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Z-Burbia #2
Parkway To Hell
With Whispering Pines refusing to give up and die, Jace “Long Pork” Stanford has nothing better to do than find out who the heavily-armed newcomers in town are. Well, while he’s not busy dealing with the ever present Z hordes. Or running for his life from paramilitary mercenaries. Or possibly blowing up more of the zombie-infested city because he can’t help pressing buttons. Buttons are meant to be pressed, even in the apocalypse, right? Looks like it’s just another day in Z-Burbia! Reviews- “Loved this book and loved the series so far. Not sure what took me so long to discover it as I am a big zombiephile. This book has all the elements I love in a story, very character driven, with soldiers, strong women, sassy teens, and some smart ass men.” -Michele, 5-star Goodreads review “Jace and his crew are back in Book 2 and it is just as hilarious as the first. I find that sometimes authors hit a home run with their first books but never quite live up to the same standard with each additional book. Not so with Jake Bible. It is rare that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud.” -Veronica, 5-star Goodreads review “A fast paced, action packed sequel that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the snark from Jace 'Long Pork' and the sarcastic wit, it made the book memorable, fantastic narration.” -Mia, 5-star Goodreads review
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
47 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Jake Bible
157 books366 followersJake Bible, Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, has entertained thousands with his horror, sci/fi, thriller, and adventure tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters and genres.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 23, 2017
Loved this book and loved the series so far. Not sure what took me so long to discover it as I am a big zombiephile. This book has all the elements I love in a story, very character driven, with soldiers, strong women, sassy teens, and some smart ass men. My favorite character, next to Jace, is Elspeth the canny savant. I will let you discover what that means on your own. I am sure any fan of Mark Tufo books will enjoy this, as there is some great sarcastic humor in here.
January 26, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
March 25, 2014
Jace and his crew are back in Book 2 and it is just as hilarious as the first. I find that sometimes authors hit a home run with their first books but never quite live up to the same standard with each additional book. Not so with Jake Bible. It is rare that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud. There are moments in the book that are rather disgusting, grotesque and suspenseful. He is good with keeping the suspense high, but he also weaves in the humor. Even when the chips are down & it feels like things just can't get any worse, he finds a way to lighten the mood. I also love that he either kills or punishes those that are complete pains in the you-know-what. So many authors place characters in their story that you love to hate, but they never get their due. Bible is awesome at this!! I am very much looking forward to Book 3 and hearing more of Elsbeth's story.
February 16, 2017
Continually screws up and gets everyone killed
The main character literally continually screws up and is a huge wimp that just get everyone else killed trying to rescue him. It's the zombie apocalypse and if this guy had a ham sandwich every time he got captured and got a bunch of his people killed, he would never go hungry. It's the same thing from the first book. Do stupid shit, Be unreliable and a pussy in a fight, Get captured, Get friends killed, Get rescued by surviving friends, Insert new bad guy, Repeat. I'm assuming by the end of the series he will just run out of people to get killed or they'll realize he's not worth rescuing for the 50th time.
The main character literally continually screws up and is a huge wimp that just get everyone else killed trying to rescue him. It's the zombie apocalypse and if this guy had a ham sandwich every time he got captured and got a bunch of his people killed, he would never go hungry. It's the same thing from the first book. Do stupid shit, Be unreliable and a pussy in a fight, Get captured, Get friends killed, Get rescued by surviving friends, Insert new bad guy, Repeat. I'm assuming by the end of the series he will just run out of people to get killed or they'll realize he's not worth rescuing for the 50th time.
June 22, 2014
JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST! I LOVE THIS SERIES, ALTHOUGH I HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY IT STOPS AT BOOK 3. WE SHALL SEE. I HOPE TO START IT SOON. I STILL LOVE ELSBETH AND TO FIND OUT A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HER PAST IS COOL. I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT THE REAL DEAL IS IN THE 3RD BOOK. A LOT OF CRAZY THINGS WENT ON IN THIS ONE AND JACE IS STILL GOING STRONG! RECOMMEND TO ALL ZOMBIE BOOK LOVERS!
March 21, 2019
Jas (Jason) and friends are looking for a new temporary home after evacuating Whispering Pines. Making their way to Asheville, NC they investigate the Grove Park Inn. They find much more than they bargained for along with more survivors to steer clear of. Besides the undead, Jas finds himself running from the military as well. Well, not all the military but it’s hard to determine who are the good guys. In a rare stroke of luck Jas and crew discover a large fenced-in farm where they can safely recuperate. Elsbeth is in fine form, protecting her new family while taking out the Z’s. Eventually, the goal is to return home to Whispering Pines.
July 9, 2023
4.5 stars. If you like book one you'll certainly like book two, corny jokes and zombies are everywhere. The plot has become bigger and the scope has become larger. Many people may not feel this way but to me it was a sad book, people are treating each other worse than the zombies are. The author did make a sour note when he keeps describing one of the lesser protagonist characters as fat, over several times this happened. Don't need to body shame to show the reader that this is a bad character.
February 29, 2024
3.5 stars
A nice sequel. Took a little bit to get my head back in the game, too much character introduction going on at the beginning, but once the groups became smaller and the action divided, it was easier to follow and much more enjoyable. Still nice humor, but not as much as in the first one. Will give the third book a shot and see if it swings back to being more humorous, or more apocalyptic-politic heavy.
A nice sequel. Took a little bit to get my head back in the game, too much character introduction going on at the beginning, but once the groups became smaller and the action divided, it was easier to follow and much more enjoyable. Still nice humor, but not as much as in the first one. Will give the third book a shot and see if it swings back to being more humorous, or more apocalyptic-politic heavy.
October 12, 2018
The author does not seem to know the difference between "peek" and "peak".
“You even peak that rifle out and I’ll send a round straight down the barrel, sniper boy!”
I take a peak and it looks like one of the SUVs, but how is that possible?
Critter peaks his head over the seat, his skin white and clammy looking.
“You even peak that rifle out and I’ll send a round straight down the barrel, sniper boy!”
I take a peak and it looks like one of the SUVs, but how is that possible?
Critter peaks his head over the seat, his skin white and clammy looking.
June 22, 2019
I tore through this series like a kid eating popcorn. Book 1 was fantastic. Books 2-6 were each equally good. Once you start, you'll be hard-pressed to stop. There's good humor, adventure, and things waiting to eat interesting characters at nearly every turn.
January 8, 2020
Sarcastic and gory make for a great story
Excellent narration from Andrew as always
Zombie fans shouldn’t miss this Highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Excellent narration from Andrew as always
Zombie fans shouldn’t miss this Highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
October 7, 2020
A fast paced, action packed sequel that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the snark from Jace 'Long Pork' and the sarcastic wit, it made the book memorable, fantastic narration. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
How does this book not have a million five star reviews yet? Best book zombie book I’ve read. Never laugh so hard I’m serious situations like this before. I guess I have the same personality as Jace! On to the next!
April 3, 2019
Funny and scary and kept my interest.
February 24, 2020
Just discovered this author, read first book in 2 days. Loved it, looking forward to rest of series.
April 13, 2020
Not mind boggling, but interesting enough.
June 11, 2020
I didn't know how I'd like the series after book 1 was just meh for me but I gotta say, book 2 was fabulous. On to book 3!
September 1, 2021
how is this not a tv series yet? This is amazing. It doesn't take itself too seriously but it does a great job of telling the story and it is an incredible story.
June 5, 2022
The arm thing was super unrealistic
September 3, 2023
It has been fun following Jace "Long Pork" and this group and their battle agains zombies a corrupt government, and the HOA.
March 14, 2016
I was excited after completing the first book in this series and couldn't wait to get into book 2. Unfortunately, this book didn't keep my interest as did book 1. Jace wasn't as funny and seemed to be crossing over into a secondary character instead of the protagonist. I was also confused when the story-telling changed from 1st person to third and then back again. Elsbeth, and the two military characters seemingly taking the lead here as we learn more about them and their backgrounds. It is still the group's goal to de-zombie the area as it is the new President.
When Jace figures out the operations of the local natural gas plant, he pushes the start button and blows up portions of the city. Jace gets captured and tortured, his family, captured, and Elsbeth captured. Seems like getting themselves out of their fixes takes up a huge part of this story.
Some of the pacing is slow, and I feel there are some redundancies in the story telling - like repeating the steps of a daily chore several times over. There are still zombies, and one of the characters is bitten...a la Walking Dead, and without any hesitation, he performs self-surgery hoping to save himself.
After defeating the "Bully" in book 1, another steps forward and took his place. This time, he's claiming to be the President of the U.S. by default as every other government cabinet official in succession is supposedly dead. This new Potus becomes the newest dictator and tries to enslave the surrounding population. Those surviving groups in nearby outposts band together and attempt to overthrow the new government. Then in between fighting off bands of live humans, Jace and company continue to fight zombies and lose friends.
Some questions left over from book 1 are answered here, but others not. It also appears that Elsbeth is more special than anyone imagined. Sure, she is an excellent fighter, former Canny, and all-around tough-girl and savior - which sets the intro for the next book in the series.
I was also surprised to learn about the Consortium mentioned in both of these books. It is now clear that Jace and his cast of characters are not alone in the country...and their size is tiny compared to those other outposts. It's time again to hide, join or fight!
If you are a zombie fan, you'll love this series!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
When Jace figures out the operations of the local natural gas plant, he pushes the start button and blows up portions of the city. Jace gets captured and tortured, his family, captured, and Elsbeth captured. Seems like getting themselves out of their fixes takes up a huge part of this story.
Some of the pacing is slow, and I feel there are some redundancies in the story telling - like repeating the steps of a daily chore several times over. There are still zombies, and one of the characters is bitten...a la Walking Dead, and without any hesitation, he performs self-surgery hoping to save himself.
After defeating the "Bully" in book 1, another steps forward and took his place. This time, he's claiming to be the President of the U.S. by default as every other government cabinet official in succession is supposedly dead. This new Potus becomes the newest dictator and tries to enslave the surrounding population. Those surviving groups in nearby outposts band together and attempt to overthrow the new government. Then in between fighting off bands of live humans, Jace and company continue to fight zombies and lose friends.
Some questions left over from book 1 are answered here, but others not. It also appears that Elsbeth is more special than anyone imagined. Sure, she is an excellent fighter, former Canny, and all-around tough-girl and savior - which sets the intro for the next book in the series.
I was also surprised to learn about the Consortium mentioned in both of these books. It is now clear that Jace and his cast of characters are not alone in the country...and their size is tiny compared to those other outposts. It's time again to hide, join or fight!
If you are a zombie fan, you'll love this series!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
October 30, 2014
The second book in the Zburbia series did not disappoint. Perfect blend of zombie action, drama and humor, (which is missing or downplayed in a lot of zbooks). All my favorite characters are back. I love how Elsbeth is developing. I find her to be a fascinating character. I am hoping to find out more about her in the next book. Stella has a new job and I'm sure Brenda is just going to lie down and let that happen without a whimper. That is going to be very interesting to watch unfold. Jace loses a part of himself but it wasn't his sense of humor. Another plot line that will be fascinating to read more about. The whole Ms Foster thing left me chilled. I wasn't expecting that. Book 2 was a fun, fast, scary thriller of a ride.
My recommendation is to read these books in the order they are written, do not get hung up on reality, (it is a zbook), and it is for mature readers. I would put it on the don't miss list for zombie lovers.
My recommendation is to read these books in the order they are written, do not get hung up on reality, (it is a zbook), and it is for mature readers. I would put it on the don't miss list for zombie lovers.
June 1, 2016
Awesome second book to the Z-Burbia collection. It is packed full of action AND humor throughout. Right from page one I couldn't put the book down! That Jason (Jace, or even Long Pork to some) is one of a kind! He can fight hard, and make you laugh even harder.
This is a great collection for any zombie or apocalypse lover. There is very little crudity, thanks to good family morals and of course one of my favorite characters Big Daddy. Don't let that fool you though, there is plenty of action and zombie killing, like I said before. Start with book one, Z-Burbia, and make sure you have plenty of time, because you will not be able to put it down!
I can't wait to start book number three.
This is a great collection for any zombie or apocalypse lover. There is very little crudity, thanks to good family morals and of course one of my favorite characters Big Daddy. Don't let that fool you though, there is plenty of action and zombie killing, like I said before. Start with book one, Z-Burbia, and make sure you have plenty of time, because you will not be able to put it down!
I can't wait to start book number three.
March 19, 2015
Jace Stanford brings all of his sarcastic charm to this sequel. Whispering Pines is being rebuilt and the Farm has been breached, but now we find the beating heart of the American government at the Grove Park Inn.
Z-Burbia 2 finds all of my favorite characters in a whirlwind fight to stay alive and stay together. The end has some great foreshadowing of things to come and I am personally staying on this crazy train until the very end.
Z-Burbia 2 finds all of my favorite characters in a whirlwind fight to stay alive and stay together. The end has some great foreshadowing of things to come and I am personally staying on this crazy train until the very end.
September 21, 2017
Jace is back fighting PCs, the so-called POTUS, plus the never ending stream of Zs. He's still having to deal with the insane bureaucracy of Brenda and the HOA, as if there isn't enough to do!
Guns, mêlée weapons, cannies, death and destruction, what more could you ask for?
I love the sarcasm and Jace's tendency to zone out while the craziness unfolds around him. Great second book in the series and I'm glad there's more to read.
Guns, mêlée weapons, cannies, death and destruction, what more could you ask for?
I love the sarcasm and Jace's tendency to zone out while the craziness unfolds around him. Great second book in the series and I'm glad there's more to read.
April 27, 2014
Wow the excitement continues!
Digging deeper into this world, we find out whispering pines is far more important to more than just the residents living there. Powerful twist & turns, that will keep you reading for more. If you've read the first you have to read this, awesome story with character's you will care for and some you want to die, must read!
Digging deeper into this world, we find out whispering pines is far more important to more than just the residents living there. Powerful twist & turns, that will keep you reading for more. If you've read the first you have to read this, awesome story with character's you will care for and some you want to die, must read!
January 15, 2016
love this series! fast paced zombie killing madness and mayhem.
Stumpageddon! OMG! I love the authors sense of humour! stumpy mcstumperson! Lord Stumpercrumpet!
You know how in movies there's those really gross bits that you don't want to watch... this book has one of those moments. Well written, descriptive, yucky. I skimmed bits of that bit, cause eww
Stumpageddon! OMG! I love the authors sense of humour! stumpy mcstumperson! Lord Stumpercrumpet!
You know how in movies there's those really gross bits that you don't want to watch... this book has one of those moments. Well written, descriptive, yucky. I skimmed bits of that bit, cause eww
March 15, 2016
The story continues. It is a good story, and is enjoyable, but it still feels like a crowded, been there, seen/read that story-line. Still good enough to keep reading onto the next book in the series. Not answering any detailed questions (yet), but just enough.
March 28, 2016
This is a great story. To see what could happen here in the USA. To see good people fighting together, some good, some bad. Read these books, start from book one then move on to the others. Great Author. You will love this book.
January 2, 2014
Nice follow up to the last book. Look forward to more if he writes it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews