to suppress,” she said. “Like the instinctive need to find a mate, and to reproduce, the instinct to survive is the strongest one mankind has, and Jillian is just doing what women have done for thousands of years. She’s drawn to the strongest male because it’s her best chance of protection and survival – and she’s appealing to him in the one way men are instinctively created to respond. She’s offering him her body, in the hope he will want her and will protect her. It’s what every woman instinctively craves,” Glenda confessed. 33% Kindle Edition

So yeah. Apparently we are all going to revert to submissive cave women in the zombie apocalypse leave all our loved ones behind and not even attempt to learn how to fight.

I don’t know what women this dude knows, but I personally will be fighting for my life! And teaching my daughter to do the same! But then the author has this inconsistent thing where this same chick knows how to use a high powered rifle and mows down a row of zombies. But then skip to later on where all these women were killed and assaulted? By like two bikers. REALLY?

I could go on and continue how the other girl introduced is in her 20’s and acts like she’s 16 and then they are going to Garden’s Eden aka: The Garden of Eden (The girl says all swoony eyed). Then compound that with the book ending with the lone girl standing ready to hop in the sack with the guy she met like 48 hours ago.

Then you have the bad zombie scenes, most men behaving like unevolved pigs and honestly I’m not sure why this author is being compared to any big name in the industry because he’s lacking BIG TIME! So the more I had to mull it over, the more I wish I could give this book negative stars, and that is a first. I’m disappointed that either this author hates women or really views them as weak, submissive, and incapable of holding their own in the zombie plague. This also needed a few more rounds of editing and perhaps a few critiques.

[Zac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh - call it 2.5. Had a lot of flaws but it was fairly readable.

It started out really strong. Frankly, it started so well, that I expected much more. But then it got repetitive, hard to swallow, and at least twice had such tremendous logic flaws that it totally took me out of the book.

Example one: televised newsman reports that the POTUS confirmed issuing "executive orders to shoot to kill anyone on the streets"...and that there is a "total blockade on all civilian vehicular movement" but a couple paragraphs later that those still alive "are urged to seek the safety of any nearby military installations that may be operational"
--- Oh really? And you'd expect them to do that how exactly?

Oh - and then - Cutter, Pastor Bob, and Sam... up at Sunrise. Distract and fight off a few zombies. Get in a car and they're off. Destination is 40 miles away. Car breaks down once. They abandon it, fight off a few more, but have a new one and 2 of the 3 are back on the road in maybe 5 to 10 minutes max. Driving again, but suddenly aren't sure if they'll make their destination before dark. WAIT WHAT? WHERE THE HELL DID THE DAY GO? IT'S ONLY 40 MILES. BY CAR! Even if they're on the road by 10 am (despite having started at day break) and let's say it's mid-winter (it's not) and will be dark by 5 pm. They'd have to be moving slower than 5 miles per hour AND THEY'D STILL HAVE MADE IT THE 40 GODDAMNED MILES!!!

[Haselbrox · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, really.

nonstop action! +4
decent narrative. +1
one-dimensional sex object women characters everywhere! -2
recently widowed (like, a week ago) hero seems down with all the women who want to be rescued in exchange for blowjobs or whatever. ugh. -0.5

So, most people would agree that the thing that makes The Walking Dead awesome is the human reaction to the tragedy all around, right? This was all gore, not much of a story about people except fleeing and trading sex for protection (or raping). It is very action-y, though, so if that is what you are looking for, enjoy it here.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Zombie genre and have enjoyed every book I have read thus far, until now. The author does a good job of describing zombie encounters, but most of the novel is about the main character, Cutter, trying to get out of the city. This basically has Cutter moving from a bookstore to an abandoned apartment complex which were located on the same street or block. All the women in this book were described basically in a sexual context, they either had large breasts, small breasts, heaving breasts, anyway...breasts, breasts, breasts. Women were either used for sex or put themselves out there for sex, thinking they would somehow survive the apocalypse sleeping their way through it rather than picking up a gun and learning to shoot. After the main character and the pastor's daughter finally get out of the city the ending comes too quickly. And of course, it ends with the pastor's daughter looking longingly into the eyes of Cutter and wanting, wait for it, sex. Sex while hundreds of zombies are just behind a gate mere feet from them, sex when just mere hours ago she lost her pastor father. I usually can't wait to squeeze in time to read a book...this one just had me staring at my Kindle thinking I can't do it. I'm assuming there will be a sequel, not sure if I would even attempt to read it. It makes me sad to have to write a bad review. I am usually a person who likes to support the author, but it took a laborious effort on my part to even finish this book. Sorry, not one I would recommend.

[Ali · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love zombie stories, but this one was about as generic as they come. The book started off promisingly, and just went downhill from there.

That's not the worst part. I have to wonder if the author is sexist. Why is it that not a single one of the several female characters were written as anything more than weak, clingy, useless, sex objects that all needed and craved a man's protection? Did I really just read the line, "she threw the grenade like a girl"? Ugh.

[Angie Cipolla · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a story that started out with a bang...this one ended with a whimper.
It almost seemed like the author gave up mid way through and rushed to throw an ending together at the last minute...an ending reminiscent to a bad chick flick...

[Angela Verdenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love zombies! I've said it a hundred times and I'll say it again - zombies are the coolest of the monsters. Great story for a bedtime read in the dark of night with the wind and rain outside to set the scene! (yep, it's winter Down Under)

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I have never read a zombie book before and only just started watching The Walking Dead(WD)...so now I can say I am no longer a Zombie Virgin (that sounds wrong on so many levels)

Well the first couple paragraphs and I knew I had to see this book through to the end. As opposed to WD the origin of the virus that zombifies people is explained at the beginning...and I must say it was an ingenious idea from Mr Ryan...and definitely one of the reasons I was hooked in the beginning.

The main character Cutter is an ordinary guy, facing his own personal demons, but still takes on leadership unselfishly to assist others to escape the coming wrath of death. The characters he comes across,in the book some quickly and some for the duration of the book, all serve a purpose in shaping the story. Each interaction is swift and effortlessly written. Nothing is dragged out...though there is still enough tension to keep you on the edge of you chair.

The book is a little graphic, which is to be expected based on the genre, but not sickeningly so. The story is descriptive enough to allow the reader to gain a clear insight into the scene without robbing the reader of extending their own imagination while reading.

The story played out well, not once was I overwhelmed by scenes that were unrealistic (even though zombies aren't real....right? O_o ) I still don't like zombies...but I must say I will happily read more of Mr Ryan's work in the future...zombie stories and all! A great book well worth a read!!! A big five+ stars from me!!!!

[Rob Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book that could have used the strong input of a woman and an editor with a pair of scissors.

Women in the story are there as sexual objects and little more. That may be the author's TEOTWAWKI fantasy, but it makes for not the greatest of stories. The author would greatly benefit by having a few women provide some honest and constructive feedback as to how they would act in such circumstances.

The story jumps around, giving us perspective of the origin of the problem and some views of how different individuals are coping and then suddenly becomes stuck inside the Cutter character. If this was Cutter's story it would have been stronger to be telling it from John's perspective from the very beginning. What benefit is there to the reader of knowing the thoughts of the terrorist with the vial if that element to the story is forever dropped? Why are we being introduced to any of the other characters? After the story gets stuck with Cutter we are only introduced characters who provide cover or convenient materials for him and then are swept away without rhyme or reason.

The tale in and of itself ran at a nice pace and the world building was good from a zombie point of view. But it felt about as satisfying as playing a zombie shoot 'em up on the x-box. If you've a long flight or train trip then you could do worse for some popcorn fodder to pass the time with, but don't look for much else in this book.

[Иван Величков · Rating 3 out of 5]

Краят на дните настъпи. Тълпи от гладни за човешка плът зомбита, облаци от гарвани, талази плъхове, милиони мухи и червеи унищожават източното крайбрежие на САЩ. Навсякъде има езера от кръв, купища органи и крайници, църва, матки, слуз и л**на. Нормален ден в заразен от зомби-вируса свят. Един нормален мъж се опитва да преживее зомби апокалипсиса.
За прочит става, но няма да влезе в графата любими. Героите са леко мелодраматични, а християнската пропаганда ми дойде малко в повече. Провидението ще помогне на красивите бели смирени индивиди да оцелеят, ако и те сами си помогнат де (бидейки красив, бял и хрисим това ме устройва до някъде).
Много образно и цветно описани сцени на зомбита нападащи хората. На външния вид на ходещите мъртъвци, също е обърнато доста внимание. Всички жени в книгата са млади, красиви и цицорести, а почти всички мъже здрави и знаещи какво да правят. Имаше малко конфронтация между самите оцелели, но целта на книгата не е психологията на междучовешките отношения по време на криза, макар и да е отбелязано тук-таме. Основата е борбата на един нормален човек с вътрешните му демони, търсене на изкупление и цел за съществуване, като доста често е набивано право в лицето на читателя.
В книгата има много динамика. Героите постоянно са подложени на напрежение. Зомбитата не ги оставят (а и читателя) да починат за секунда.
Става.

[Matthew Niederberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zombie Breasts Zombie Breasts Zombie Breasts... Pick a genre Nicholas!

Take away the writers obsession for young beautiful ladies and their breasts and you have got yourself an exciting zombie book! I am just being as honest as possible here. I have read several zombie books so far, from Max Brooks to Nicholas Ryan, and feel that I am in a position to judge that even though Nicholas Ryan's book is exciting and sets your apocalyptic imagination alight, I can't help but feel a little irritated that every time the storyline involves a woman the author feels compelled to take the semi-erotic approach to writing. The slightly erotic descriptions and blood mangled destruction of human kind are an odd combination I must admit, but it distract me from full enjoying the book. My tip, buy the book when it is discounted or on sale. Better luck next time Nicholas!

[SammiesBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? I LOVED this book, I LOVE zombie books, sadly there are not a lot out there. This surpassed every single expectation I had for this book out the window! I was shocked, I was thrown curve ball after curve ball. I could totally see this book being a movie and it rightfully would deserve it! It was descriptive, captivating, intriguing. It had it all. I truly hope that we get more one day and to see everyones futures. LOVE this book, must read <3
☆☆☆☆½. stars.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to warn you that my review of Nicholas Ryan’s Ground Zero: Zombie Apocalyspe will be giving away plot spoilers, but only because I know that you, like me, will be tempted to discontinue reading this book at a certain point. It will probably be some time after our hero, Jack Cutter, makes his way to Father Bob’s apartment in an attempt to rescue the pastor. I suspect that you will be very concerned that Jack, so soon after losing his wife and child in a non-zombie induced car accident a week before, will be unable to feel any of the potent sexual magnetism that is his natural inheritance as an alpha male in an apocalyptic world.

But fear not, dear reader -- don’t lose hope! The minute our Jack sets eyes on the “naive” Samantha, Father Bob’s daughter, he knows what he is about:

“The woman held out her hand demurely and Cutter felt the warm softness of her skin. She smiled and her teeth were perfect and white, and her voice a shy breathy whisper. ‘Hello,’ she said. ‘Sorry I didn’t think to introduce myself on the fire escape landing.’”

Dare we believe that romance here blooms in the midst of this hellish landscape? How could such a thing occur? After all, any normal man could easily become sidetracked by the abundant ghoul slaughtering and corpse discovering going on hour by hour. But with Nicholas Ryan, we are in good hands. Jack immediately notices Samantha’s “long, almost coltish legs,” breathes a sigh of statutory relief when her father tells him, “She’s twenty.” No one needs to draw us a picture of where this is all headed - particularly when we learn of Father Bob’s tragic diagnosis of terminal cancer! Yes! Sex by novel’s end is definitely in the cards!

I’ll admit that later on, there was some smidge of doubt. Not because Jack ceased noticing the important things, like “the perky shape of her breasts,” or the “shadow of her thighs in tantalizing silhouette.” No, the doubt comes when Jillian, Jack’s former sex object, comes back into the story. Just after Jack kills Jillian’s rapists in a moment ripe with Ryan’s masterful blend of violence and eroticism, Jack is forced to decide which of these worthy women would eventually become his. “Samantha was an inch shorter, and her body was lithe and athletic. Jillian’s figure was more womanly with a deep flare from her narrow waist to her hip.” But don’t worry, Team Samantha - your girl wins the day! With righteous indignance, she lets Jack know she’s unwilling to “give herself away like a cheap toy for the sake of protection” on page 190, and holds off all the way until page 211 to fuck him.

Why? Because he’s JACK CUTTER, ZOMBIE KILLER, MAN WITH ANSWERS, MAN WITH PLAN.

[Kit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read : January 3, 2021
Rating : 1,5/2 Stars

This rating is purely for the gorefest of the zombies and not so much the rest of the story.

I love zombie fiction but there are some things that ruin a zombie book for me :

1. Zombies that suddenly change from shambling to running ones, it just always feels so inconsistent and honestly, I'm convinced that everybody dies if the zombies would be runners.

2. The portrayal of women in the book. In this one suddenly women were only good for one thing and that's laying on their backs...
The fact that extremely capable women suddenly turned into frightened little girls in search of the biggest, strongest protector was even given an explanation, by a female character nonetheless, around 30% of the book.

Our Mc is also quite fascinated by boobs, gave me the impression that we're dealing with a 16 year old boy instead of a man in his thirties.

3. The reason for the zombie apocalypse/outbreak being a terrorist with Islamic religion. Like, come on, A, it's been done already, B, it usually tends to reek of Islamophobia and C, wouldn't it be all the more scary if the terrorist responsible would be a home grown one, it would immediately breed a certain fear of own in the story.

4. Extreme survival skills outta nowhere.
Our Mc, Cutter, hasn't ever shot a gun, but is suddenly able to pull off headshots on moving targets? I call bullshit,that shit is hard to make happen, police and military get trained to shoot center mass for a reason..

I liked the fact that there was a lot of action in this book,that's about all I liked.

[echo1440 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish less than one star was an option. The zombie scenes were okay but this author, JFC. I am not a feminist by any stretch of the imagination but this book was the most disgustingly sexist thing I've ever read. Seriously, don't waste your time.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A zombie outbreak begins in Baltimore when a terrorist unleashes a deadly virus in himself, and it swiftly spreads to the streets. The CDC loses control and the virus starts to sweep the country. Jack Cutter is one of the many running for his life and he is helped to sanctuary in a book store secure basement. But with food, water and electricity about to run out, should they stay and hope for rescue or try to find a way past the zombies and out of the city?

Jack is already dealing with the trauma of losing his wife and son recently, the guilt of it all screwing him up and in the apocalypse he sees a chance to redeem himself by trying to help others to survive. I like him as a character for the most part although sympathy wanes when this distraught grieving man starts eyeing up Sam during the crisis. Jeez man, you claim you are heartbroken but can't resist thinking how hot Sam was. Concentrate on the damn zombies FFS!

I have definite issues with the women in this story. Jillian offers herself to Hos in the hope that he will like her enough to take her with him when he makes a break for his prepper home outside the city. Glenda attempts the same move on Jack which disgusts him, and me. Why are these women so useless that their only aim in the book is to offer sex to the big brave men? Jillian does the same when she meets the soldiers. Why can't these women prove their worth by handling a gun or showing brains instead of being useless pointless slags? It really pisses me off.

The male characters are much more interesting. Hos who works in the bookstore is a prepper who has been preparing a safe house outside the city in case of disaster and now plans to make his way to it. He is portayed as somewhat selfish for refusing to take any of the others with him but I don't agree with that. He set up his safe house with his own time and money, collecting supplies and weapons just in case, and his work colleagues looked at him as a bit of a paranoid nut. Now that things have gone to hell, they beg Hos to look after them? Why should he suddenly have to take care of a whole group of people who only want to be his friend AFTER disaster strikes? I feel that Jack's attitude to Hos was a bit unfair. I would have liked a bit more on the other characters in the book store which would have been nice but being a novella, there was not enough time to explore them. I also very much liked Father Bob and his sub plot.

OK so the book has a few sexist and anti-prepper moments but those are the plot niggles. The actual story was well written by the author and it kept me reading it the whole time. I wanted to see what was going to happen to the characters and if there was a way to get to the safehouse of Hos. There was plenty of tense and exciting zombie action which of course is required in any good zombie novel. I liked the pacing of the book and the way it didn't lose itself in lots of pointless description, just getting right to the story. There were good action scenes with danger from both zombies and humans to enjoy.

It was a good zombie novella, with everything you would expect from a zombie plot. I will certainly be looking at other books by the author.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about "zombies"? they have been done and done again like the Dracula novels. Same story different time blah blah blah! So I must admit when I first encountered this novel I was a skeptic. That was till I hit 1/2 through chapter 1!, after that not even my kids could tear me away. Cutter was addicting, written through his POV was eye opening, there is not many male POV's where you feel a "feminine touch" shall i say? example most males have a gun ho and "me Tarzan!! you Jane!" mentality in these types of post apocalyptic novels, but Nicholas Ryan has found a way to capture his main characters vulnerability. Cutter is unsure of himself and he communicates he's no hero in this story, yet he cant help himself in becoming a savior. From the beginning you feel you can actually see this happening in real life. I think that's what makes this book so addicting, the possibility of realism. In certain chapters of the book you become so caught up in the story line you actually feel your there with them, I know i felt my adrenaline kicking in on some scenes and I felt as though I needed to do something to help! those are the best books, the ones where after you read a scene or chapter you actually have to wait a few minutes to realize your here and not there. This is definitely one of those books! I read all types of books and most of them are romance novels to be honest, but this book had a hint of what i love and a whole lot of "OMG". The only bad review I can give it was that it ended!! I hope its the beginning to a series where we can find out more on what happens to the main characters in the future. I absolutely recommend this book to everyone! except those of you who hate horror because there is a lot of death and blood in this book. My praises go out to this new up coming author Nicholas Ryan and I hope he continues to write and give us more. Everyone knows every time you write you can only get better and if this book started as a 5 star for me I can only imagine what his future work will be! now off with you Ryan and give me book two on Jake Cutter and Sam.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also on My Book Addiction as part of #zOctober2013...

When I first started reading the prologue I thought to myself, “Nicholas Ryan is a freaking genius!” I even flipped back and read the entire prologue to my husband, which is something I have never done before. I was completely blown away by the very realistic and horrifying picture he painted about the origin of the zombie apocalypse. I knew for certain that I wouldn’t be able to stop reading this after devouring those first few pages — twice. I made myself really comfortable on the couch with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee. I was in for the long haul and my family knew it. There must be a certain look I get on my face when I’m ready to go “all in.” Of course, I don’t get that look when I’m playing poker.. just ask my opponents. ;)

Nicholas Ryan has created a true zombie thriller in Ground Zero that had me gripping my Kindle at nearly every turn. There were certain parts of the story I absolutely loved. The premise is brilliant and the action scenes are extremely vivid and full of gore that will thrill any horror fan. Score! Unfortunately, there comes a point in the story where things begin to jump the track. The prologue is so powerful and compelling that it lifted my expectations to the highest level, but as the story unfolded, it didn’t quite give me the punch in the gut I had anticipated. There are a lot of characters introduced throughout the story, but I don’t ever feel a connection to them. The writing becomes verbose, the narration repetitive at times, there are plot devices thrown in the mix that I didn’t believe were necessary, then all of a sudden I’m rushed into an ending. This story needs less in some areas and more in others.

Nicholas Ryan has the potential to become a remarkable author. He has a brilliant, creative mind and Ground Zero gives us a glimpse of that. As the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect,” so I’m looking forward to reading his future releases. This is definitely an author to keep your eye on…

[Roxanne Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I know about zombies comes from the big screen and I have to say that most of the time, for me, zombie movies are down right hilarious or just plain of foolish. So it was refreshing to pick up my very first zombie novel and be enthralled from start to finish. This story was action packed, with plenty of gore and horror to go with it. It was fantastic!

The concept of how the virus came to be and how it spread, was brilliant. It really brought a strong sense of reality to this fiction, and it made the idea of the walking dead all the more believable. I loved how the story started out with separate accounts of how the virus affected individuals, only then introducing us to the MC, highlighting the terror and chaos the virus caused before getting into the main plot line.

Jack Cutter was an unlikely hero, even he admitted it, but he was always looking to do good, to find his redemption and that sometimes put him in danger. He kind of fell into the role of savior, even when he wasn't looking to be one, and it spoke volumes about his strength and character.

This book was extremely entertaining and it kept me on the edge of my seat as Jack and Sam went in search of their Eden. There were some hair-raising moments and very close calls with gnashing zombie teeth. Ryan didn't hold back with his descriptive writing, and it was great to read a horror novel filled with blood and guts. But this book wasn't all zombies, body parts and gore. It also showed the true human spirit. And it showed that even in crisis, there are those who are willing to stand together, to fight, to survive and to help their fellow man, and then there are those willing to take what they can get, only looking out for themselves and sinking so low that they become more of a nightmare than the grotesque creatures created by the virus.

This book was an exciting, thought-provoking read that will thrill horror fanatics. A stunning debut!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review seen in full at http://beentherereadthatreviewedthebo...)

I do love a zombie book, but don’t often choose to read one because a lot of them I find are too soft, too slow and too twee. Having recently read (and watched) Max Brooks’ World War Z, I’ve been on the lookout for some more great zombie thrillers, so I couldn’t turn down the chance to review Ground Zero: A Zombie Apocalypse.

The book started really strong; instead of a load of boring waffle, we’re thrown right into the action with the undead infecting the whole of the USA. Right from the beginning, I knew Ground Zero was going to be a page-turner.

I found the beginning really interesting in that we were taken through the chaos of the infection through other characters’ perspectives before we’re actually introduced to the main guy, Cutter. I thought this added a lot of depth to the story, instead of Ground Zero coming across as a book solely based on the perfect hero.

Nicholas Ryan developed Ground Zero so well. It was bravely written, with all the action leaving me fingernail-less come the end of the book! It never slowed down; the book was fast-paced, tense and nerve-wracking from start to finish.

Mixed in with all the chaos and violence was a whole lot of emotion. All the characters brought something to Ground Zero; guilt, selfishness, hope, spirit, guts (literally too!), strength and bravery. Nicholas Ryan wrote a truly enthralling book, which I just didn’t want to end.

I highly recommend this book and I’m not going to waste time finding something to criticise, because I loved it.

Ground Zero: A Zombie Apocalypse is the best zombie book I’ve ever read. And I could read it over and over again without it ever getting old.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book in trade for an honest review. I absolutely love zombie books if they are done right. I'll give them all a try and Ground Zero was done right!

We start off with the zombie virus being brought from overseas as a way to take down America. I mean hello now we sort of entered a dystopian world/apocalypse genre that always reels me in.

We are introduced to not only the man responsible for releasing this virus on American soil, but get to experience moments with citizens who do not make it and one that does thanks to a building falling on him.

What would you do when the world as you knew it was going to hell? Would you be prepared? Or would you hide somewhere and pray someone saves you? That is what our hero Jack Cutter has to decide. He isn't prepared for this and has never held a gun. He's in a room/old bank with other people and only one person is prepared.

But what happens when that one person does not survive? This book was simply awesome! I enjoyed reading it and I can honestly say I wasn't expecting much when I went into this and was pleasantly surprised! It left me wanting more. I just have to know what happens to Cutter and Samantha and what happens to the rest of America. This was a pulling you in story and I'm happy I got the chance to read it!

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soooo, this book did not turn out exactly how I expected it to. It started with a bang and ended with a flop. I honestly feel a little cheated with the ending. Almost like the author was on a deadline and just decided to cut the story off at page 312, The End. It had potential, it really did, it just ended up not quite making it. So many things got on my nerves & didn't make a lick of sense. When you are running from a hoard of zombies and you hear a noise behind you, you sure as hell don't turn around to see what that noise was. You keep fucking running. Stopping to investigate does not add suspense to the story, it adds a layer of 'what the fuck'! Also, the characters were not believable in the least and were quite annoying. You get to meet a guy who quite honestly is a dickhole and deserves to die, and I guess his story leads to some other stuff, but so many things were left unsaid, unfinished and disjointed. Then the ending. Oh jesus mary and joseph. I may have given the book another star or 2 but the ending solidified my entire feeling of Fuck No!! Thank you and good night. So I guess if you are in the mood to read a book that is overly graphic with zombie feedings but not much of a story line & character development, this one is for you!

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Be all you can be..." This is a quote from the book. Allegedly uttered by a former Army Sergeant. Never would that have been uttered as anything but sarcasm by any former Army folk I've know, much less as a serious parting line.

This book has several problems, but it's a side effect of what happens when a genre gets popular and equitable. Everyone thinks they can write one.

This book could have told this fairly simple story in half the time if the writer didn't try to squeeze in a ton of metaphors and just sheer wordiness.

The most annoying thing, aside from the constant inflated drama, and bad logic...was the stereotype of women as sex objects. He spent waaaaaay too much time describing their bodies, and not much else.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did like this story. It was a fun read. But...to explain why I rated only three stars not more, I feel like there could have been SO much more here! I hate giving spoilers out in reviews so there wont be any of that. But lets be honest. I feel like the ending was rushed, and I feel like I read half a book...which, according to the "the end" at the end of the story, I did not read half a book.

Again, I really, really enjoyed what I did read. I just felt like there could have been so much more here, maybe an epilogue or some such....
I guess that is what our imaginations are good for. ;-)

[D Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero: A Zombie Apocalypse
by Nicholas Ryan

Given ARC for an hones review.

Definitely not my normal reading material, but thought I would give it a try.

I'm not a fan of blood and gore, but once I got started reading, due to the storyline being so well written, I had a hard time putting the book down.

I think the author did an excellent job with the storyline and describing in detail the happenings that took place, even with all the twists and turns.

Would I read another of Nicholas Ryan's books? Yes I would.

If you love your Zombies, blood and gore, then I highly recommend this book to you.

[Phil Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a zombie book it is fine it "does what it says on the tin".
I'd have marked it as a good solid three star book.....but

As several others have said its treatment of women is both laughable and appalling.
The women instantly revert to cave women incapable of existing without a strong man to look after them *head-desk*

Really.....

It was almost like a throwback to the John Gorman "Gor" books I read many many years ago.

I will read book 2 but I really hope our author grows up and writes better women.

[Ciarrah, MHA · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible

Even for the zombie genre this was ridiculous. I had to stop reading once I got to the sexist part of the book where female characters are first introduced. Up until then the book was flat and one dimensional, but the wanton helpless women ended it for me. There are better zombie books to devote your time reading.

[Vickie Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Ronna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast-paced and violent, which you want in Z-fiction, but the guy needed a writing coach.