What do you think?
Rate this book
The Retreat #1
Pandemic
The first episode in the acclaimed apocalyptic military thriller series by Craig DiLouie, Joe McKinney, and Stephen Knight! As a new disease turns people into sadistic, laughing killers, in Boston, a battalion of light infantry struggles to maintain order. As the numbers of infected grow, the battalion loses control, and the soldiers find themselves fighting for their lives against the very people they once swore an oath to protect. During the ensuing collapse, the lost battalion learns the Army is still holding out in Florida, which has been cleared of the Infected. Harry Lee, its commander, decides the only hope for his men is to get there. But first they must cross more than a thousand miles of America that has been turned into a war zone, fighting a fearless, implacable, and merciless enemy. Praise for THE RETREAT, Episode #1: “DiLouie + McKinney + Knight = Awesome! The infected provided some terrifying entertainment that I hope to see more of in the series.” - Zombiephiles.com “Dark and gritty … THE RETREAT kept me reading long into the night, and after I’d read the last line, maniacal, leering Klowns stalked my dreams.” - Sean T. Smith, author of the WRATH trilogy “I totally dug it, balls to the wall dug it … I, like many others, cannot wait for the second novella to come out!” - Cabin Goddess “A new twist to the zombie genre … I couldn’t read fast enough, trying to hold my breath as events quickly unfolded … I give it 5 out of 5 stars.” - Life in the Day
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2013
221 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Craig DiLouie
62 books1,527 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 14, 2015
Recently there was a series of graphic novels that totally emphasised the "graphic" part of that term entitled Crossed, Vol. 1. It was originally conceived and written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Jacen Borrows. In it, an infection did the rounds turning people into maniacs who killed and slaughtered indiscriminately, and who even seemed to enjoy being tortured, mutilated and killed themselves. The infected all had a wound which opened on their faces in the shape of a cross running both ways over their noses.
The Retreat #1: Pandemic by Craig DiLouie with assistance from Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney could have been set in the same world if the magically appearing face wounds were a part of their take. Because, otherwise, the people who have been turned in The Retreat, dubbed "Klowns" behave in exactly the same way as Ennis' Crossed maniacs.
So as well-written, engaging and tension-filled as DiLouie et al's first book in this series is, I could not help but feel I'd been there and done it all before. Sure, writing the book from the POV of various personal in the army who are fighting to keep the infected from overwhelming Boston was different. But not sufficiently so as to allow me to forget that every scene featuring the Klowns felt exactly like a scene lifted from Crossed.
With that major gripe out of the way, I thoroughly recommend picking up The Retreat #1: Pandemic. DiLouie keeps things moving at a breakneck pace, utilises short chapters to assist with this, and is not afraid to bump any number of major characters - all massive positives for me. Some may balk at the level of technical detail on display, but unlike say, his earlier work Tooth and Nail, The Retreat never gets bogged down in this, and the reader is simply able to accept the fact the author clearly knows his stuff, either having served himself or done a ludicrous amount of research into what soldiers experience in and around combat situations.
Entertaining, fast-paced and ruthless, DiLouie's introduction to The Retreat series is a must for fans of military horror and those who enjoy watching an apocalypse unfold. Just don't expect something entirely fresh and original.
3.5 Maniacs Laughing Manically for The Retreat #1: Pandemic.
The Retreat #1: Pandemic by Craig DiLouie with assistance from Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney could have been set in the same world if the magically appearing face wounds were a part of their take. Because, otherwise, the people who have been turned in The Retreat, dubbed "Klowns" behave in exactly the same way as Ennis' Crossed maniacs.
So as well-written, engaging and tension-filled as DiLouie et al's first book in this series is, I could not help but feel I'd been there and done it all before. Sure, writing the book from the POV of various personal in the army who are fighting to keep the infected from overwhelming Boston was different. But not sufficiently so as to allow me to forget that every scene featuring the Klowns felt exactly like a scene lifted from Crossed.
With that major gripe out of the way, I thoroughly recommend picking up The Retreat #1: Pandemic. DiLouie keeps things moving at a breakneck pace, utilises short chapters to assist with this, and is not afraid to bump any number of major characters - all massive positives for me. Some may balk at the level of technical detail on display, but unlike say, his earlier work Tooth and Nail, The Retreat never gets bogged down in this, and the reader is simply able to accept the fact the author clearly knows his stuff, either having served himself or done a ludicrous amount of research into what soldiers experience in and around combat situations.
Entertaining, fast-paced and ruthless, DiLouie's introduction to The Retreat series is a must for fans of military horror and those who enjoy watching an apocalypse unfold. Just don't expect something entirely fresh and original.
3.5 Maniacs Laughing Manically for The Retreat #1: Pandemic.
November 26, 2013
Military horror at its finest!
Written by 3 juggernauts of the zombie apocalypse genre, The Retreat #1 focuses mainly on a group of 10th Mountain Division soldiers fighting their way across a ruined Boston. The virus that causes the city to crumble turns its victims into laughing homicidal maniacs. The effect of having a bloodthirsty enemy that laughs maniacally is just downright creepy, and the enemy can think and reason, making them doubly dangerous. If you're a fan of any of these 3 guys, don't even think about it, just get this story! Can't wait for the next one!
Written by 3 juggernauts of the zombie apocalypse genre, The Retreat #1 focuses mainly on a group of 10th Mountain Division soldiers fighting their way across a ruined Boston. The virus that causes the city to crumble turns its victims into laughing homicidal maniacs. The effect of having a bloodthirsty enemy that laughs maniacally is just downright creepy, and the enemy can think and reason, making them doubly dangerous. If you're a fan of any of these 3 guys, don't even think about it, just get this story! Can't wait for the next one!
November 24, 2013
This is a boy book *giggling* yes, I am a girl and it is a boy book and I totally dug it, balls to the wall dug it because:
a) it was written by Craig DiLouie and I want to have his brain babies
and
b) I like boy books.. especially ones with big guns and explosions etc and homicidal clowns..err. klowns.. err... read on
Craig was introduced to me when I read the Infection, which was introduced to me by my friend Jessica who has a tendency to introduce me to books written by authors whose brain pans I want to lick like a lollypop! Now the Klowns would wanna lick it ..*giggle* yes I giggled a lot and was kind of knocked off kilter with the premise and some of the situations, and had a lot of OMG moments...
In fact the more I read this the more disturbed I was, my face twitched a bit and I felt something nagging in the back of my mind. I was not sure what to think. Having lived in the Boston area, where the book took place, I was even more out of place, the dreams I had were messed up. I can't really discuss the book, there would be to many spoilers.
Like his book Infection, it is not a zombie book, there is an infection, sure, but they are not real zombies, and also like Infection, they are driven in a mob like mentality... oh and they also like playing with water balloons and spreading the infection. What the two have in common, I will let you guess and go read the book to find out. What I can say is it starts off with something you think is a typical premise and mixes in something completely new and different, kind of like adding cayenne pepper to your pancake batter or salt to your carmel, sure not new now, but it was at one point wasn't it? Craig DeLouie is in the ground floor with this little bloody gem and of his and I like many others cannot wait for the second novella to come out!
Oh, one other thing, if very rational people who never think things are funny, and normally have to force a laugh start finding things funny which normally shouldn't be... they start laughing? RUN... RUN FAST.. VERY FAST!
Craig knows I want to have an intellectual crush on his bad boy self and waved a copy of this bad boy at me and I grabbed it right up... I didn't promise crap but I am writing a review, of course! *GRIN*
a) it was written by Craig DiLouie and I want to have his brain babies
and
b) I like boy books.. especially ones with big guns and explosions etc and homicidal clowns..err. klowns.. err... read on
Craig was introduced to me when I read the Infection, which was introduced to me by my friend Jessica who has a tendency to introduce me to books written by authors whose brain pans I want to lick like a lollypop! Now the Klowns would wanna lick it ..*giggle* yes I giggled a lot and was kind of knocked off kilter with the premise and some of the situations, and had a lot of OMG moments...
In fact the more I read this the more disturbed I was, my face twitched a bit and I felt something nagging in the back of my mind. I was not sure what to think. Having lived in the Boston area, where the book took place, I was even more out of place, the dreams I had were messed up. I can't really discuss the book, there would be to many spoilers.
Like his book Infection, it is not a zombie book, there is an infection, sure, but they are not real zombies, and also like Infection, they are driven in a mob like mentality... oh and they also like playing with water balloons and spreading the infection. What the two have in common, I will let you guess and go read the book to find out. What I can say is it starts off with something you think is a typical premise and mixes in something completely new and different, kind of like adding cayenne pepper to your pancake batter or salt to your carmel, sure not new now, but it was at one point wasn't it? Craig DeLouie is in the ground floor with this little bloody gem and of his and I like many others cannot wait for the second novella to come out!
Oh, one other thing, if very rational people who never think things are funny, and normally have to force a laugh start finding things funny which normally shouldn't be... they start laughing? RUN... RUN FAST.. VERY FAST!
Craig knows I want to have an intellectual crush on his bad boy self and waved a copy of this bad boy at me and I grabbed it right up... I didn't promise crap but I am writing a review, of course! *GRIN*
April 27, 2016
My original Pandemic audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
As soon as I heard about this audiobook, I literally stopped everything went to Audible and bought it. I have listened to stories from all three authors, Craig DiLouie, Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney, before and knew that this was going to be good. Then mix in one R. C. Bray to the mix and you would think you would have an audiobook powerhouse of a story.
A pandemic virus has spread to the United States turning people into creatures. No not zombies, but kind of the same idea. As the disease is spread by body fluids. The diseased are called Klowns because they laugh hysterically when they are inflicting pain on others or experiencing pain themselves. They are not mindless by any means and live to turn you into one of them.
Interestingly the story stars after the initial infection and society has already started to crumble. I am going to assume so that will leave plenty of material for flashbacks and characters remembering thing from the start of the outbreak.
From the beginning we are dropped into a small military unit in Boston. As they try to defend the city from the Klowns. This is where you can tell that the team of authors are experienced and really good at what they do. Because of the characters. Not cookie cutter, black and white, transparent or shallow at all. They are quite dynamic in the sense that their personality continue to change throughout the story. DiLouie, Knight and McKinney were able to pump so much emotion into each and every one of them I could smell the fear they were experiencing.
Pandemic is a military action filled nightmare. With some of the scariest infected that I have come across. I just felt that the story didn't really go anywhere other than to set the story in motion for the rest of the series. It did, however, make me interested, and kept my interest, enough to be on the look out for the next in the series.
R.C. Bray was the narrator. Really I could just stop there. Bray is a narration master. Continuing to develop his skills and adding those special touches that has made most love his style. In this performance he laughed like a mad man and sang a verse from a song. Bray delivers at a solid pace, however I did find this performance to be a bit on the slow side.
Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.
As soon as I heard about this audiobook, I literally stopped everything went to Audible and bought it. I have listened to stories from all three authors, Craig DiLouie, Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney, before and knew that this was going to be good. Then mix in one R. C. Bray to the mix and you would think you would have an audiobook powerhouse of a story.
A pandemic virus has spread to the United States turning people into creatures. No not zombies, but kind of the same idea. As the disease is spread by body fluids. The diseased are called Klowns because they laugh hysterically when they are inflicting pain on others or experiencing pain themselves. They are not mindless by any means and live to turn you into one of them.
Interestingly the story stars after the initial infection and society has already started to crumble. I am going to assume so that will leave plenty of material for flashbacks and characters remembering thing from the start of the outbreak.
From the beginning we are dropped into a small military unit in Boston. As they try to defend the city from the Klowns. This is where you can tell that the team of authors are experienced and really good at what they do. Because of the characters. Not cookie cutter, black and white, transparent or shallow at all. They are quite dynamic in the sense that their personality continue to change throughout the story. DiLouie, Knight and McKinney were able to pump so much emotion into each and every one of them I could smell the fear they were experiencing.
Pandemic is a military action filled nightmare. With some of the scariest infected that I have come across. I just felt that the story didn't really go anywhere other than to set the story in motion for the rest of the series. It did, however, make me interested, and kept my interest, enough to be on the look out for the next in the series.
R.C. Bray was the narrator. Really I could just stop there. Bray is a narration master. Continuing to develop his skills and adding those special touches that has made most love his style. In this performance he laughed like a mad man and sang a verse from a song. Bray delivers at a solid pace, however I did find this performance to be a bit on the slow side.
Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.
June 22, 2024
It is a 1.5 for me, not a 1 it was not badly written just not for me. I did not know that is was only a militairy story and I did't care about the virus. I did not have a moment of suspense, something that I do look for in horror. Just not my thing at all
June 5, 2017
A great book helped by the "Bray Effect"
This book would have most likely gotten 5 stars without R.C. Bray, but if I could give it more, I would. Bray is so incredibly talented it's crazy. His narration of The Retreat: Pandemic was just perfect. The voices were perfect and the laughs were so good they gave me chills.
The Retreat: Pandemic was a book I read (what felt) too close to another Bio-Thriller. But, with most Post-Apocalyptic books; this takes place right after the pandemic starts. There wasn't too much in this about the virus (or contagion), but I'm really curious if this will be left to other books and prequels. (Dear Mr. DiLouie, sir. If you can tap Richard Preston for a prequel that shows how this virus started, I would probably faint).
This is definitely a book for those who love military style post-apocalyptic novels. It revolves around a combat ready soldier who is trying to get himself and other soldiers to safety.
The story itself was very well written. I couldn't tell that three authors wrote this together. It definitely felt like one awesome, gory, and scary book. The "clowns" as they are called are creepy-as-f. Honestly, I shouldn't have listened to this at night so close to going to bed. The description and the incredibly gruesome ways that people were killed and tortured at their hands should have given me nightmares.
The Retreat: Pandemic sits somewhere in the nook and crannies of numerous genres including Military Fiction, Bio-Thrillers, Horror, and Post-Apocalyptic.
I really hope that there are more books in this series, and I really hope that Blue Heron Audio continues to tap R.C. Bray to narrate them. I will eat them up... and laugh while doing it.
This book would have most likely gotten 5 stars without R.C. Bray, but if I could give it more, I would. Bray is so incredibly talented it's crazy. His narration of The Retreat: Pandemic was just perfect. The voices were perfect and the laughs were so good they gave me chills.
The Retreat: Pandemic was a book I read (what felt) too close to another Bio-Thriller. But, with most Post-Apocalyptic books; this takes place right after the pandemic starts. There wasn't too much in this about the virus (or contagion), but I'm really curious if this will be left to other books and prequels. (Dear Mr. DiLouie, sir. If you can tap Richard Preston for a prequel that shows how this virus started, I would probably faint).
This is definitely a book for those who love military style post-apocalyptic novels. It revolves around a combat ready soldier who is trying to get himself and other soldiers to safety.
The story itself was very well written. I couldn't tell that three authors wrote this together. It definitely felt like one awesome, gory, and scary book. The "clowns" as they are called are creepy-as-f. Honestly, I shouldn't have listened to this at night so close to going to bed. The description and the incredibly gruesome ways that people were killed and tortured at their hands should have given me nightmares.
The Retreat: Pandemic sits somewhere in the nook and crannies of numerous genres including Military Fiction, Bio-Thrillers, Horror, and Post-Apocalyptic.
I really hope that there are more books in this series, and I really hope that Blue Heron Audio continues to tap R.C. Bray to narrate them. I will eat them up... and laugh while doing it.
October 21, 2022
Best variation of the zombie apocalypse tale I've read. Not zombies! Crazed Clowns! No joke! Sounds too far fetched but DiLouie, Knight & McKinney make it real and frightening. Bray brings his gritty voice to the narrative making it all the more dark & serious. The story is true to military protocols and structures with only a few variations that push the plot along. I appreciated that they understood the difference between the roles of civilian authorities, the National Guard and active duty military (too many authors have no idea about these details). One of the interesting running subplots/friction points is that the main character, Harry Lee, starts off as a Captain but when the Battalion Commander dies, the XO (afraid that he doesn't have the right stuff to lead) convinces Lee to pin on the oak leafs and take over as LT COL until they can fight their way back to regular Army authority. Lee excels at this but he and the XO both dread the time when they have to answer for their indiscretion. First however, they have to keep fighting until they find someone alive/uninfected to report to so they can pay for their sins against the UCMJ. If you liked "The Arisen" and "The Remaining" series you will love this!
February 18, 2014
Just so you know, this is the type of book that I like to read: zombies (or zombie like creatures & the military). Be warned, the authors use plenty of terms in references to weapons and equipment, and rank. These creatures are not zombies (they do not die and then come back as zombies).
Once you are "infected" you become a crazed psycho who just wants to hurt/kill everyone, to include your fellow psychos. To me this makes the creatures even more deadly. They can drive, shoot, kill, and think. Some sick puppies indeed. Truly the end of the world as we know it. Looking forward to more stories set in this world. The infected sound like the creatures featured in a book I have on my Kindle but have not read yet:
. Maybe I'll finally get around to reading that thriller.
Once you are "infected" you become a crazed psycho who just wants to hurt/kill everyone, to include your fellow psychos. To me this makes the creatures even more deadly. They can drive, shoot, kill, and think. Some sick puppies indeed. Truly the end of the world as we know it. Looking forward to more stories set in this world. The infected sound like the creatures featured in a book I have on my Kindle but have not read yet:
. Maybe I'll finally get around to reading that thriller.
March 21, 2017
At the edge of my seat laughing
Like the crazies in this book, I spent every second I was reading The Retreat: Pandemic on the edge of my seat laughing. I can't wait to start the next one - The Retreat #2: Slaughterhouse. To be honest I want to write this review as quickly as possible so I can get to it!
The Retreat Series is the product of three great authors working together and using their knowledge and expertise to create something amazing! There are so many apocalyptic thrillers out today it's hard to pick which ones are worth reading and which ones are crap. Many are so similar I'm left wondering if I may have already read them by the time I get halfway through. The Retreat: Pandemic is NOT one of those books. I mean, have you heard of any other series based on a highly contagious virus that turns people into psychotic laughing killers - or "Klowns" (short for Killer Clowns - the "killer" part is obvious, and "clowns" because of how their faces look when they are coming after you laughing maniacally)?! I know I haven't, and I have read a LOT of books about zombies and/or the apocalypse.
The plot of The Retreat: Pandemic was solid and well written. Those Klowns can take a punch and they just keep on coming - laughing uncontrollably the entire time. They have no problem walking right into the line of fire; and when there are thousands of them coming right at the good guys it's pretty darn scary!
There was a lot of military knowledge packed into these pages; which being a fan of Stephen Knight I am used to. If you don't like all of that military lingo in a book you are reading, you might want to skip this series. (Although, if you do skip it I think you will be seriously missing out.)
The characters were well rounded. Each had their own personality and part to play. You really get to know a large number of characters well; and it was difficult to not help but feel a little sense of mourning when some of them don't make it through one of the many battles they found themselves fighting to get through. One of my particular favorites so far would have to be a tough "nasty girl" named Rawlings. She is one of the few female soldiers, and no one can say she can't hold her own when the going gets tough. I really hope she makes it through right to the end. One thing is for sure, she won't be going down without a fight!
Also, as you may expect, there was a fairly large amount of gore and violence. Personally, the gore and violence keeps my on the edge of my seat; but if you have a weak stomach this may be another reason to pick something a little less intense to read.
I definitely wouldn't let a young child read Pandemic, but I might let my 16-17 year old (mature) teenager/young adult. Although, this is definitely not the type of book you would find in the young adults category. It is most definitely an adult apocalyptic thriller. If you like this type of book you have to give The Retreat Series a try. Once you get started, you won't be able to put this book down! If I could give it more than five stars I would.
Like the crazies in this book, I spent every second I was reading The Retreat: Pandemic on the edge of my seat laughing. I can't wait to start the next one - The Retreat #2: Slaughterhouse. To be honest I want to write this review as quickly as possible so I can get to it!
The Retreat Series is the product of three great authors working together and using their knowledge and expertise to create something amazing! There are so many apocalyptic thrillers out today it's hard to pick which ones are worth reading and which ones are crap. Many are so similar I'm left wondering if I may have already read them by the time I get halfway through. The Retreat: Pandemic is NOT one of those books. I mean, have you heard of any other series based on a highly contagious virus that turns people into psychotic laughing killers - or "Klowns" (short for Killer Clowns - the "killer" part is obvious, and "clowns" because of how their faces look when they are coming after you laughing maniacally)?! I know I haven't, and I have read a LOT of books about zombies and/or the apocalypse.
The plot of The Retreat: Pandemic was solid and well written. Those Klowns can take a punch and they just keep on coming - laughing uncontrollably the entire time. They have no problem walking right into the line of fire; and when there are thousands of them coming right at the good guys it's pretty darn scary!
There was a lot of military knowledge packed into these pages; which being a fan of Stephen Knight I am used to. If you don't like all of that military lingo in a book you are reading, you might want to skip this series. (Although, if you do skip it I think you will be seriously missing out.)
The characters were well rounded. Each had their own personality and part to play. You really get to know a large number of characters well; and it was difficult to not help but feel a little sense of mourning when some of them don't make it through one of the many battles they found themselves fighting to get through. One of my particular favorites so far would have to be a tough "nasty girl" named Rawlings. She is one of the few female soldiers, and no one can say she can't hold her own when the going gets tough. I really hope she makes it through right to the end. One thing is for sure, she won't be going down without a fight!
Also, as you may expect, there was a fairly large amount of gore and violence. Personally, the gore and violence keeps my on the edge of my seat; but if you have a weak stomach this may be another reason to pick something a little less intense to read.
I definitely wouldn't let a young child read Pandemic, but I might let my 16-17 year old (mature) teenager/young adult. Although, this is definitely not the type of book you would find in the young adults category. It is most definitely an adult apocalyptic thriller. If you like this type of book you have to give The Retreat Series a try. Once you get started, you won't be able to put this book down! If I could give it more than five stars I would.
May 19, 2018
I expected a lot more from these acclaimed authors than a novella about a virus that makes people turn into laughing maniacs and the efforts of an Army battalion fighting the hoards around Boston. It took some time to determine what was happening as there was no back story about the virus, etc. and there were too many names to keep track of. In fact, I wondered who was in charge and from where did the soldiers receive their orders.
The premise of the story was feasible and many of the infected "citizens" made me laugh at their antics...especially the couple dressed to the nines and driving a convertible Cadillac through the city, dragging bodies that are hooked up to the bumper in their wake. It also wasn't clear if the infected attacked one another or only those not infected. It's a real challenge for the soldiers as these "infected" citizens are not the mindless zombies from other books in the genre and are a formidable foe. In fact, they look normal until they start laughing. I'll pass on the rest of the series.
The premise of the story was feasible and many of the infected "citizens" made me laugh at their antics...especially the couple dressed to the nines and driving a convertible Cadillac through the city, dragging bodies that are hooked up to the bumper in their wake. It also wasn't clear if the infected attacked one another or only those not infected. It's a real challenge for the soldiers as these "infected" citizens are not the mindless zombies from other books in the genre and are a formidable foe. In fact, they look normal until they start laughing. I'll pass on the rest of the series.
February 23, 2024
Not bad, but…
First off, why do so many modern authors not know the difference between pallet, palette and palate?! Even if they, their editor and their beta readers don’t catch it, a simple grammar check when they spellcheck should! Also, it’s not Dorcester, it’s Dorchester! And I don’t know where the author(s)’s from, but I would guess it’s not the US, because a lot of phrasing isn’t quite the way an American soldier would talk. I was an American soldier a few decades ago, so I can usually tell.
The story was interesting enough that I will read the next book, but it’s also strongly reminiscent of quite a few with a similar theme. The laughing Klown portion is definitely unique… and super creepy. I really hate clowns!
First off, why do so many modern authors not know the difference between pallet, palette and palate?! Even if they, their editor and their beta readers don’t catch it, a simple grammar check when they spellcheck should! Also, it’s not Dorcester, it’s Dorchester! And I don’t know where the author(s)’s from, but I would guess it’s not the US, because a lot of phrasing isn’t quite the way an American soldier would talk. I was an American soldier a few decades ago, so I can usually tell.
The story was interesting enough that I will read the next book, but it’s also strongly reminiscent of quite a few with a similar theme. The laughing Klown portion is definitely unique… and super creepy. I really hate clowns!
June 11, 2017
A bug is turning people into sadistic, laughing crazed Klowns who are sweeping through Boston. They torture, maim and kill all while laughing hysterically and adding more to the growing hordes.
The military is in disarray with no chain of command and their only hope is retreating to Florida. Florida has been cleared of the Klowns but they will have to travel thousands of miles through hordes and hordes of infected.
This is a non stop, action packed story of survival against overwhelming odds.
Now on to the next book in this great series. If you love apocalyptic military stories or have read the works of Craig DiLouie, Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney this is a must read.
The military is in disarray with no chain of command and their only hope is retreating to Florida. Florida has been cleared of the Klowns but they will have to travel thousands of miles through hordes and hordes of infected.
This is a non stop, action packed story of survival against overwhelming odds.
Now on to the next book in this great series. If you love apocalyptic military stories or have read the works of Craig DiLouie, Stephen Knight and Joe McKinney this is a must read.
March 21, 2021
Different in a good way
Definitely not sure what to expect when I started the book, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I'm used to stories about plagues turning people into monsters, but this book cranked it to 12 and never cranked it back down. Non stop action and many twists. Look forward to the next book!
Definitely not sure what to expect when I started the book, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I'm used to stories about plagues turning people into monsters, but this book cranked it to 12 and never cranked it back down. Non stop action and many twists. Look forward to the next book!
October 20, 2021
Reread
I completely forgot this plague is laughing murderous infected who can plan and remember things but the virus overruns any defenses and makes them vulnerable like not wearing armor and stuff. Very suspenseful! Didn’t realize also that the Mountain fighters are in this too but not the same people from Dead:Immolation. Lots of suspense and I like the POV from the Klowns!
I completely forgot this plague is laughing murderous infected who can plan and remember things but the virus overruns any defenses and makes them vulnerable like not wearing armor and stuff. Very suspenseful! Didn’t realize also that the Mountain fighters are in this too but not the same people from Dead:Immolation. Lots of suspense and I like the POV from the Klowns!
August 3, 2022
Great book!
This is a slightly different take on the zombie apocalypse. Brilliantly done, flows well, you're thrust right into the fray from the get go. Who lives? Who dies? It's quite visceral and brutal page-by-page. The story is hopeless but hopeful at the saw time. Not much history or lore here, its survival from the start.
This is a slightly different take on the zombie apocalypse. Brilliantly done, flows well, you're thrust right into the fray from the get go. Who lives? Who dies? It's quite visceral and brutal page-by-page. The story is hopeless but hopeful at the saw time. Not much history or lore here, its survival from the start.
September 29, 2017
A good start
A good start. First book in the series and was well paced, quick , easy read. Character development is decent and makes you wanna read the next book. Speaking of which...on to book two!
A good start. First book in the series and was well paced, quick , easy read. Character development is decent and makes you wanna read the next book. Speaking of which...on to book two!
February 3, 2021
Freaky! A virus that turns people into laughing homicidal maniacs who thrive on torture and murder. Mix in the military with their fire power and plans, human nature - and those freaky, FREAKY Klowns! Really good read!
June 23, 2021
Well written plot that is unfolding as the book is a series has just begun
Well written plot that is unfolding in this first book of the series. The characters are now fewer but stronger as they begin the next book looking forward to starting with this series
Well written plot that is unfolding in this first book of the series. The characters are now fewer but stronger as they begin the next book looking forward to starting with this series
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed it
A different kind of crazy is out there. Something has caused people to go crazy and enjoy pain. They laugh as they inflict torment on their victims and giggle as they receive retribution.
A different kind of crazy is out there. Something has caused people to go crazy and enjoy pain. They laugh as they inflict torment on their victims and giggle as they receive retribution.
July 8, 2022
Action Packed!
If you like non-stop action then this book is for you. Instead of zombies, you have crazy killer "klowns". The perspective from a general to a private is told with some good surprises by all. Looking forward to the next book!
If you like non-stop action then this book is for you. Instead of zombies, you have crazy killer "klowns". The perspective from a general to a private is told with some good surprises by all. Looking forward to the next book!
July 21, 2022
Kclowns we all knew they were evil
I wasn’t expecting to actually like this series… cool. The opening part w
felt rushed has threw us months into the end of the world but truly great chacther development made the day.
I wasn’t expecting to actually like this series… cool. The opening part w
felt rushed has threw us months into the end of the world but truly great chacther development made the day.
November 3, 2022
Super twist on the apocalypse
This is a great read fast paced interesting characters which quite surprisingly don't all make it, no one is spared the horror and the collapse is excruciatingly complete
This is a great read fast paced interesting characters which quite surprisingly don't all make it, no one is spared the horror and the collapse is excruciatingly complete
June 20, 2017
When you think that they can't imagine anything new, you find that you are wrong. No zombies, no vampires, but Killer Clowns (except that they are more killers than clowns).
February 18, 2018
Hat mir sehr gefallen.
Erinnert an DiLouies Mit Zähnen und Klauen aus dem gleichen Verlag, nur dass dieses mal nicht Romeros "Crazies" als Inspiration dient, sondern der Garth Ennis Comic Crossed, Vol. 1.
DiLouies Militärfiktion liest sich allerdings, IMHO, sehr viel besser als Ennis auf mich eher uninspiriert wirkende Sex- und Gewaltorgie.
Erinnert an DiLouies Mit Zähnen und Klauen aus dem gleichen Verlag, nur dass dieses mal nicht Romeros "Crazies" als Inspiration dient, sondern der Garth Ennis Comic Crossed, Vol. 1.
DiLouies Militärfiktion liest sich allerdings, IMHO, sehr viel besser als Ennis auf mich eher uninspiriert wirkende Sex- und Gewaltorgie.
June 23, 2018
Review in progress.
July 5, 2018
O que poderia ser pior do que um vírus que transforma as pessoas em zumbis?
Um vírus (ou parasita) que transforma as pessoas em versões insanas do Coringa.
Um vírus (ou parasita) que transforma as pessoas em versões insanas do Coringa.
October 3, 2018
Short book, author is a little obsessed with military hardware and jargon. His wacky take on the apocalyptic virus is the pat that keeps you going.
November 9, 2018
Horrible Novel
What a waste of time, resource and energy. I will never again read any novel by this author and urge others to avoid
What a waste of time, resource and energy. I will never again read any novel by this author and urge others to avoid
February 3, 2019
Bloody maniacal mayhem
A quick fun bloody read. Another spin on the infected/rage virus scenario full of dark humor. Full of action and an extreme body count.
A quick fun bloody read. Another spin on the infected/rage virus scenario full of dark humor. Full of action and an extreme body count.
June 4, 2020
Pretty fun and fucked up novel. Still feels a bit incomplete being part of a series, but still pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews