Destroyer finds Zed saying goodbye to one friend and pressing forward with two new ones to whom we are introduced in Book 2 – Infected. Mandi, whom Zed and Murphy rescued from the bunker, is immune to the virus. Russell, whose home the others plundered in search of food and other supplies, is also a slow burn, but lower-functioning, childlike and docile.
After seeing the carnage at the dormitory, a raging, vengeful Zed wants only to kill Mark, his nemesis and the former leader of the ROTC squad. Since Mark has disappeared, Zed unleashes his fury on untold numbers of infected in his path as he makes his way back to the hospital, in an attempt to rescue Steph, a nurse whom he befriended while seeking help for the feverish Murphy shortly after the prison riot. But the brave medical staff, holed up on the tenth floor of the hospital, and running out of provisions, has decided to take matters in hand by exposing themselves to the virus, and shooting those who “turn.” Zed is determined not to face another loss, but once again, time is running out…
Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?
When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.
It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.
Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.
And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.
On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.
I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.
Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.
I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.
I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.
I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.
Dear Bobby Adair, this is a request for Book 4. You know the person you shot at the end of Book 3? Uncool .. we need that person to LIVE. So how's about you let them live and bring the pain to the fuckers who shot him/her. :-) K? K. I cannot WAIT until Book 4 is here. So many times I wanted to put the book down, only because I couldn't bear to see one of the characters killed off or hurt (which ended up happening.. bad bad bad). Mr. Adair does a freaking awesome job of keeping you on your toes and on the edge of your seat, breathless and wanting more. I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this series. I have no idea which direction it is going to take, I just pray that the person who was hurt at the end of Book 3 survives. Funny how attached we get to our characters huh?
Apnika man šitā sērija. Autors katrā grāmatā lēnām ieskrienas un tad, kad vajadzētu kaut kādu daudz maz normālu atrisinājumu, atstāj to uz nākamo grāmatu un pat neatrisina tajā. Ir jau forši palasīt postapokaliptisku nākotni, bet apnīk lasīt vienu un to pašu un negūt nekādu risinājumu.
I must say, the Slow Burn Series is getting better by the book. You can clearly see the difference in how the author describes things, the descriptions becoming more creative and beautiful. Something, which I thought had been lacking before, was gore and the author definitely delivered this time around. I thoughts, more than the other books, that this books tension was at an all time high. I loved how creative the author got with what the characters needed to do, to survive. Survival is no longer as black and white as the previous book. This perfectly matches the continues slow decline of civilization, which had been a highlight throughout the books so far. We generally see much evolution, in characters survival throughout, not only in their methods, but in the line of thought, they develop. They get more a-tune to fighting zombies, but at the same time we have a nice new element, guilt for killing celebrity zombies and child zombies. The zombie population begins slowly evolving in this book too, giving great grounds for interesting scenes. I especially liked the zombie to car dynamic in this book. It was throughly thought through and made for some great action packed scenes. We finally learn more about Zeds past in this book, something I’ve been waiting for since book one. The loyalties and character dynamics can only be praised yet again and I love how the author doesn’t forget injuries between books. This series is just getting better and I have high hopes for the next book
As with most other post apocalyptic books, the obvious threat is what is actively trying to eat you, the less obvious, but sometimes more deadly threat is made up by the other survivors. This book starts on a pretty graphic note, and that same heaviness plays through many of the chapters. The decisions we have to make as people, both for our personal safety and for the safety of those we've grown attached to, be it family or other survivors, is a human theme I've always liked and is a more central theme in Destroyer.
Through Zed's incredibly lucky and dangerously shortsighted decision to see Steph, the nurse from Infected, we learn more about the graduations of infection and how the "whites" behavior continues to change. Once again, some of the scenes were a little too fantastical, even for a zombie infected world. To our knowledge as readers, the infection doesn't give anyone superpowers, but Zed's would be luck if so. This particular book in the series hit me a little more in the feels than the previous two, and since each book takes me a few hours to read, I'm sure I'll continue on with the series ... because Adair is killing me with these endings.
There were formatting issues with the ebook, where the font cycled from black to grey randomly, and there were a few editing errors. Infected, the second book in the series had a cliffhanger ending, just like Zero Day, which if I didn't purchase these books as a bundle would have been incredibly annoying and if you expected that to change for Destroyer you'll be let down.
My Thoughts: There isn't much of a plot in this one. The plot started in the previous books and presumably will continue in subsequent books. So this is essentially is just a chapter of a bigger book with a cliffhanger ending, of course. So not recommended to be read on it's own. I reckon the reader would get royally confused, reading a middle chapter without a beginning nor an ending. The story telling quality is still good though. Enough to keep me reading this series.
Quantitative Evaluation: Story telling quality = 4.5 Character development = 4.5 Story itself = 3 Writing Style = 3.5 Ending = 2.5 World building = 5 Cover art = 2 Pace = 3 Plot = 2
This series has a dynamic that I have not noticed in other zombie books. The characters are ambivalent about killing the zombies. There is no "I did what I had to do and move on" here. That feeling wars with "these were humans." It brings a realism to the books that I appreciate.
Destroyer, as with the previous novel, was an improvement on the one before it, however is still feeling the same in a lot of ways. Kind of generic zombie novel, lots of military fetishization, and a hyper-focus on just killing mass amounts of zombies. There's some interpersonal twists and turns that are generally pretty entertaining, but we saw the same "abrupt ending" as the previous two novels, and frankly a lot of half-assed plot elements. I'm still oddly interested, but I can't decide if I am just enjoying how quickly I'm getting through each of the individual novels or whether I actually enjoy parts of the story.
To put it bluntly, I feel like right wing folks probably would love this due to its simplicity and military/killing-hunting focus, but it lacks enough real story oomph or writing chops to keep me fully engaged. It's mostly background noise while I drive or do dishes. There's a few points where it feels like Adair really tries to be a "deep" writer, and yet comes across moreso as someone who is obviously trying too hard.
The third book in the Slow Burn series, finds Zed and Murphy continuing to evade the infected and non-infected who wish them harm. They have been joined by other survivors and look to find someplace safe, where they can wait out coming events.
It's nice seeing the friendship of the lead characters continue to grow and see Zed coming to terms with some of the issues he has struggled with even before the outbreak. Adair has developed two characters that we can sympathize with, even when they do things that under different circumstances we might find brutal.
Will a new location finally bring them some peace and allow them to begin the rebuilding necessary? Things are seldom what they seem in this new world.
I read this as part of the parts 1-3 box set and left a review there, but felt I needed to leave a review for the book on its own, as well. I really can't say enough just how in love with this series I am. So much happened in book 3 that left my heart aching and wanting more. I can't wait to pick up the next one!!! Brilliant characters and story. Absolutely brilliant.
This series actually gets better as it goes. While I enjoyed books one and two, I adore the level of character and story development that occours as it continues. I enjoy the twists and disturbing direction this "end times" seies is heading in and cannot wait to read more.
All mistakes are paid for in blood. Again, the most important lesson of all.
Life is mashed into a crusade of hopelessness, belief, and an unstoppable force that carries the survivors forever forward regardless of the constant shifting of the world. Zed Zane is an intoxicating combination of repressed rage from his prior life and the existence he stomps into. Murphy is his watchful companion, the wary watcher to compliment the rash, split second choices Zed forever drags him through the weeds for. Russel is socially dependable on Zed, a fully capable man with a mind reduced to the mentality of a young child, an innocence never matched in an apocalyptic scene. Mandi is a survivor, one blessed with the Immunity in her blood keeping her alert and a source of hope in a bleak world. As the four move through life, Zed is forever tugged back to going back for Nurse Steph which unleashed a hell never before expected in the Hospital they were clingy too.
Null Spot - no, Null Spot the Destroyer - had work to do.
Bent on a torn conscious for raged filled revenge and loyalty to his team he left behind in Russel’s old home, Zed has choices to make and lives left to lose as he tugs back the engaged Steph and Dalhover to join his infamous rank of survivors in a plagued world. Taking shelter in a secured location in the woods, more specifically famous Actress Sarah Mansfield’s house, they risked it all allowing the gates to open for three survivors. Yet the winning streak would fumble to its knees, as Murphy took a bullet to the head, and Zed sees the snapping strings inside himself shatter as he turns a blind rage on those that wielded that very firearm.
Murphy was breathing. His eyes were open, but didn’t appear to see anything. His left arm was busy trying to do something repetitive. I felt helpless.
With dwindling numbers, the group contained Zed and Murphy, Russell of course, Mandy, Steph and Dalhover.
The small group of survivors, finding shelter wasn't difficult. Finding SAFE shelter was costly, and there just weren't enough of them to continue paying the toll. Their choices always seem to end up with fewer survivors. They really couldn't afford to lose any more. But then, as usual, shit happens and someone pays the freight.
Great characters and a bloody, but still visible storyline is running roughshod over our survivors. Even the Slow Burns are showing signs of wear. Fatigued and battle-weary, they are making mistakes. Costly mistakes. Too many more of them and we're going to see a whole new cast of players!
A great story, with amazing characters! I can't wait to get onto the next book in the series!
This is a good, solid instalment to the series. I really liked that we are seeing Zed’s angry side and why he is that way. I also don’t know if it’s been super obvious and I’ve missed it or if I’m just wrong but is he angrier than usual because he’s infected and it’s a way to show that he is slowly becoming more of a zombie or has he always had anger issues like his flashbacks show? I’m really interested to see how this is explored more in the next books.
Also, it was interesting to read about zombies that are not your typical mindless zombies and I liked that it was left on a good cliff hanger.
Slow Burn: Destroyer, Book 3, a novel by Bobby Adair is a compelling book. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
"But the brave medical staff, holed up on the tenth floor of the hospital, and running out of provisions, has decided to take matters in hand by exposing themselves to the virus, and shooting those who “turn.”"
Most zombie books aren't exactly high class, first rate fiction. These are better than average. Not great, but pretty good. This one was the best of the bunch so far.
I enjoyed the hospital scene. I enjoyed the characters with individual personalities. They are cookie cutter characters. I also enjoy how the others react to our main character. Prick, but a good guy, but makes bad choices. Amusing. The Mansfield house was enjoyable, well done on its design.
I have read several books by Bobby Adair and a great imagination. His ideas are tried and true. He combines that guy that keeps his distance all the while searching for love or friendship. While searching he adds in heartache and loss. The zombie thing may be a little old but just like Agatha Christie there is so much more to play with other than bite , run, bite , run. It’s about what we do with what we have left. We give a little to get a little. Great stories!
This series continues to get better with each book. There is plenty of excitement and character development in each book. New characters were introduced, some were lost. The story has a great pace. Not too crazy that you can't keep up, but also not too slow that you start to become bored. Excited for the next book.
Well the title is appropriate, since it is a destoyer of all hope I have for any side characters.
I felt like this novel was heavier and bleaker then the previous ones. I like the direction which the story is heading even though it has some obvious plot points, it keeps my attention quite well. unto the next one!
I have the omnibus edition of this series so I will just say that there is so much action in book three that it's a wonder the characters have time to breathe.
Zed goes a little berserk, once he finds the young college girl, he had rescued, raped and killed. He then targets any whites, with the intention of trying to check on the nurse and her colleagues at the hospital.
Not the type of Zombie book I was expecting. Zed has gone back to rescue Steph More killing of the whites. Now there are smart ones. They can climb, take elevators, etc. Doesn’t keep my attention. Not sure if I’ll finish the series.
I have enjoyed listening to the first 3 books on Audible. I wish I owned the rest in Audible instead of ebooks, which I do. I like listening every day on my runs. It’s a fun zombie book and I love the main characters. It will take me a lot longer to get to in e-version, unfortunately.
A great continuation to the story if a bit short. Bobby Adair knows how to keep the tension on and the surprises coming. You never know what's coming next for Z or how he's going to get out of his current crisis.
Omg Omg👏🏾👏🏾 I find that when there is a series of books like this, I MUST start from the 1st book! I can't just"jump" in! I'm so glad I did. It allows me a chance to really get to know each character- good or bad...
I am still really enjoying this series and for the same reasons I enjoyed the first two. I am really interested in the whys of some of the infected behaviours and hope that some of that gets explained in the next book.