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Plagued #2
The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment
When Army Ranger Lieutenant Mason Jones arrives at the Rock Island Prison Defense Facility for his tour of duty, suspicion that he is from the Inspector General's Office leaves him isolated from his fellow soldiers in a place more hostile than any war zone he has ever seen. To survive, he must turn to the manager of the facility's secret scientific zombie research lab, the only person on the island with the power to get him out alive.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2014
9 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Better Hero Army
20 books66 followersBetter Hero Army is the (really cool) pen name of American author Evan Ramspott. Under the Better Hero Army name, Evan writes about zombies, gargoyles, fairies, aliens, and pretty much anything that doesn't belong in the mainstream (i.e., he writes about cool stuff under the BHA name). He has a really cool website at www.betterheroarmy.com, he's sometimes active on Twitter @BetterHeroArmy, and he's in a bunch of cool GoodReads groups.
Evan's other (not so cool) works of fiction are mainstream stories about social inequities and hardships (and are real downers by comparison).
When Evan isn't being a (cool) writer, he has a family and a day job and enjoys all three equally. Oh, and he likes the beach because it's also cool.
Evan's other (not so cool) works of fiction are mainstream stories about social inequities and hardships (and are real downers by comparison).
When Evan isn't being a (cool) writer, he has a family and a day job and enjoys all three equally. Oh, and he likes the beach because it's also cool.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 7, 2015
“What do you need me to do?” he had asked Kennedy. She hadn’t given him an answer, at least not a good one. She smiled and finished her drink before telling him she would be in touch, that she had to talk it over with the Senator, and that he should just keep doing what he was doing.
“What am I doing?” Mason asked.
“Blending in,” she had told him.
-Plagued: The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment
Please note that a free e-book copy of this novel was given to Knightingale Reviews in exchange for an honest review. For this reason, we would love to give a huge thank you to Better Hero Army! (This is also a collaborative review with C.)
With six months left to serve, Lieutenant Mason Jones pulls the dreaded red card. Being assigned to Moaning Coast's defensive duty at the Rock Island Prison Defense Facility isn't exactly the ideal placement for any given person, especially if you have the graveyard shift. However, Mason doesn't have much of a choice after what happened in Egypt. He has to take it. Of course, Mason is not your typical all brawn and no brains type of guy. He possesses high qualifications due to him being a medic, having expertise skills in hand-to-hand combat, plus experience in combat duty. He's even a Ranger. However, why would someone like that be given a red card? You only receive one if you have caused trouble before and need a place to go as punishment. It's a last resort. Mason doesn't seem like that type of guy.
It's been ten years since the zombie outbreak ravaged the lands. They're used in slave trading and some are held at the previously said Rock Island Prison Defense Facility. Hundreds are placed here, originally for studying purposes. Mason's job is to assist in cleaning out their "cells." This occupation is, as some might describe it, hazardous. One nibble from a biter and you're most likely a goner. Intimidation and danger lurks around every corner. Assigned to work with Matty, an eight year Navy Seal, their first night on the job together is not a good one...
What everyone fails to realize is that a Senator contacted Mason before his arrival to this forsaken place. The Senator talked about ending the zombie plague, a near impossible task in everyone's eyes, and he needs Mason's help to do it. What does he want with Mason? What is Mason's new role supposed to mean or even do to help the Senator? What happened in Egypt? Read Plagued: The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment to find out!
“Hardest thing to do is stare at freedom all day knowing you aren’t allowed to go near it.”
-Chavez
Whoever said that sequels never live up to the first book has obviously never read the Plagued States of America series! Better Hero Army definitely surprised us with this book! We loved it even more than Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment. This was largely due to Mason himself. His character is ultimately our favorite out of the two books we've read thus far. Even though this book is rather short compared to others we have read, we found ourselves understanding the characters very well and falling back into this world with ease. He's smart, courageous, and daring. Plus, while he was tough as tough can be, he also had a secret and sadness within him. It was not a stretch to care for him. All in all, we were not disappointed with Beter Hero Army's work to say the least.
One of our favorite aspects to this novel was its pace. Once I (B) reached the middle, I had to sit down and read the rest without any interruptions. The nonstop action that ensued was enthralling and packed with great writing and other noteworthy elements as well. There was intrigue, mystery, suspicion, and, of course, zombies! These are great combinations for sure!
It's only been one month after the fiasco at Biter's Hill took place from the first installment, and for this we were grateful. A continuation of the story through a new character's eyes was surely welcomed. The world building was once again excellently done, and the twists and turns that occurred were definitely not expected and unpredictable from the start. We particularly enjoyed the flashbacks and italicized parts in the story that relayed important information about the characters. We've already excitedly began the third book, and can't wait to see where we're taken next! We're sure not to be disappointed.
This review was also posted on: knightingalereviews.blogspot.com
http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
“What am I doing?” Mason asked.
“Blending in,” she had told him.
-Plagued: The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment
Please note that a free e-book copy of this novel was given to Knightingale Reviews in exchange for an honest review. For this reason, we would love to give a huge thank you to Better Hero Army! (This is also a collaborative review with C.)
With six months left to serve, Lieutenant Mason Jones pulls the dreaded red card. Being assigned to Moaning Coast's defensive duty at the Rock Island Prison Defense Facility isn't exactly the ideal placement for any given person, especially if you have the graveyard shift. However, Mason doesn't have much of a choice after what happened in Egypt. He has to take it. Of course, Mason is not your typical all brawn and no brains type of guy. He possesses high qualifications due to him being a medic, having expertise skills in hand-to-hand combat, plus experience in combat duty. He's even a Ranger. However, why would someone like that be given a red card? You only receive one if you have caused trouble before and need a place to go as punishment. It's a last resort. Mason doesn't seem like that type of guy.
It's been ten years since the zombie outbreak ravaged the lands. They're used in slave trading and some are held at the previously said Rock Island Prison Defense Facility. Hundreds are placed here, originally for studying purposes. Mason's job is to assist in cleaning out their "cells." This occupation is, as some might describe it, hazardous. One nibble from a biter and you're most likely a goner. Intimidation and danger lurks around every corner. Assigned to work with Matty, an eight year Navy Seal, their first night on the job together is not a good one...
What everyone fails to realize is that a Senator contacted Mason before his arrival to this forsaken place. The Senator talked about ending the zombie plague, a near impossible task in everyone's eyes, and he needs Mason's help to do it. What does he want with Mason? What is Mason's new role supposed to mean or even do to help the Senator? What happened in Egypt? Read Plagued: The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment to find out!
“Hardest thing to do is stare at freedom all day knowing you aren’t allowed to go near it.”
-Chavez
Whoever said that sequels never live up to the first book has obviously never read the Plagued States of America series! Better Hero Army definitely surprised us with this book! We loved it even more than Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment. This was largely due to Mason himself. His character is ultimately our favorite out of the two books we've read thus far. Even though this book is rather short compared to others we have read, we found ourselves understanding the characters very well and falling back into this world with ease. He's smart, courageous, and daring. Plus, while he was tough as tough can be, he also had a secret and sadness within him. It was not a stretch to care for him. All in all, we were not disappointed with Beter Hero Army's work to say the least.
One of our favorite aspects to this novel was its pace. Once I (B) reached the middle, I had to sit down and read the rest without any interruptions. The nonstop action that ensued was enthralling and packed with great writing and other noteworthy elements as well. There was intrigue, mystery, suspicion, and, of course, zombies! These are great combinations for sure!
It's only been one month after the fiasco at Biter's Hill took place from the first installment, and for this we were grateful. A continuation of the story through a new character's eyes was surely welcomed. The world building was once again excellently done, and the twists and turns that occurred were definitely not expected and unpredictable from the start. We particularly enjoyed the flashbacks and italicized parts in the story that relayed important information about the characters. We've already excitedly began the third book, and can't wait to see where we're taken next! We're sure not to be disappointed.
This review was also posted on: knightingalereviews.blogspot.com
http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
July 20, 2014
Mason is a soldier with a new posting – to one of the remaining settlements in the plague states, one of only two places left where zombie slaves are captured and sold into the US. It’s not a reward – this is where the screw ups go, those who need to be shuffled out of view and Mason, with his record in Egypt and his PTSD, is a prime candidate
Someone else also thought so – but not to guard zombies in cells, but to be part of a plot to change how zombies are treated and finally reclaim the plagued states. Mason is an essential cog in that plan
And, possibly, a disposable one.
This book, like the first book in the series, is short – very short. But it isn’t written like a short story.
So we have a long introduction, a recap to the world, some excellent characterisation, some great world building, lots of slowly built foreshadowing, some devious hints to the world… all of it is building at a nice steady and ominous rate. It’s really well done…
…then the REST of the plot and the action and actual stuff happening is rammed in with a crowbar, fastforwarded to 20x speed and is a blur of barely understood, slightly incomprehensible splurge. It’s one of those books where I wonder if a deadline was looming because it was all nice and steady then it was zomg finish it! Finish it! No, I don’t have time to explain that it, just happened – characterisation? Gah, just throw in a random doctor, she’ll do – explosions! More explosions! MOAR EXPLOSIONS! And half-breeds and escape through doors which are open and throw in a flashback and memory loss – there, done!
Those last two also didn’t help. The protagonist has had a traumatic experience as a soldier in Egypt and many references are made throughout the book. He also speculates a lot on why other soldiers are dispatched to this posting and what they could have done wrong. Then, because of the plot, he suffers an injury that shakes his memory and causes confusion and makes him mistake the other soldiers for people from his past which adds to an odd moment which seems to be telling the current plot as a flashback from the future (I didn’t quite get it. It could have been talking about events from the previous book and have been a memory?). It’s probably pretty clear that I had trouble following – confused memories and fast pacing combine to completely lose me.
At the end, I kind of get what happened by piecing everything together. And the plot is a fascinating and a crafty one. We get to hear a lot more of the world and how the US has suffered by having so many states given over to zombies as well as the attempt to restore those areas – which means clearing out the zombies. And part of that will inevitably mean stopping the new slave trade that depends on the zombies both as a plain moral imperative (which is clearly seen) but also to gather sufficient impetus to actually seeking and implementing a mass cure for zombiedom. But on top of that is the conflict of chosen methods – and how much does the end justify the means even when ending such a vile practice? Especially when the “good guys” feel like a nefarious cabal.
Read More
Someone else also thought so – but not to guard zombies in cells, but to be part of a plot to change how zombies are treated and finally reclaim the plagued states. Mason is an essential cog in that plan
And, possibly, a disposable one.
This book, like the first book in the series, is short – very short. But it isn’t written like a short story.
So we have a long introduction, a recap to the world, some excellent characterisation, some great world building, lots of slowly built foreshadowing, some devious hints to the world… all of it is building at a nice steady and ominous rate. It’s really well done…
…then the REST of the plot and the action and actual stuff happening is rammed in with a crowbar, fastforwarded to 20x speed and is a blur of barely understood, slightly incomprehensible splurge. It’s one of those books where I wonder if a deadline was looming because it was all nice and steady then it was zomg finish it! Finish it! No, I don’t have time to explain that it, just happened – characterisation? Gah, just throw in a random doctor, she’ll do – explosions! More explosions! MOAR EXPLOSIONS! And half-breeds and escape through doors which are open and throw in a flashback and memory loss – there, done!
Those last two also didn’t help. The protagonist has had a traumatic experience as a soldier in Egypt and many references are made throughout the book. He also speculates a lot on why other soldiers are dispatched to this posting and what they could have done wrong. Then, because of the plot, he suffers an injury that shakes his memory and causes confusion and makes him mistake the other soldiers for people from his past which adds to an odd moment which seems to be telling the current plot as a flashback from the future (I didn’t quite get it. It could have been talking about events from the previous book and have been a memory?). It’s probably pretty clear that I had trouble following – confused memories and fast pacing combine to completely lose me.
At the end, I kind of get what happened by piecing everything together. And the plot is a fascinating and a crafty one. We get to hear a lot more of the world and how the US has suffered by having so many states given over to zombies as well as the attempt to restore those areas – which means clearing out the zombies. And part of that will inevitably mean stopping the new slave trade that depends on the zombies both as a plain moral imperative (which is clearly seen) but also to gather sufficient impetus to actually seeking and implementing a mass cure for zombiedom. But on top of that is the conflict of chosen methods – and how much does the end justify the means even when ending such a vile practice? Especially when the “good guys” feel like a nefarious cabal.
Read More
February 23, 2023
This is the first time that I am reading a Zombie/Horror type of book. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down (as you can see by how fast I read it). I did not read the first book in this series but now I want to go back and read it. The book kept me wanting to know what was next. I will say that the length of the book did seem more of a "section or part" of a larger book. The book ended the climax a bit early in order to setup for the next book in the series so that did leave me a bit unsatisfied that now I have to go read the next book (which I guess is the name of the game but still frustrating).
Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a more simple gateway book to the Horror genre. It is very simple and not too overwhelming that has me wanting to read more of this type in the future.
Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a more simple gateway book to the Horror genre. It is very simple and not too overwhelming that has me wanting to read more of this type in the future.
September 9, 2019
A good fun series, enjoyed number 2, now on with 3
February 13, 2015
Review: PLAGUED:: THE ROCK ISLAND ZOMBIE COUNTERACTANT EXPERIMENT (PLAGUED STATES, 2)
PLAGUED STATES Trilogy marches on with another compelling thriller. Penelope/Kitty, the active zombie/half-breed of the first installment, is now confined, along with a few other zombie/half-breed and hundreds of full-on zombies, at the prison on Rock Island. Experimentation on the zombies occurs here, and of course some zombies are for sale to the slave-buying economy. Lieutenant Mason Jones, Army Ranger, is shipped in for the final six months of duty, to find himself boxed in, bewildered, and targeted. But a Ranger always perseveres, even if he is the last man standing.
The author's great imagination and quality writing rivet the reader immediately. Underlying themes of the ethics of slavery, human dignity, corporate greed, and conspiracy form a fine and solid structure which will leave readers hungry to devour the next installment.
PLAGUED STATES Trilogy marches on with another compelling thriller. Penelope/Kitty, the active zombie/half-breed of the first installment, is now confined, along with a few other zombie/half-breed and hundreds of full-on zombies, at the prison on Rock Island. Experimentation on the zombies occurs here, and of course some zombies are for sale to the slave-buying economy. Lieutenant Mason Jones, Army Ranger, is shipped in for the final six months of duty, to find himself boxed in, bewildered, and targeted. But a Ranger always perseveres, even if he is the last man standing.
The author's great imagination and quality writing rivet the reader immediately. Underlying themes of the ethics of slavery, human dignity, corporate greed, and conspiracy form a fine and solid structure which will leave readers hungry to devour the next installment.
March 17, 2016
The collaborative review with B can be seen here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This review was also posted on knightingalereviews.blogspot.com
http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
This review was also posted on knightingalereviews.blogspot.com
http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
July 22, 2019
The story of the Plagued States of America continues with a new protagonist. Lieutenant Mason Jones is assigned to be a zombie guard at a prison laboratory. This assignment is usually reserved for military screw-ups; to be sent out of sight, out of mind. Mason had some problems while on embassy duty in Egypt, which gave him a bad case of PTSD and left a bad mark on his record. This trouble haunts him throughout the tale and adds to his confusion and loss of focus. While at the prison Mason is secretly recruited for another purpose. The United States is still recovering from the plague and trying to salvage a bad situation where the remaining zombies are concerned. It was discovered that by removing certain glands the zombie could be made docile and trainable. This advancement brought back the old desire for cheap labor, aka slavery. Mason’s new mission is to assist in the elimination of slavery. The plot is a bit rushed and confusing. The characters are okay, but the story is lacking. Perhaps it needed the extra length that is missing for clarity. Three.point.five I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 24, 2018
Ok
It was OK. Just like the first book way too short. Seems you just start to get into the storyline and its over.
It was OK. Just like the first book way too short. Seems you just start to get into the storyline and its over.
January 3, 2019
Book 2
Short and to the point. Not sure why they picked him to be the test subject for a cure though. Guess I’ll find out in book 3.
Short and to the point. Not sure why they picked him to be the test subject for a cure though. Guess I’ll find out in book 3.
May 13, 2018
This book was as good - if not better - than the first. It introduced us to new characters - and we met one from the first book. Lt. Mason Jones has his own problems. Problems that put him into a psychiatric hospital. Which kind of makes him perfect for this mission. He gets in all right, he finds things aren't exactly what he thought. He's really disgusted at the treatment the zombies receive, but doesn't know what to do. When a man is bitten, the man kills himself to prevent himself from turning. It really makes Jones wonder...... And then he gets bitten.
Just wow. I so have to read the next book!
Just wow. I so have to read the next book!
August 15, 2014
Plagued: The Rock Island Zombie Couneractant Experiment is the second installment in the Plagued States of America series. Like the first book, it is told from the perspective of a young male protagonist. Mason
Jones is an Army Ranger who has been assigned duties at the Rock Island Prison Defense Facility following a tour in Egypt which resulted in PTSD.
In other words, this is not a sought after position by anyone in the know. Despite suffering from PTSD, Mason is shown as having a strong character, and, despite the short length of the book, comes across as a well-rounded character.
The author is very good at world building, and we learn much of what goes on in the world with an economy of language. The action takes place a couple of weeks after the events of the first book, and there is a welcome carryover with a couple of the surviving characters. Like the first book, there is good buildup and foreshadowing, then the book ends in a flurry of action and becomes very rushed. I would have been happy with an extra 30 pages to flesh out the climax and aftermath.
However, I did like it, though more as a sequel to the first book than as a standalone. The Better Hero Army world is becoming more and more interesting and complex, and I'm looking forward to the next installment to see where the author goes from here. Eventually, I hope to see all these parts joined together into a larger volume.
My thanks to the author and the Goodreads First Reads program for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jones is an Army Ranger who has been assigned duties at the Rock Island Prison Defense Facility following a tour in Egypt which resulted in PTSD.
In other words, this is not a sought after position by anyone in the know. Despite suffering from PTSD, Mason is shown as having a strong character, and, despite the short length of the book, comes across as a well-rounded character.
The author is very good at world building, and we learn much of what goes on in the world with an economy of language. The action takes place a couple of weeks after the events of the first book, and there is a welcome carryover with a couple of the surviving characters. Like the first book, there is good buildup and foreshadowing, then the book ends in a flurry of action and becomes very rushed. I would have been happy with an extra 30 pages to flesh out the climax and aftermath.
However, I did like it, though more as a sequel to the first book than as a standalone. The Better Hero Army world is becoming more and more interesting and complex, and I'm looking forward to the next installment to see where the author goes from here. Eventually, I hope to see all these parts joined together into a larger volume.
My thanks to the author and the Goodreads First Reads program for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Army Ranger Lieutenant Mason Jones has pulled a red card and sent to finish the remaining months of his duty in a facility where zombies are being kept and experimented on. Everyone at the island has something they've done in their past to be sent to such a place as a punishment. When he gets put on the graveyard shift cleaning the zombie cells things immediately start going wrong.
I think if I were rating the series as a whole it would get a better rating. But that being said this book on it's own just leaves too many questions to score a good rating for me. It started off really well with building the setting, establishing Mason as a character and giving hints to a deeper plot. The problem was that everything ended up rushed through to an end that seemed to leave a lot up in the air.
The length of the book may have been it's biggest downfall. Too many extra background items being added in with Mason's past, his purpose of being sent and Dr. Kennedy that didn't get expanded upon for a short book. The overall action in the book seemed to be a bit predictable too so I was hoping for more to the plot than what I ended up with.
A quick read that gives an interesting new look into the zombie epidemic but would probably be better if picking up the other books in the series at the same time.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Army Ranger Lieutenant Mason Jones has pulled a red card and sent to finish the remaining months of his duty in a facility where zombies are being kept and experimented on. Everyone at the island has something they've done in their past to be sent to such a place as a punishment. When he gets put on the graveyard shift cleaning the zombie cells things immediately start going wrong.
I think if I were rating the series as a whole it would get a better rating. But that being said this book on it's own just leaves too many questions to score a good rating for me. It started off really well with building the setting, establishing Mason as a character and giving hints to a deeper plot. The problem was that everything ended up rushed through to an end that seemed to leave a lot up in the air.
The length of the book may have been it's biggest downfall. Too many extra background items being added in with Mason's past, his purpose of being sent and Dr. Kennedy that didn't get expanded upon for a short book. The overall action in the book seemed to be a bit predictable too so I was hoping for more to the plot than what I ended up with.
A quick read that gives an interesting new look into the zombie epidemic but would probably be better if picking up the other books in the series at the same time.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
April 15, 2014
A Plagued States of America book…
In this sequel to Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment (Plagued States of America), we follow a different character through the apocalyptic world after the initial zombie outbreak and the rebuilding of America.
Mason Jones is a good, strong character, and as the story progresses, we learn a little here and there about the Army Ranger. His development is paced nicely, and the story has enough action to keep one reading. When all hell breaks loose in the zombie testing facility, the action is non-stop, edge of your seat to the end.
Though I did the copy edit on this novella, I am always about giving honest reviews, and Better Hero Army asked if I would do so. I would definitely recommend this novella and its prequel if you’re into action-packed zombie stories. I look forward to working with Better Hero Army again and to see where he takes this story line. Even though I received this story as work, I did purchase the novella.
I give this novella 5 Jinxes (stars) per my star rating system: 1=hated it, 2=disliked it, 3=liked it, 4=really liked it, and 5=loved it.
This review originally posted on Zombie Survival Crew.
In this sequel to Plagued: The Midamerica Zombie Half-Breed Experiment (Plagued States of America), we follow a different character through the apocalyptic world after the initial zombie outbreak and the rebuilding of America.
Mason Jones is a good, strong character, and as the story progresses, we learn a little here and there about the Army Ranger. His development is paced nicely, and the story has enough action to keep one reading. When all hell breaks loose in the zombie testing facility, the action is non-stop, edge of your seat to the end.
Though I did the copy edit on this novella, I am always about giving honest reviews, and Better Hero Army asked if I would do so. I would definitely recommend this novella and its prequel if you’re into action-packed zombie stories. I look forward to working with Better Hero Army again and to see where he takes this story line. Even though I received this story as work, I did purchase the novella.
I give this novella 5 Jinxes (stars) per my star rating system: 1=hated it, 2=disliked it, 3=liked it, 4=really liked it, and 5=loved it.
This review originally posted on Zombie Survival Crew.
September 3, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The second Plagued novel introduces us to Rock Island - a zombie trading center much like Biter's Hill. However, this one also boasts much more elaborate laboratories, and even more defenses. It occurs not long after the first book, and in it we follow a new character: Mason, an Army Ranger that has been assigned to Rock Island after being removed from a mental health facility by a senator. Mason has been sent to Rock Island to meet with Dr. Kennedy in secret. He does not know why. When he finds out, it's far too late.
While at Rock Island, Mason comes across a character from the first book: Hank, who is now driving Peske's duck and has taken over his business. Hank is suspicious of Dr. Kennedy, yet still gives Mason the information he needs to contact her. Paired up with a rather disgruntled and lazy soldier to clean the cages after his previous partner is bitten and commits suicide, the unthinkable happens, and Mason's situation becomes dire.
Mason is tough as nails, but he's also got something broken inside him. This makes him a character worth caring about. I loved this book, and definitely recommend it to everyone who loves zombies.
The second Plagued novel introduces us to Rock Island - a zombie trading center much like Biter's Hill. However, this one also boasts much more elaborate laboratories, and even more defenses. It occurs not long after the first book, and in it we follow a new character: Mason, an Army Ranger that has been assigned to Rock Island after being removed from a mental health facility by a senator. Mason has been sent to Rock Island to meet with Dr. Kennedy in secret. He does not know why. When he finds out, it's far too late.
While at Rock Island, Mason comes across a character from the first book: Hank, who is now driving Peske's duck and has taken over his business. Hank is suspicious of Dr. Kennedy, yet still gives Mason the information he needs to contact her. Paired up with a rather disgruntled and lazy soldier to clean the cages after his previous partner is bitten and commits suicide, the unthinkable happens, and Mason's situation becomes dire.
Mason is tough as nails, but he's also got something broken inside him. This makes him a character worth caring about. I loved this book, and definitely recommend it to everyone who loves zombies.
September 19, 2014
Army Ranger Lieutenant Mason Jones is heading to Rock Island for a tour of duty. Lucky him! He’ll be surrounded by inmates of the zombie kind! This is not a place you go because you get the purple heart, this is where you get when you really f’ed up. Jones needs to be taken out of the limelight and slapped here to rot with the zombies. But why? What did he do to deserve this crap? Between flash backs of his time in Egypt he is trying to save himself and a Doc. Will he be able to? And will he remember what happened to him?
I felt bad for Jones, he suffered from CRS – can’t remember *hit. He knew something happened in his past, but what? This book is full of action and a deep plot. I didn’t want to believe what was going on, but it was right there for me to read.
I did get a little confused with the flash backs, I wasn’t sure at first what was going on. Otherwise, it was a good action packed book. With my favorite; zombies!!
I felt bad for Jones, he suffered from CRS – can’t remember *hit. He knew something happened in his past, but what? This book is full of action and a deep plot. I didn’t want to believe what was going on, but it was right there for me to read.
I did get a little confused with the flash backs, I wasn’t sure at first what was going on. Otherwise, it was a good action packed book. With my favorite; zombies!!
June 4, 2014
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Cover:I liked that it was relevant, a lot of the time, the cover does not resonate with the story whatsover, so I liked that. The model looks manly just like how the character was portrayed.
Book:I really enjoyed this book, I am usually very good at predicting what is going to happen in a story before there is any solid hinting; with this book, I was surprised by every twist and turn. In the middle of the book, it got really action packed and had my full attention. Another thing I liked about this book is that the details were vivid, I pictured everything that happened like it was a movie.
The pace in the story was good, the character development was subtle and not overwhelming like some books I have read. I liked that after introducing a character, there was an italicized paragraph describing who they are and what they have done in the past, and why they ended up there.
I really want to know what happened next for them.
Cover:I liked that it was relevant, a lot of the time, the cover does not resonate with the story whatsover, so I liked that. The model looks manly just like how the character was portrayed.
Book:I really enjoyed this book, I am usually very good at predicting what is going to happen in a story before there is any solid hinting; with this book, I was surprised by every twist and turn. In the middle of the book, it got really action packed and had my full attention. Another thing I liked about this book is that the details were vivid, I pictured everything that happened like it was a movie.
The pace in the story was good, the character development was subtle and not overwhelming like some books I have read. I liked that after introducing a character, there was an italicized paragraph describing who they are and what they have done in the past, and why they ended up there.
I really want to know what happened next for them.
November 19, 2014
Along with the first and third book in this series, I was gifted "PLAGUED: The Rock Island Zombie Counteractant Experiment" by the author and I had a pretty good feeling that I was going to love this series. Not JUST because it was a zombie book and I'm a horror genre junkie, but because I was intrigued by the titles and wondered what each one meant.
Book #1 begins on Biter's Hill, while this book takes place on Rock Island a month after the Biter's Hill catastrophe. We meet a new character, Army Ranger Lt. Mason Jones, and reconnect with an old friend when the muck hits the rudder and Mason's new appointment proves to be a deadly one.
I have to say that I loved this book even more than the first one, especially with the introduction to a secret science facility and a dead-eyed scientist that has no qualms about testing on zombies. Or people. This book ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite zombie novels.
Book #1 begins on Biter's Hill, while this book takes place on Rock Island a month after the Biter's Hill catastrophe. We meet a new character, Army Ranger Lt. Mason Jones, and reconnect with an old friend when the muck hits the rudder and Mason's new appointment proves to be a deadly one.
I have to say that I loved this book even more than the first one, especially with the introduction to a secret science facility and a dead-eyed scientist that has no qualms about testing on zombies. Or people. This book ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite zombie novels.
February 21, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive a free PDF copy from the author himself for an honest review.
This story is completely different zombie style to most, but I love different.
Sometimes you get sick of the same kind of zombie so when you have someone create a different type it leaves you awestruck on the creative mind this author has.
I haven't read the first book which I'm now tempted to read but it was easy enough to follow this story. I found it was a bit slow in some places but then halfway through bam could not put down!
The action, the info, the holy crap did that really happen, crashed into me and I loved it. I look forward to reading the next one to find out what happens next! And I need to know!!
Thank you to Better Hero Army for this amazing novel, it was short yet with the right amount of action leaving you wanting more, well done.
This story is completely different zombie style to most, but I love different.
Sometimes you get sick of the same kind of zombie so when you have someone create a different type it leaves you awestruck on the creative mind this author has.
I haven't read the first book which I'm now tempted to read but it was easy enough to follow this story. I found it was a bit slow in some places but then halfway through bam could not put down!
The action, the info, the holy crap did that really happen, crashed into me and I loved it. I look forward to reading the next one to find out what happens next! And I need to know!!
Thank you to Better Hero Army for this amazing novel, it was short yet with the right amount of action leaving you wanting more, well done.
September 13, 2015
I would like to thank Storyteller Press and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy to review. Lieutenant Mason Jones drew the death sentence - Defensive Duty - responsible for the first line of defense against the biters. Sent to Rock Island Prison Defense Facility, along with the rest of the screwups, Mason's job as a newbie is to mop out the biter's cells and to clean up after them. When his first day on the job does not turn out as planned, Mason starts to regret the decisions he has made.
Although the book is relatively short, the author took too long to get to the meat of the story. Any momentum gained during the book was lost here and I found my attention wandering several times. Still, I like the concept of this series and hope that the next installment holds my interest.
Although the book is relatively short, the author took too long to get to the meat of the story. Any momentum gained during the book was lost here and I found my attention wandering several times. Still, I like the concept of this series and hope that the next installment holds my interest.
February 25, 2015
Plagued:the Rock Island zombie counteractant experiment
Ok so I really enjoyed this book but it could have done with a quick follow up of the other books as this isn't the first in the series. I did a quick 5 minute read of the descriptions of the other books and was up to date.
Our hero of this book is Mason Jones. A serving Lieutenant in the army. He is assigned (red carded he did something wrong) to Rock island which is a check point between the plagued States and the uninfected parts of American. The zombies had been altered to be slaves to serve as cheap labour depending on their nature.
I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the book and really enjoyed the plot with all the twists and turns. I recommend this book.
Ok so I really enjoyed this book but it could have done with a quick follow up of the other books as this isn't the first in the series. I did a quick 5 minute read of the descriptions of the other books and was up to date.
Our hero of this book is Mason Jones. A serving Lieutenant in the army. He is assigned (red carded he did something wrong) to Rock island which is a check point between the plagued States and the uninfected parts of American. The zombies had been altered to be slaves to serve as cheap labour depending on their nature.
I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the book and really enjoyed the plot with all the twists and turns. I recommend this book.
December 23, 2018
This book introduces new characters to the story. We meet Mason Jones and the evil dr Kennedy. Mason is sent to Rock Island a testing facility and zombie selling place. Someone sent him here and he can't figure out why because he is a lieutenant, a higher status then his co-workers. Mason discovered a conspiracy and is bit by a zombie. The evil dr administers the new cure and after the shit hits the fan! Some of the characters from the first book are mentioned and a couple meet Mason. This series is wild and twisted I never know what will happen next or who is playing who! Great series!!
I was given a free copy in exchange for my review which is all my own opinions.
I was given a free copy in exchange for my review which is all my own opinions.
April 24, 2024
Government conspiracies that cause an outbreak leading to a world ending apocalypse are the norm with zombie stories, but this series has taken a different approach. The powers that be are conducting inhumane experiments on the living and the infected alike and at this point we still don't know what their end game is.
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Re-read
The second read through was highly enjoyable. It was great to see Hank back in the story after he survived the destruction of Biter's Island in the first book. This world continues to grow with the introduction of more 'heroes & villains'. Now, on to book three and more shady shenanigans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re-read
The second read through was highly enjoyable. It was great to see Hank back in the story after he survived the destruction of Biter's Island in the first book. This world continues to grow with the introduction of more 'heroes & villains'. Now, on to book three and more shady shenanigans.
September 22, 2015
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Although it was just as action packed as the first book, it wasnt as gripping. The originality of the first book was missing from this one. Still it was a nice read and well written.
Although it was just as action packed as the first book, it wasnt as gripping. The originality of the first book was missing from this one. Still it was a nice read and well written.
March 8, 2014
Great book, can't wait to read more from this author. Wish it was longer.
September 18, 2014
This was actually really good and will be looking for more books from the author.
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