A global pandemic will transform us all. A girl in despair will rise from the ash. A serum will bring an end to the suffering and in the chaos save us all—in a time of the apocalypse where the mutants roam.HUMANITY IS COMING TO AN END.After being kidnapped, Emily wakes up in a quarantine tent as time distorts around her. She finds herself part of an experiment after a mutagenic bacterium had unleashed a global pandemic.Haunted by the memory of her mother’s death, Emily is thrust into a struggle for survival. Benjamin, a young boy who barely escaped with his life, is now tortured by nightmares as his sanity dwindles. Drake speeds on his Harley Davidson toward Chicago, fleeing the woman he wronged—can he outrun his past? And while Carol stitches together her scattered memories, she uncovers the shocking truth about her father.In a world tormented by mutants, Emily and the boy are in a race against time. Saving the world was never part of her plan, but her unique genetics might be humanity’s last hope. Driven by despair, she’ll stop at nothing to avenge her suffering.
# 1 Amazon Bestselling Author, full-time Engineer, husband, dog rescuer, and book hoarder. Writer of science fiction, Nathan Harker brings readers the ultimate experience of sci-fi horror and thriller in every book. To learn more about Nathan and his books, visit his Facebook page or follow him on Instagram.
Find out more about Nathan Harker at nathanharker.com
I read the Audible Audio version of this book which was performed by Virtual Voice. I'm not the greatest fan of Virtual Voice to begin with, but this book was almost unbearable as far as narration goes. But more about that later...
I really have a lot of respect for Indie Authors, so please know that this review is meant in the spirit of constructive feedback, and not outright criticism or being sardonic.
ok, I'll start off with the Narration (kinda). I believe that several of the issues I had with the narration stem from the grammar. I'm sure being Indie doesn't provide one with a lot of the tools established authors have available, but I have to think that this book would really benefit from a proper editor (at best), or maybe writers workshopping it (at the least).
The premise of the book was interesting, not unique, but not trite either. I bring this up because there is a lot of competition in this genre, and a lot of it is quite good.
For me, the dialog was clunky and hard to distinguish the difference between internal and external dialog. The dialog itself was not organic, or maybe it just didn't represent how people talk to each other. I also found it extremely weird that everyone is seemingly (and unrealistically) obsessed with sex and/or the Bible. And unless I missed it, there is no foreshadowing in the book. The scene building is decent, but doesn't always translate to the larger world around it.
I think a really good example of an Indie author who is really good with dialog and bringing characters to life organically, and even painting the scene, is C.T. Phipps. Another good example and a "master" of world-building and foreshadowing is Indie Author turned "Pro" Scott Sigler.
FWIW, I believe this book is this author's first release. I have read just one other work by him (also narrated with Virtual Voice), but I'd give him another shot... hopefully with an actual narrator.
It's been a while since I've read a great zombie novel. When I saw this book, the cover caught my attention. So I got hooked to read it. I have to say this is a fresh take on the zombie genre in a post-apocalyptic world. The illegal human experiment angle was welcomed in this story and added to the lore. However, what won me over was the thrilling parts of the story that kept me turning.
Each character is unique and has their own traits. Honestly, I was just waiting for the moment when they would turn rogue. It's also a story that shows how resilient humans can be. Emily was a very easy character to cheer for. Without spoiling too much, Emily becomes a motherly character and I found myself wanting her to survive and make it.
The ending is quite dark I have to say, just to warn you.
Other than that, it was great to read a great zombie novel. I can recommend this one easily!
5 Star Rating 3 Skull Dread Rating Not Your Average Zombie Apocalypse
"Form" by Nathan Harker: A 5-Star Zombie Adventure Nathan Harker's "Form" rocks the zombie genre with gripping characters and a fresh undead twist. From start to finish, it's a rollercoaster of survival, fear, and human grit.
The characters in "Form" are the real deal. They're flawed, real, and facing the undead with guts and emotion. Harker's world-building is spot-on too, painting a vivid picture of post-apocalyptic chaos.
The pace? Non-stop. Harker knows when to amp up the action and when to let us catch our breath. And his take on zombies? It's mind-bending, injecting psychological horror into the “Form" isn't just another zombie tale—it's a must-read for fans craving a fresh spin on the undead. Harker's crafted something special here, and it's a ride you won't forget.
This is a reasonably good, fast paced apocalyptic story! Lots of action once the adventure begins! A great idea, well thought out, some unexpected moments, which is always a pleasure in this type of book. Mutants galore whilst the main female character tries to fulfill her deathbed promise. If angst isn't your thing then this is not for you! Otherwise a fun which could be better with a little more polish.
In full disclosure, I couldn't get past the second chapter. So, take this review for what it is: an assessment of the writing style within the first 15 pages or so. I can't, in good faith, comment on the plot or character arcs, as I didn't get through them substantially.
That said, this reads like the author understands the basic components of writing a thriller on a conceptual level, but he didn't balance them very eloquently. The writing vacillates between pure action and exposition. When there's action, the description is both rushed and simple, as if reading stage directions that were never actualized. The moments of exposition are similarly stark and matter-of-fact, as if the author realized that he needed to fill us in on the characters' motivations between each moment. On the surface, there's nothing really "wrong" with the writing--it checks off the right boxes for what constitutes storytelling. But it reads like someone's approximation of a horror/thriller/action story after limited exposure to comparable stories. I wouldn't blindly accuse authors of using A.I. programs to write on their behalf, and I'm not doing that here, but it hits a similar tone.
Also, this is needlessly specific, but I laughed when the "pizza guy" shouted "mamma mia," and I'm not convinced it was meant to be funny.
Form offers a fresh take on the zombie genre with its post-apocalyptic setting and illegal human experiments. The characters are unique and well-developed, especially Emily, who becomes a motherly figure you can't help but root for. However, the writing sometimes feels rushed and the action can be repetitive. The dark ending might not be for everyone, but it's still a decent read for zombie fans. Its also possible I read it through too fast so worth me giving it a slower, reread. Overall, it's a solid effort, but not without its flaws. Three stars.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Reading "Form" felt like riding an emotional rollercoaster. Nathan Harker seamlessly weaves heartbreak with suspense, making me feel connected to Emily's journey. Each chapter left me hanging, eager to uncover the next layer of mystery. The locked room intensified the experience, making me empathize with the characters' psychological struggles. It's not just a thriller; it's an exploration of the human spirit's resilience.
Form was my second book from the same author and I must say tge author didn't let me down. Reading "Form" was like delving into a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Nathan Harker's storytelling went beyond the typical thriller, making me question the characters' choices and the lengths they went to survive. The illegal human experiment angle added an unexpected depth, turning the book into a riveting blend of suspense, romance, and a profound study of human resilience.
Experiencing 'Form' felt like observing a love story unravel amidst gripping suspense. Nathan Harker's skillful pacing captivated me, from Emily's heartbreak to the unforeseen plot turns. It went beyond the conventional themes of kidnapping and human abduction, incorporating a distinctive fusion of romance and suspense that enriched the storyline. The inclusion of illegal experiments introduced an additional level of fascination, ensuring that the reading journey was truly memorable.
Amid the dark themes of "Form," I found moments of hope. Nathan Harker's accessible writing style allowed me to connect with the characters on a human level. The book went beyond being a psychological thriller; it became an epitome of hope and the strength hidden within the human spirit. The climax blew my mind. It was an amazing experience to read the story.
After reading the prologue. I saw several mistakes and then read as far as I could which was the third chapter before I had to quit. It just didn’t make much sense the way it jumped around in each sentence. Maybe there is a jewel hidden inside but I will not be the one to find it.
I felt like I was left hanging. That there could have been a better ending, if that was an ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Real interesting if you read your own book a year later . . . Since then, my writing has improved 100% But it was all worth it. A learning curve, so they say. I like this zombie genre, can't wait to start with a new series. Or maybe expand the FORM mythos a little bit - who knows?
Anyway, it's been a lot of fun writing zombie fiction. Keep reading. Keep writing. And stay cool.