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Edited by Monique Happy Editorial Services 114,000 words. Approximately 450 pages. "Through a combination of tight, well-structured plots and fully realized characters, Chesser has emerged as one of the top Indie writers in the business." Joe McKinney- 2012 Bram Stoker Award winner and Best Selling author of the Dead World Series. "Shawn is the author of the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse Series, a run that so far includes five of the best military zombie writing out there, including Trudge, Soldier On, In Harm’s Way, A Pound of Flesh, and Allegiance." Joe McKinney- Mortal, Book 6 in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series, picks up immediately where " Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse" left off. Warning Spoilers Ahead. Outbreak - Day 16: With an estimated ninety-nine percent of the United States’ population having already succumbed to the Omega Virus and reanimated to form roving hordes of flesh-eating monsters, two groups of survivors struggle against long odds to survive the zombie apocalypse. Returning from a mission to secure the brain power necessary to replicate an antiserum that has successfully brought one Omega-infected man back from the brink of death, the stealth helicopter carrying Captain Cade Grayson and his small team of Delta Force operators responsible for successfully pulling off the daring feat goes missing. Fearing that the helo has gone down in the zombie-infested countryside somewhere near Pierre, South Dakota, the life—or death—of the men may depend on a decision made by Major Freda Nash, five hundred miles away. Will she send all available resources to search for the missing Ghost Hawk and the eight men aboard? Or will she be forced to put her personal feelings aside for the good of mankind and shift the focus solely to seeing that the aircraft carrying the scientists rescued from the NML, Canada’s answer to the CDC, makes it safely back to Schriever AFB? Meanwhile, awaiting Cade’s return at Schriever AFB, Brooklyn Grayson and daughter Raven are making final preparations to leave Schriever for the compound near Eden, Utah, when a soldier shows up on their doorstep, unannounced and bearing heartbreaking news. Four hundred miles northwest of Schriever, Logan Winters, his brother, Duncan, and a group of survivors newly arrived from Jackson Hole struggle to adapt to life at the Eden Compound—forced to deal not only with the threats posed by the insatiable dead, but also with a group of marauders hell-bent on taking everything they hold dear. Our survivors find out, up close and personal, who is Mortal, and who will survive to fight another day.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2013
103 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 26, 2014
I'm a total Shawn Chesser geek. I'm not ashamed of it! He writes incredibly exciting and action-packed novels. His latest release in the Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse series, Mortal, delivered as expected.
Mortal is full of action and likable characters. His story line is well thought out and gripping. Well into the series, Chesser wastes no time with introductions or build up. Because, frankly, it's already there. his books end in such a way that readers are left with no choice but to read new installments to find out what comes next. Mortal starts with a bang...or rather, a crash. The helicopter containing a small military team goes down in a graveyard and (the men that live through the crash) must get back to base.
Chesser's work is less outright zombie horror and more strategic. A game of Risk, anyone? I know zip about the military. But Shawn's expertise in that area makes it easy to slide into the action. Just call me General Monster!
There were moments in Mortal that had me downright laughing. His use of a character named Lieutenant Ben Dover. As soon as I saw the name, I lost it. I gave him a little golf clap for having the balls to use it. I was literally rofl'ing over here. I rated Mortal four stars. I still love the series, but it felt as if something was missing. One big battle, some more shock and awe. Don't get me wrong, Mortal was still full of great action, but there could have been more. Maybe I'm just being selfish because I have expectations solidified from his previous work. Does it change my opinion of the author? Nope. Does it make me question if I will read future books in the series? Hell no. I'm all in!
bookie-monster.com
Mortal is full of action and likable characters. His story line is well thought out and gripping. Well into the series, Chesser wastes no time with introductions or build up. Because, frankly, it's already there. his books end in such a way that readers are left with no choice but to read new installments to find out what comes next. Mortal starts with a bang...or rather, a crash. The helicopter containing a small military team goes down in a graveyard and (the men that live through the crash) must get back to base.
Chesser's work is less outright zombie horror and more strategic. A game of Risk, anyone? I know zip about the military. But Shawn's expertise in that area makes it easy to slide into the action. Just call me General Monster!
There were moments in Mortal that had me downright laughing. His use of a character named Lieutenant Ben Dover. As soon as I saw the name, I lost it. I gave him a little golf clap for having the balls to use it. I was literally rofl'ing over here. I rated Mortal four stars. I still love the series, but it felt as if something was missing. One big battle, some more shock and awe. Don't get me wrong, Mortal was still full of great action, but there could have been more. Maybe I'm just being selfish because I have expectations solidified from his previous work. Does it change my opinion of the author? Nope. Does it make me question if I will read future books in the series? Hell no. I'm all in!
bookie-monster.com
October 13, 2025
This narrative unfolds like an almost slow-moving apocalypse, a gripping descent into chaos that has swiftly transformed the world in just three weeks. What once was civilization is now battling the rise of warlords, who seem to emerge from the shadows without warning, each vying for control in this fractured landscape.
One of my significant reasons for previously stepping away from this series was its intricate complexity. The intertwining storylines—often three or four at a time—made it challenging to stay engaged, especially when my focus leaned towards only one or two narratives. The short chapters dashed through various plotlines, making it difficult to immerse myself fully as each active storyline would only receive a cursory glance.
This book picks up directly from where its predecessor concluded, delivering the continuation that has become a hallmark of these novels. Among the characters, the Grayson family resonates with me the most, primarily because they have been the focal point since the beginning. My attachment to them intensifies as I recall their harrowing escape from the dead. The dialogue throughout feels authentic and true to the characters' established personalities, although I will need some time to assess how well this holds for the new introductions.
With nearly ninety-nine percent of the population in the United States succumbing to the Omega Virus—reanimating as mindless, flesh-eating hordes—the surviving factions face overwhelming odds. Two groups of resilient survivors are locked in a struggle against the encroaching apocalypse of the undead.
The tension mounts as a stealth helicopter, carrying Captain Cade Grayson and his elite Delta Force team, vanishes during a mission. Their objective was to secure the brain power necessary to replicate an antiserum that had miraculously restored one Omega-infected individual from the brink of death. This disappearance raises urgent concerns: has the helicopter crash-landed somewhere in the zombie-infested wilderness of Pierre, South Dakota? The fate of Cade and his men may hinge on a critical decision made by Major Freda Nash, who is stationed five hundred miles away. Will she muster the resources to mount a search for the missing Ghost Hawk and its eight crew members? Or must she set aside her personal emotions for the greater good of humanity, prioritizing the safe return of the aircraft carrying scientists from the NML, Canada’s equivalent of the CDC?
Meanwhile, at Schriever Air Force Base, Brooklyn Grayson and her daughter, Raven, are engrossed in final preparations to evacuate to the compound situated near Eden, Utah. Their plans, however, are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a soldier bearing devastating news, which turns their world further upside down.
In a parallel narrative, four hundred miles northwest of Schriever, Logan Winters, along with his brother, Duncan, navigate the harsh realities of life at the Eden Compound. They, along with a new group of survivors from Jackson Hole, must adapt not only to the relentless threat posed by the insatiable undead but also to the menacing presence of marauders intent on seizing everything they cherish.
As the story unfolds, our survivors face the stark realities of survival, discovering firsthand who among them is mortal and who will endure to fight another day.
I must mention that I enjoy listening as well as reading, and the narrator, Chris Patton, did a commendable job. Initially, I found his delivery somewhat stiff, but as the story progressed, he found his rhythm. Patton ultimately gave a voice to the characters that brought their personalities vividly to life, making the experience well worth continuing.
One of my significant reasons for previously stepping away from this series was its intricate complexity. The intertwining storylines—often three or four at a time—made it challenging to stay engaged, especially when my focus leaned towards only one or two narratives. The short chapters dashed through various plotlines, making it difficult to immerse myself fully as each active storyline would only receive a cursory glance.
This book picks up directly from where its predecessor concluded, delivering the continuation that has become a hallmark of these novels. Among the characters, the Grayson family resonates with me the most, primarily because they have been the focal point since the beginning. My attachment to them intensifies as I recall their harrowing escape from the dead. The dialogue throughout feels authentic and true to the characters' established personalities, although I will need some time to assess how well this holds for the new introductions.
With nearly ninety-nine percent of the population in the United States succumbing to the Omega Virus—reanimating as mindless, flesh-eating hordes—the surviving factions face overwhelming odds. Two groups of resilient survivors are locked in a struggle against the encroaching apocalypse of the undead.
The tension mounts as a stealth helicopter, carrying Captain Cade Grayson and his elite Delta Force team, vanishes during a mission. Their objective was to secure the brain power necessary to replicate an antiserum that had miraculously restored one Omega-infected individual from the brink of death. This disappearance raises urgent concerns: has the helicopter crash-landed somewhere in the zombie-infested wilderness of Pierre, South Dakota? The fate of Cade and his men may hinge on a critical decision made by Major Freda Nash, who is stationed five hundred miles away. Will she muster the resources to mount a search for the missing Ghost Hawk and its eight crew members? Or must she set aside her personal emotions for the greater good of humanity, prioritizing the safe return of the aircraft carrying scientists from the NML, Canada’s equivalent of the CDC?
Meanwhile, at Schriever Air Force Base, Brooklyn Grayson and her daughter, Raven, are engrossed in final preparations to evacuate to the compound situated near Eden, Utah. Their plans, however, are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a soldier bearing devastating news, which turns their world further upside down.
In a parallel narrative, four hundred miles northwest of Schriever, Logan Winters, along with his brother, Duncan, navigate the harsh realities of life at the Eden Compound. They, along with a new group of survivors from Jackson Hole, must adapt not only to the relentless threat posed by the insatiable undead but also to the menacing presence of marauders intent on seizing everything they cherish.
As the story unfolds, our survivors face the stark realities of survival, discovering firsthand who among them is mortal and who will endure to fight another day.
I must mention that I enjoy listening as well as reading, and the narrator, Chris Patton, did a commendable job. Initially, I found his delivery somewhat stiff, but as the story progressed, he found his rhythm. Patton ultimately gave a voice to the characters that brought their personalities vividly to life, making the experience well worth continuing.
January 10, 2014
Book 6 in the series and still the action keeps coming thick and fast. Not a book that would make a lot of sense without reading the story from the beginning, but a good reason to do so! As ever the characters in this series are struggling to survive a zombie apocalypse and ever step forward they make means two steps back. It's a gripping story that I have found so hard to put down. Danger in every imaginable form comes at them relentlessly in the form of the walking dead, bandits and a megalomaniac that wants to own the USA.The main good guys are living in Schriever air force base where the latest President, government and armed services that are still alive have grouped.They are trying desperately to find a cure to the disease that has caused the living to turn into gut munching zombies. As ever when man really needs to band together there're those that are just interested in their own agenda making life on the road a very dangerous place even if you've found a Ford F650 to drive! Simply unputdownable, and I can't wait for the next installment
March 26, 2014
The idiotic finale of the prior book sets the stage for much of Mortal. I struggled through the Draper chapters, taking frequent breaks due to my lack of interest in the that storyline and lost empathy for its characters. Meanwhile Brook & Raven's story back at the base offered a sharply contrasting experience, though nothing particularly happened except Brook starting to grate on nerves in a Real Housewives sort of way. Eventually the Eden location came into focus and piqued my interest. I'd give that story 3 stars so far. But overall I didn't care for 2/3 of this book. The good news is things leave off in a way that gives me hope the series will get back on the right track again in Warpath. After already investing the time reading 6 books in the series so far, I may give that a try.
May 13, 2014
Excellent continuation of the "Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse" series. Shawn Chesser demonstrates his ability to entertain you with his knowledge of military operations and intricate plot regarding a post apocalyptic USA fighting both a Zombie outbreak and a hostile takeover from a rogue organization. The Hero's in the story are real life and passionate about protecting family and country. Great read for anyone both military and civilian.
August 11, 2015
Mortal, the 6th installment to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse by Shawn Chesser, is a sad one. Not as sad as when Mike died, but my heart went out to those who lost their lives in this book. I think you all may agree with me.
Why do zombie authors love to torment us readers by killing off our favorite characters? And why do we, as readers, continue to read their books? Because like Shawn Chesser, they are great storytellers. And we are suckers for a great horror story. :)
Why do zombie authors love to torment us readers by killing off our favorite characters? And why do we, as readers, continue to read their books? Because like Shawn Chesser, they are great storytellers. And we are suckers for a great horror story. :)
April 28, 2017
Great book in a great series say no more
January 28, 2014
Great story, well written. Spoiler, we lose some people we care about. As usual from Shawn, we have a hell of a cliffhanger ending.
March 14, 2014
Great book, can't wait for the next one.
December 10, 2014
Always love Shawns books! When I have finished one, I cannot wait for the next one, they do not come fast enough!
Read
January 25, 2014Great story
I have read a lot of zombie stories this series reminds me of the walking dead I would recommend this book to everyone
I have read a lot of zombie stories this series reminds me of the walking dead I would recommend this book to everyone
April 9, 2014
Another great installment from Mr. Chesser. A good, solid read in the world of Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse! This is a great series and cannot wait to read the next one!
July 31, 2014
It was really good , Like I said before love this whole series. I was disappointed in one thing . I thought it was the last book in the series, and I did not like the way , this one ended !
Read
March 10, 2016Same as the first 6 books. They are great and I want to read them all.
November 29, 2016
Excellent
Lots of scary action takes place in this book. Our friend Cade has some serious problems and cuts it way close a time or two.
Lots of scary action takes place in this book. Our friend Cade has some serious problems and cuts it way close a time or two.
January 6, 2017
Continued to be a good series. This book was better than the last book, so I gave it a 5* rather than a 4*. Thinking of going back and changing the last book to a 3*, but will leave it for now.
April 9, 2017
CADE IS MY HERO!!!!
While Cade and those he loves have survived everything thrown at him, will they make it through the Apocalypse? More friends die and it gets harder as time goes on, as they lose more and it takes its toll. As Cade hopes to find safety for his family and friends with Duncan, Logan and the others at Eden, he finds some unfinished business with old enemies. Then to top that off, it now seems that the dead may be getting more cunning, they're learning and that is that last thing that they thought would ever happen.
While Cade and those he loves have survived everything thrown at him, will they make it through the Apocalypse? More friends die and it gets harder as time goes on, as they lose more and it takes its toll. As Cade hopes to find safety for his family and friends with Duncan, Logan and the others at Eden, he finds some unfinished business with old enemies. Then to top that off, it now seems that the dead may be getting more cunning, they're learning and that is that last thing that they thought would ever happen.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews