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Z-Risen #1
Outbreak
When the USS McClusky (FFG-41) was overwhelmed by the dead, Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed, and Marine Sergeant Joel “Cruze” Kelly, were forced to abandon the ship, and take their chances in San Diego.
Now they are stuck in a city that has been completely overrun with zombies and as the days go by they must range farther and farther away from ‘fortress’ in their search for supplies. Relying on military training, guts, and pure force of will, the two of them will face a nightmare world that is intent on killing them one bite at a time.
Now they are stuck in a city that has been completely overrun with zombies and as the days go by they must range farther and farther away from ‘fortress’ in their search for supplies. Relying on military training, guts, and pure force of will, the two of them will face a nightmare world that is intent on killing them one bite at a time.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2013
322 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Timothy W. Long
63 books153 followersWhen not sitting around watching Rick and Morty reruns in a bathrobe, Timothy W. Long writes stuff. He has a predilection for weird literature and sometimes drinks Coke for breakfast. Don't tell his mom.
Tim is the author of over 30 novels in genres ranging from cozy/Isekai, to all manner of post-apocalyptic because no one has managed to take away his word processor.
Tim is an active member of SFWA, HWA, and Thriller Writers. He recently signed a three-book deal with Aethon Books for his Dark Lord Reborn Series.
Tim is the author of over 30 novels in genres ranging from cozy/Isekai, to all manner of post-apocalyptic because no one has managed to take away his word processor.
Tim is an active member of SFWA, HWA, and Thriller Writers. He recently signed a three-book deal with Aethon Books for his Dark Lord Reborn Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 15, 2024
I liked the characters’ interactions and their banter, it made the whole thing feel lighter and quicker. It’s nothing world changing as far as zombpocs go but it’s fast-paced enough to not drag and it’s entertaining and entertainment is really why I keep coming back to the zombie genre so in that sense Long delivered the proverbial goods.
November 16, 2021
**Oops...Accidentally put this in my comment section originally.
So good - Lots of Zombie action, relatable characters, witty humor, and (love when this happens) action-packed right out of the gate.
The ending was incredible, and just when I thought it could not get any more exciting - Surprise...
Highly recommend. On a side note, it is so nice to be able to get 2-3 books on several volumes of this series. #Bonus.
So good - Lots of Zombie action, relatable characters, witty humor, and (love when this happens) action-packed right out of the gate.
The ending was incredible, and just when I thought it could not get any more exciting - Surprise...
Highly recommend. On a side note, it is so nice to be able to get 2-3 books on several volumes of this series. #Bonus.
August 30, 2024
What most impressed me about this book... Hmmm....
I'm personally a firm believer that the family you choose is at least as important as the family you're born into. And so I'm quite impressed with how this book captured that sentiment and the emotion behind it.
This book features two main characters, Jackson Creed, a sailor/Machinist Mate First Class and a Marine Sargeant, Joel "Cruze" Kelly. They are quite different. One is tall and a big dude. He can't shoot for crap, but he's handy with tools. He's a bit of a wise-ass. Funny. That's Creed. Joel is quite the polar opposite. Dude likes his guns. He's bad-ass. He's got tactics and survival scripted into his DNA. Maybe a bit less in touch with his emotions. Like I said, quite different.
So what could possibly bring these two together? Well...
How about being on the same ship when their whole world goes FUBAR from a zombie apocalypse?
Yeah... Yeah, that'd do it.
Creed and Kelly and thrown together and they form a bond. They argue, irritate one another, and insult one another. Know what else they do? Complement one another's skills, rely on the other, and survive some pretty hairy stuff and at the day have each other's back and save each other's lives in a world no one would really want to have to deal with. I was totally invested in their relationship. There's lots of action. You will totally buy the military part of it. But it is the authenticity of the emotional bond that will really draw you in. It sure did for me. It will make you feel their brotherhood and dedication.
If I wanted to read a book about just some pointless, endless slaying of zombies I'd go play a video game. If I want to immerse myself in feeling all the feels and sensing what it would FEEL like to be in a z-apocalypse, I'd read the rest of this series.
I'm actually reading the omnibus that has the first three books so I am quite please to see that I got quite a bit more to delve into. Then there's more after that! Lucky me.
Recommended.
I'm personally a firm believer that the family you choose is at least as important as the family you're born into. And so I'm quite impressed with how this book captured that sentiment and the emotion behind it.
This book features two main characters, Jackson Creed, a sailor/Machinist Mate First Class and a Marine Sargeant, Joel "Cruze" Kelly. They are quite different. One is tall and a big dude. He can't shoot for crap, but he's handy with tools. He's a bit of a wise-ass. Funny. That's Creed. Joel is quite the polar opposite. Dude likes his guns. He's bad-ass. He's got tactics and survival scripted into his DNA. Maybe a bit less in touch with his emotions. Like I said, quite different.
So what could possibly bring these two together? Well...
How about being on the same ship when their whole world goes FUBAR from a zombie apocalypse?
Yeah... Yeah, that'd do it.
Creed and Kelly and thrown together and they form a bond. They argue, irritate one another, and insult one another. Know what else they do? Complement one another's skills, rely on the other, and survive some pretty hairy stuff and at the day have each other's back and save each other's lives in a world no one would really want to have to deal with. I was totally invested in their relationship. There's lots of action. You will totally buy the military part of it. But it is the authenticity of the emotional bond that will really draw you in. It sure did for me. It will make you feel their brotherhood and dedication.
If I wanted to read a book about just some pointless, endless slaying of zombies I'd go play a video game. If I want to immerse myself in feeling all the feels and sensing what it would FEEL like to be in a z-apocalypse, I'd read the rest of this series.
I'm actually reading the omnibus that has the first three books so I am quite please to see that I got quite a bit more to delve into. Then there's more after that! Lucky me.
Recommended.
January 17, 2014
Love it love it, love it. Oh, and have I mentioned I loved it? I've been a long time fan of Tim Long since I read Among the Living, snatching up his works as soon as they were released. So Z-Risen was bound to show up on my list at some point. Z-Risen will not disappoint my fellow zombiephiles. It earned a well deserved FIVE stars on fire from this monster. Five stars just weren't enough!
Z-Risen promises to be an exceptional series. The humor is doled out in no short supply. Narrated in journal format, Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed and Marine Sergeant Joel "Cruze" Kelly are the lone survivors of the USS McClusky. Things aren't much better on land, they quickly discover, as San Diego now belongs to the dead.
The witty banter kept me amused, and laughing out loud at times. I enjoyed the squabbling between the two as the two military branches banter away (while the men may have been on the same Naval ship, one of them is a Marine). Not to be outdone by humor, the actual gore and horror delivered was up to par. Z-Risen is one heck of a fast-paced, action-packed, rip-roaring funny ride.
Don't mind me, I'll be bouncing in my seat waiting for February to come so I can read the next installment of Z-Risen. If you were smart, dear reader, you would be clicking purchase on the Amazon link below and hopping on the Tim Long Train. All aboard! Choo Choo. bookie-monster.com
Z-Risen promises to be an exceptional series. The humor is doled out in no short supply. Narrated in journal format, Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed and Marine Sergeant Joel "Cruze" Kelly are the lone survivors of the USS McClusky. Things aren't much better on land, they quickly discover, as San Diego now belongs to the dead.
The witty banter kept me amused, and laughing out loud at times. I enjoyed the squabbling between the two as the two military branches banter away (while the men may have been on the same Naval ship, one of them is a Marine). Not to be outdone by humor, the actual gore and horror delivered was up to par. Z-Risen is one heck of a fast-paced, action-packed, rip-roaring funny ride.
Don't mind me, I'll be bouncing in my seat waiting for February to come so I can read the next installment of Z-Risen. If you were smart, dear reader, you would be clicking purchase on the Amazon link below and hopping on the Tim Long Train. All aboard! Choo Choo. bookie-monster.com
February 18, 2015
ABR's full Z-Risen: Outbreak audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
First thoughts about the cover of Z-Risen Outbreak? A man in an Army uniform and gun in front of a Navy ship with buildings smoking in the background. War story? Huge catastrophe? Some type of apocalypse? Please let it be an apocalypse! After reading the exert – Zombie apocalyptic story, yay!
The main character is Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed. He’s big, he’s burly, and he prefers to take out the zombies with a really BIG red wrench. He’s six feet three inches and has a great sarcastic wit he uses to help him cope with the new changes in his daily world. In a mental fight or a physical fight, he’s a great asset to have on your side.
The secondary main character is Marine Sergeant Joel Cruze Kelly. He’s a great sniper and rocks the hand to hand combat skills as well. In this new zombie filled world, Joel is Creed‘s best friend. Not only does Creed and Joel work well together at fighting for survival, their funny banter between each other helps to keep the horrors of this new world from becoming to overwhelming. Without each other, they probably would not have survived the first initial days of the apocalypse.
The Narrator is Todd Menesses. Todd has a very unique way of bringing the voices to life. Each character has a rich voice for his or her character. He is very talented and does a great job of bringing this book to life. The Author is Timothy W. Long. This book is 12 hours long. It is a combination of the first and second series of the Z-Risen series. Z-Risen: Outbreak Book One and Z-Risen: Outcast Book Two.
This book offers a unique view on a zombie apocalypse. It shows what military training could do to help keep a person or persons alive during a cataclysmic event. Mixed into that was witty humor and lots of jam packed action. It has a lot of blood and gore within. Not recommended for a younger audience. There were a few spots in this book that had playback issues. Luckily, even with these issues, the story and narration held attention to the story.
This book left me thinking about things that could and would help in an emergency. The things we take for granted on a daily bases. Should people plan for the worst and hope for the best? Should people set aside things here and there to help keep themselves and others alive in the worst case scenario? Or is it better to simply not worry about things that might not ever happen? I think it would be wisest to plan a little now rather than hurt a lot later. The safety of yourself and those you care about should always play an important role for your future.
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
First thoughts about the cover of Z-Risen Outbreak? A man in an Army uniform and gun in front of a Navy ship with buildings smoking in the background. War story? Huge catastrophe? Some type of apocalypse? Please let it be an apocalypse! After reading the exert – Zombie apocalyptic story, yay!
The main character is Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed. He’s big, he’s burly, and he prefers to take out the zombies with a really BIG red wrench. He’s six feet three inches and has a great sarcastic wit he uses to help him cope with the new changes in his daily world. In a mental fight or a physical fight, he’s a great asset to have on your side.
The secondary main character is Marine Sergeant Joel Cruze Kelly. He’s a great sniper and rocks the hand to hand combat skills as well. In this new zombie filled world, Joel is Creed‘s best friend. Not only does Creed and Joel work well together at fighting for survival, their funny banter between each other helps to keep the horrors of this new world from becoming to overwhelming. Without each other, they probably would not have survived the first initial days of the apocalypse.
The Narrator is Todd Menesses. Todd has a very unique way of bringing the voices to life. Each character has a rich voice for his or her character. He is very talented and does a great job of bringing this book to life. The Author is Timothy W. Long. This book is 12 hours long. It is a combination of the first and second series of the Z-Risen series. Z-Risen: Outbreak Book One and Z-Risen: Outcast Book Two.
This book offers a unique view on a zombie apocalypse. It shows what military training could do to help keep a person or persons alive during a cataclysmic event. Mixed into that was witty humor and lots of jam packed action. It has a lot of blood and gore within. Not recommended for a younger audience. There were a few spots in this book that had playback issues. Luckily, even with these issues, the story and narration held attention to the story.
This book left me thinking about things that could and would help in an emergency. The things we take for granted on a daily bases. Should people plan for the worst and hope for the best? Should people set aside things here and there to help keep themselves and others alive in the worst case scenario? Or is it better to simply not worry about things that might not ever happen? I think it would be wisest to plan a little now rather than hurt a lot later. The safety of yourself and those you care about should always play an important role for your future.
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
October 24, 2016
Buckle up because there's no slowing down with this story! Navy machinist Jackson Creed has been floating through his Navy career doing the bare minimum, that comes to an abrupt end when a virus quickly overtakes the crew onboard the USS McClusky. Jackson has the good fortune to run across Marine Sergeant Joel Kelly and together they manage to make it off the ship only to discover San Diego hasn't been spared the outbreak either.
Their only mission is to find supplies and stay alive, and try to make it north, they meet many characters good and bad along the way, this book has it all humor, heartbreak, suspense, in other words, it's perfect!
Todd Menesses narrates and I'm still in awe of his ability to voice so many different characters. He definitely has a part in making this a 5-star read!
Their only mission is to find supplies and stay alive, and try to make it north, they meet many characters good and bad along the way, this book has it all humor, heartbreak, suspense, in other words, it's perfect!
Todd Menesses narrates and I'm still in awe of his ability to voice so many different characters. He definitely has a part in making this a 5-star read!
February 9, 2016
Timothy Long has written a great story and the series is called Z-Risen. What can I say, I'm a sucker for dry and sarcastic humor. And Timothy delivers in Outbreak through the main characters Machinist Mate First Class Jackson Creed and Marine Sergeant Joel 'Cruze' Kelly. The story begins on the USS McClusky, the ship Creed and Kelly were stationed on. It unfolds in a first person POV and that person is Creed, a character you can't help but root for. Fast paced and action packed, this series is one to read.
April 1, 2016
Author did not dissapoint
I stumbled upon Timothy long when I picked up Impact Earth. I liked that book so much I decided to look for Long's other books. I have my favorites but I will definitely keep reading from this author whatever he decides to write.
I stumbled upon Timothy long when I picked up Impact Earth. I liked that book so much I decided to look for Long's other books. I have my favorites but I will definitely keep reading from this author whatever he decides to write.
February 12, 2019
Fantastic fun and a quick read.
I had a blast reading this book and missing out on sleep. I cant wait to read the next book in the series. I can't wait to read the entire series. Timothy Long has a way of writing stories that keeps you glued to book and turning pages.
I had a blast reading this book and missing out on sleep. I cant wait to read the next book in the series. I can't wait to read the entire series. Timothy Long has a way of writing stories that keeps you glued to book and turning pages.
September 16, 2024
Zombie Apocalypse Military Edition
This is a well written and well thought out zombie apocalypse story. I’ve read others that have military/ ex military characters in the core group of survivors but this one is a first with almost all characters being military.
A large chunk of the inner monologue is comprised of a diary/ journal written by the naval engineer and it’s a daily account of events. It starts with the ship they’re on out at sea. The engineer and a marine find themselves battling the apocalypse one zombie at a time. They’re both quite caustic and it leads to some dark humour which makes for an entertaining read.
Highly recommend for fans of dystopian stories.
This is a well written and well thought out zombie apocalypse story. I’ve read others that have military/ ex military characters in the core group of survivors but this one is a first with almost all characters being military.
A large chunk of the inner monologue is comprised of a diary/ journal written by the naval engineer and it’s a daily account of events. It starts with the ship they’re on out at sea. The engineer and a marine find themselves battling the apocalypse one zombie at a time. They’re both quite caustic and it leads to some dark humour which makes for an entertaining read.
Highly recommend for fans of dystopian stories.
June 14, 2023
Zombies my old friends. I haven’t listened to a zombie book in forever. A Marine & a squid team up during this zombie apocalypse! They’re funny, determined & badass. There’s some good banter & gross behavior! They come across the good, the bad and the hungry.
Jackson tells the story via a journal. There’s a bit of a mystery and hints of more going on here. Good narration brings the story to life. I’m already listening to book 2. If you’re in the mood for a quick easy zombie story, this could be what you’re looking for.
Jackson tells the story via a journal. There’s a bit of a mystery and hints of more going on here. Good narration brings the story to life. I’m already listening to book 2. If you’re in the mood for a quick easy zombie story, this could be what you’re looking for.
May 22, 2024
Normally I don't go for zombie books, but after talking to the author at Texas Frightmare Weekend (horror con) this one sounded interesting. A gruff Navy engineer paired with a Marine's Marine as the world goes to hell? Oh yeah, that dynamic is a fun read!
The book is written as diary entries of the Navy character. Don't let that scare you off, this is a well written and engaging novel. There is of course a lot of zombie bashing but the real story is of the characters and how they deal with surviving one more day.
The book is written as diary entries of the Navy character. Don't let that scare you off, this is a well written and engaging novel. There is of course a lot of zombie bashing but the real story is of the characters and how they deal with surviving one more day.
December 31, 2018
Zombies without much thrill
Grammar errors really detracted from the story. It’s an okay quick read, but not something that I couldn’t put down. Not very much depth to the characters either. I’ll probably read the next book in the series to see if it gets better, but I wouldn’t pay for it if it weren’t in kindle unlimited.
Grammar errors really detracted from the story. It’s an okay quick read, but not something that I couldn’t put down. Not very much depth to the characters either. I’ll probably read the next book in the series to see if it gets better, but I wouldn’t pay for it if it weren’t in kindle unlimited.
March 6, 2019
Zombie survival with attitude.
Long takes you on a thrill ride that doesn't end until the last page. The writer assembles a honest cast or warriors and drive his narrative home. The desperate situations are hardships these characters face will keep you reading. I would recommend this book to any zombie lover.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
Long takes you on a thrill ride that doesn't end until the last page. The writer assembles a honest cast or warriors and drive his narrative home. The desperate situations are hardships these characters face will keep you reading. I would recommend this book to any zombie lover.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
May 28, 2023
An interesting zombie story. Fairly standard American military personnel fighting endless hordes of zombies book but well written. I liked the first person format, the Jackson character and the dialogue. A constant stream of action, gore and bullets. The narration is really good. I look forward to reading the next part as the book ends on a cliff-hanger.
January 14, 2026
Hilarious Z
One of the most hilarious z books I’ve ever read and I just hope the rest of the series holds up to this one. It’s like listening to someone’s inner voice all the time. I totally recommend this book and even sent a snapshot of the first page to my family for a good laugh.
One of the most hilarious z books I’ve ever read and I just hope the rest of the series holds up to this one. It’s like listening to someone’s inner voice all the time. I totally recommend this book and even sent a snapshot of the first page to my family for a good laugh.
March 26, 2023
worth a reread
This is my second round of reading this series, and I’m just as delighted as the first time. Humor, camaraderie, action, and of course, zombie bashing makes this a winning series.
This is my second round of reading this series, and I’m just as delighted as the first time. Humor, camaraderie, action, and of course, zombie bashing makes this a winning series.
September 24, 2023
Great eotwawki!
Another great zombie read here, lots of chomping of, well everybody, sigh, usual plot, outbreak everything goes in the tank, escaping the zombies is done really well, nailbitingish!
Another great zombie read here, lots of chomping of, well everybody, sigh, usual plot, outbreak everything goes in the tank, escaping the zombies is done really well, nailbitingish!
October 16, 2023
Good Zombie Read
I am like a lot of other people who enjoy reading EOTW fiction. Zombies are my favorite type. This author does a nice job handling a zombie apocalypse. It takes a little while to get the characters to grow. But it is worth the wait.
I am like a lot of other people who enjoy reading EOTW fiction. Zombies are my favorite type. This author does a nice job handling a zombie apocalypse. It takes a little while to get the characters to grow. But it is worth the wait.
Read
May 11, 2024Get a competent editor.
The story had so many editing mistakes. Towards the end it became obvious that no effort was made to weed out the grammar errors. I got the impression that the editor must have walked off the job.
The story had so many editing mistakes. Towards the end it became obvious that no effort was made to weed out the grammar errors. I got the impression that the editor must have walked off the job.
June 23, 2017
Enjoyable post zombie apocalypse romp. Follows the standard model but feels fresh
January 30, 2018
Book 1
Pearl harbor was only time we the navy got our mass stomped and it seems you made this look worse
Pearl harbor was only time we the navy got our mass stomped and it seems you made this look worse
December 7, 2018
It was okay.
February 10, 2019
Fun quick read. Got the next 2 lined up and ready.
February 19, 2019
Excellent
What a great book. Good action, realistic enough. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see what comes next.
What a great book. Good action, realistic enough. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see what comes next.
June 22, 2023
A pretty good start but....
Needs much more character growth and development. The story was pretty standard Zombie stuff but did not flow well or feel cohesive.
Needs much more character growth and development. The story was pretty standard Zombie stuff but did not flow well or feel cohesive.
December 10, 2023
Good story. I wish the story was more linear. The back and forth in time was irritating as shit. Over all I liked it enough to read book 2.
September 18, 2024
This is Airman Baker of the 88th security forces squadron and I am still alive
November 13, 2024
Decent
This was a decent book Starts with a bang, slows to a crawl and ends with a lot going on. Worth a read
This was a decent book Starts with a bang, slows to a crawl and ends with a lot going on. Worth a read
September 3, 2014
Fun quick read
I read th I spin two days and really enjoyed it, the characters are believable and relatable and it has some good zombie action. nothing terribly new but well written. It is a bit short (I know, I just called it a quick read) sets up a possibly nice multi book ark. The only criticism I have is the group's reaction to the death of a young man because he is supposedly infected.They hadn't know I an him long, their reaction to the authority figure was hostile, and it's the zombie freaking apocalypse, if you're infected you gotta go. As do I before the review gets longer than the book.....
I read th I spin two days and really enjoyed it, the characters are believable and relatable and it has some good zombie action. nothing terribly new but well written. It is a bit short (I know, I just called it a quick read) sets up a possibly nice multi book ark. The only criticism I have is the group's reaction to the death of a young man because he is supposedly infected.They hadn't know I an him long, their reaction to the authority figure was hostile, and it's the zombie freaking apocalypse, if you're infected you gotta go. As do I before the review gets longer than the book.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews