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Breakers #5
Cut Off
It's been six years since the plague and Tristan has spent five of them in Maui with her brother Alden. Life seems quiet. Simple. Peaceful. All these illusions are torn away when she discovers an alien installation hidden in the mountains.In response, she prepares a boat and starts work on a new home deep in the forest. But the locals don't appreciate her raiding their town for supplies. Soon, their resentment flares into open war—and draws the attention of the aliens, who bomb the area relentlessly. With their home and lives in ruin, Tristan and Alden flee deep into the jungle of Hana. And discover a secret paradise.Yet it's not meant to last. Off the coast of China, Ness and his alien ally Sebastian are tracking an alien conspiracy. Its tendrils will lead them straight to Maui—and pull humanity to the brink of extinction.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2014
61 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Edward W. Robertson
73 books1,239 followersEd is the author of the post-apocalyptic Breakers series and the epic fantasy series The Cycle of Arawn. A former New Yorker and Idaho-guy, he currently lives in the LA area. His short fiction has appeared in a whole bunch of magazines and anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 15, 2016
First of the series to give me some real laugh out loud moments! The series took a while to captivate me but as it draws near the end I'm not wanting it too. May have a gap before starting book 6. This one was a cracker!
June 23, 2019
The best deals on this series for audible listeners is to purchase the Kindle version and add the Audible for $8 = $11 or 12 for both versions vs $15 for Audible only. 5
Many of the new post-apocalyptic series books go for $14 or 15 for 6 or 7 hours but this series has respectable 13 to 14-hour segments for excellent characters in intertwining storylines that eventually see each of the dozen or so main characters come together for the final series ending battles .
85% of humanity dies from a worldwide pandemic only to face invasion from Swimmers - crab/squid/lobster like aliens that start eliminating the survivors or capturing them in order to craft a virus to overcome their immunity.
Each book has chapters that alternate the stories of 2 or 3 main characters who migrate toward Los Angeles from New York, Idaho, and other states with stops in Washington State's Hanford nuclear facility, Redding CA., Hawaii, and/or Arizona.
The surviving humans end up in 4 camps in SoCal - The LaJolla Kingdom, The Catalina Kingdom, the followers of Anson in Hollywood, and Raina's San Pedro - Long Beach group all fighting for dominance and control beneath the shadow of the massive alien mothership before and after it is crashed into the Pacific off Santa Monica.
Many of the new post-apocalyptic series books go for $14 or 15 for 6 or 7 hours but this series has respectable 13 to 14-hour segments for excellent characters in intertwining storylines that eventually see each of the dozen or so main characters come together for the final series ending battles .
85% of humanity dies from a worldwide pandemic only to face invasion from Swimmers - crab/squid/lobster like aliens that start eliminating the survivors or capturing them in order to craft a virus to overcome their immunity.
Each book has chapters that alternate the stories of 2 or 3 main characters who migrate toward Los Angeles from New York, Idaho, and other states with stops in Washington State's Hanford nuclear facility, Redding CA., Hawaii, and/or Arizona.
The surviving humans end up in 4 camps in SoCal - The LaJolla Kingdom, The Catalina Kingdom, the followers of Anson in Hollywood, and Raina's San Pedro - Long Beach group all fighting for dominance and control beneath the shadow of the massive alien mothership before and after it is crashed into the Pacific off Santa Monica.
April 14, 2014
I have been a fan of this series since the start. The fourth book almost through me off track as it just kind of drug on and on. This book, Cut Off, was definitely better than its predecessor in just about every way.
From the moment I picked this book up to the time that I put it down (3 days) I was stuck in the 'just one more chapter before I put it down' scenario. You know you are in a good book when that happens.
Cut Off is a continuation of the Breakers series and follows the character tracks of 'Tristan' and 'Ness' along their journeys, of which takes place 5 years after the last book.
I was also excited to see that there was an opening at the end of this book for a possible next story. I just hope that the author can get us a new installment quicker than this one took as I am going through withdrawal and this was just a taste!
From the moment I picked this book up to the time that I put it down (3 days) I was stuck in the 'just one more chapter before I put it down' scenario. You know you are in a good book when that happens.
Cut Off is a continuation of the Breakers series and follows the character tracks of 'Tristan' and 'Ness' along their journeys, of which takes place 5 years after the last book.
I was also excited to see that there was an opening at the end of this book for a possible next story. I just hope that the author can get us a new installment quicker than this one took as I am going through withdrawal and this was just a taste!
February 13, 2017
I love this series and author. So much crud out there, this is the diamond of self-published authors.
November 6, 2017
I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s a nice change in apocalypse genre as it’s not zombies. I’m working my way through them all. I’ve found them engaging. Not the best but pretty darn good.
August 3, 2018
One gets the feeling that the series is winding down - though there are still three volumes to go. Here the action shifts to the Pacific (China, the Philippines, Hawaii... with only a brief visit to San Diego in the closing pages.
Tristan and Alden from Book 2 made it to Maui where they have lived a secluded life for the last five years. That seclusion is disturbed, first by members of a community in the nearby resort putting together a 'government' and also by the discovery of an alien settlement inside the crater of one of the volcanoes... Forced out they mve to the other side of the island where they combine with another couple, also brother and sister.
Meanwhile Ness and Sebastian, also from Book 2 are tracking the Swimmers' planning. Eventually the two strands combine and are influenced by evenys happening, unbeknown to them, in New York.
This volume works well, providing a cracking pace and introducing some fresh characters who provide support. The interconnections, both with the established characters and the established narrative in earlier volumes, is well plotted.
The Epilogue has a brief teaser leading into the next book (not that it's needed, in my opinion).
Tristan and Alden from Book 2 made it to Maui where they have lived a secluded life for the last five years. That seclusion is disturbed, first by members of a community in the nearby resort putting together a 'government' and also by the discovery of an alien settlement inside the crater of one of the volcanoes... Forced out they mve to the other side of the island where they combine with another couple, also brother and sister.
Meanwhile Ness and Sebastian, also from Book 2 are tracking the Swimmers' planning. Eventually the two strands combine and are influenced by evenys happening, unbeknown to them, in New York.
This volume works well, providing a cracking pace and introducing some fresh characters who provide support. The interconnections, both with the established characters and the established narrative in earlier volumes, is well plotted.
The Epilogue has a brief teaser leading into the next book (not that it's needed, in my opinion).
May 18, 2020
Tristan is by far one of my favourite characters (behind Walt, of course), so I love this book. It is also the book where many moments from the previous stories begin to intertwine in ways that you don't expect, and then you realise something bigger is brewing under the surface. The aliens aren't done yet!
I really enjoy the trips into Tristan's psyche, recovering from PTSD-like episodes, slow-burning anger/outrage bubbling under the surface, and her over-protective behaviour towards Alden. Plus, she is a kick-ass woman, and though she is flawed, and clearly hates herself, she is resilient and powerful, which is why I love her so much.
Ness is another kettle of fish. It is so much fun to read about how close he and Sebastian have become over the 5 years since we have really seen him (excluding Walt's exile to the deserted island), and despite a little wordiness, the explanations of interspecies communication and all the inherent challenges, were a nice touch to complete the story.
Not spoiling anything, but I love how the story plays out, and how it sets up the big finale across the last three books.
I really enjoy the trips into Tristan's psyche, recovering from PTSD-like episodes, slow-burning anger/outrage bubbling under the surface, and her over-protective behaviour towards Alden. Plus, she is a kick-ass woman, and though she is flawed, and clearly hates herself, she is resilient and powerful, which is why I love her so much.
Ness is another kettle of fish. It is so much fun to read about how close he and Sebastian have become over the 5 years since we have really seen him (excluding Walt's exile to the deserted island), and despite a little wordiness, the explanations of interspecies communication and all the inherent challenges, were a nice touch to complete the story.
Not spoiling anything, but I love how the story plays out, and how it sets up the big finale across the last three books.
April 3, 2018
This is chapter 5 of a series that I've grown to look forward to with every part. I've not run right through it because I'm savoring it. Not wanting it to end too soon.
This part brings together two threads that have been running near each other for a few of the last books, having Ness and Sebastian hooking up with Tristan for some good alien butt-kicking.
I understand we need to have to have conflicts with these end of the world stories, and having folks naturally start attacking each other at first sight is getting old. However, this one runs in a slightly different direction, with an old enemy coming back with a vengeance.
On to chapter 6, but not too quickly.
This part brings together two threads that have been running near each other for a few of the last books, having Ness and Sebastian hooking up with Tristan for some good alien butt-kicking.
I understand we need to have to have conflicts with these end of the world stories, and having folks naturally start attacking each other at first sight is getting old. However, this one runs in a slightly different direction, with an old enemy coming back with a vengeance.
On to chapter 6, but not too quickly.
May 31, 2019
Eh, another installation that I'm not super thrilled with. It was fine, but that's about it. I'm invested in the series and my complaint from the last book was remedied, but the pacing seemed all wrong in the backend of the story. I know it has to set up the next book, but way too much seemed crammed into a very small space in time.
May 22, 2020
I have the second box set in this series but just wanted to say that book five is a very good read - plenty of action and humour. Some of the dialogue is hilarious.
There is wisdom, too, especially from Sebastian. The cast of characters make this a brilliant read and it's great to see familiar ones and how they are fairing. Nice teaser at the end.
Loved it.
Highly recommended
There is wisdom, too, especially from Sebastian. The cast of characters make this a brilliant read and it's great to see familiar ones and how they are fairing. Nice teaser at the end.
Loved it.
Highly recommended
March 10, 2025
love this series!
I was hooked from the beginning; I love how the stories interlink, weaving in and out of each other. The characters are well written, believable, the story lines are excellent.
I was hooked from the beginning; I love how the stories interlink, weaving in and out of each other. The characters are well written, believable, the story lines are excellent.
September 21, 2017
4.5 Stars
October 14, 2017
wow it was grrrreaat!!!! much better than the last one !!!
October 24, 2019
Great book!! Seems like a middle point for the series but it starts to give some hints to what's really happening in the overall story.
November 10, 2019
Once again the story picked up around half way point. I liked that the two stories collide and became one.
July 9, 2022
Love this series. Another great entry.
April 18, 2022
𝟑¾⭐
𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 = 😀 (𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝)
𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 🎙️𝐑𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞
Ɱ◎◎ĐႽ…
Science Fiction
Dystopian/Virus/Alien Series
Some found family vibes
Alternating POVs
Book #5 in the Breakers Series
This is the fifth book in a series that I started way back when…like way back when I still use to read freebies on my kindle. I didn’t know if I would ever finish this series since I mostly only listen to books these days and the audio versions didn’t seem like they would ever be available at a library. Then Audible had a fantastic sale so I bought this one to see if I could gel with this narrator…and while I didn’t love him, especially since this book has multiple POVs and I always want separate narrators for each point of view, I can say that Ray Chase grew on me as I listened.
Now, I just have to wait to see if the other books go on sale or if I decide to use a credit for them. I don’t know if I will. If I had loved the series so far…I definitely would use one. But since I really only like it…I don’t know. Part of me really wants to see how it all ends though. Ugh…only time will tell.
It sure is a crazy concept…although sometimes it goes off the rails into unbelievable. Of course, that’s above and beyond believing in an alien apocalypse.
𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝟕.𝟑𝟔/𝟏𝟎 | 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 ￫ 𝟕
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓 | 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓/𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ￫ 𝟕
𝐀𝐓𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄/𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓 | 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓
𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 ￫ 𝟖 | 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 ￫ 𝟕
𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 = 😀 (𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝)
𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 🎙️𝐑𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞
Ɱ◎◎ĐႽ…
Science Fiction
Dystopian/Virus/Alien Series
Some found family vibes
Alternating POVs
Book #5 in the Breakers Series
This is the fifth book in a series that I started way back when…like way back when I still use to read freebies on my kindle. I didn’t know if I would ever finish this series since I mostly only listen to books these days and the audio versions didn’t seem like they would ever be available at a library. Then Audible had a fantastic sale so I bought this one to see if I could gel with this narrator…and while I didn’t love him, especially since this book has multiple POVs and I always want separate narrators for each point of view, I can say that Ray Chase grew on me as I listened.
Now, I just have to wait to see if the other books go on sale or if I decide to use a credit for them. I don’t know if I will. If I had loved the series so far…I definitely would use one. But since I really only like it…I don’t know. Part of me really wants to see how it all ends though. Ugh…only time will tell.
It sure is a crazy concept…although sometimes it goes off the rails into unbelievable. Of course, that’s above and beyond believing in an alien apocalypse.
𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝟕.𝟑𝟔/𝟏𝟎 | 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 ￫ 𝟕
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓 | 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓/𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ￫ 𝟕
𝐀𝐓𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄/𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓 | 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 ￫ 𝟕.𝟓
𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 ￫ 𝟖 | 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 ￫ 𝟕
February 15, 2016
Is it obvious that my reading time has been cut very short due to school?
This book is the one that tugged at my heart strings. Whatever attachment that I was lacking for the characters has found it's place. I even teared up a bit in some parts!
The writing style for this particular book in the series is familiar to me, because I have read another series from Edward W. Robertson, but it changes a little bit towards the end of the book. To be specific, each chapter rotates character perspective; near the end, the stories intertwine for a few chapters, and then separate again. I find his writing style to keep me "on the edge of my seat", and it is hard to put his books down.
I am really enjoying how the story is unfolding, and I can't wait to read the next book! I am hoping to get one more book in before the semester is over (Two, if I am lucky!) and I am impatiently awaiting the next installment of The Cycle of Galand that is coming this summer!
This book is the one that tugged at my heart strings. Whatever attachment that I was lacking for the characters has found it's place. I even teared up a bit in some parts!
The writing style for this particular book in the series is familiar to me, because I have read another series from Edward W. Robertson, but it changes a little bit towards the end of the book. To be specific, each chapter rotates character perspective; near the end, the stories intertwine for a few chapters, and then separate again. I find his writing style to keep me "on the edge of my seat", and it is hard to put his books down.
I am really enjoying how the story is unfolding, and I can't wait to read the next book! I am hoping to get one more book in before the semester is over (Two, if I am lucky!) and I am impatiently awaiting the next installment of The Cycle of Galand that is coming this summer!
July 21, 2014
Breakers Book 5 does not disappoint!
Breakers Book 5 does not disappoint!
I've read the previous Breakers books by Edward R. Roberson and enjoyed them immensely. When I began reading 'Cut Off', I found myself thrown into the storyline and found such camaraderie with myself and the characters. Friends I was happy to see again; happy to follow along on their outrageous pursuits of alien chasing and rescues of human species. I have grown fond of a member of an alien species. At first I was not keen on trusting him, but he worked hard at protecting his human friends, and putting his life on the line for them. I am so thankful that independent publishing has brought us Mr. Robertson ... terrific storylines, personalities and action! This dude is publishing some great books, and I'm thankful to be on this earth to enjoy them! If you're new to his stories, plan a quiet weekend and immerse yourself. You'll have no regrets!
Breakers Book 5 does not disappoint!
I've read the previous Breakers books by Edward R. Roberson and enjoyed them immensely. When I began reading 'Cut Off', I found myself thrown into the storyline and found such camaraderie with myself and the characters. Friends I was happy to see again; happy to follow along on their outrageous pursuits of alien chasing and rescues of human species. I have grown fond of a member of an alien species. At first I was not keen on trusting him, but he worked hard at protecting his human friends, and putting his life on the line for them. I am so thankful that independent publishing has brought us Mr. Robertson ... terrific storylines, personalities and action! This dude is publishing some great books, and I'm thankful to be on this earth to enjoy them! If you're new to his stories, plan a quiet weekend and immerse yourself. You'll have no regrets!
September 1, 2015
In the main up to the quality of the preceding books in the series, but then suddenly it felt like it was rushing a bit towards the end. Did Edward Robertson suddenly have a deadline to hit? Given the usual depth and description in his writing, the result was that suddenly felt more "schoolboy" with a bit of "and then this happened, and then that" feel. That a year of following storyline was then summed up in a epilog added to that feeling. Overall though the series continues nicely, just like I've continued on to the next book!
July 11, 2016
A definite 5 /5. Well written, tons of action, great character development, hard to put this book from the Breakers series down. The continuing battle to survive against the aliens and those opportunistic despot humans who feel that human life is cheap. So cheap in fact that enslavement or murder is nothing to them. But there are those who still have the humanity to survive, be good neighbors, just don't do them any wrong or you will be taken out of the gene pool. It's a whole new game called survival..... A MUST READ - You won't be disappointed !!
March 13, 2015
It took me awhile to get back into the series having read the earlier books some time ago.
Wow! This is some good stuff! Tristan is the ultimate survivor. The friendship between Ness and the alien Sebastian is strong and they make a great team. Sprite is a welcome addition to the saga. Combine these characters and some of the others introduced in this novel and maybe the human race stands a chance to survive.
It's a good read with lots of ups and downs along the way. Enjoy it!
Wow! This is some good stuff! Tristan is the ultimate survivor. The friendship between Ness and the alien Sebastian is strong and they make a great team. Sprite is a welcome addition to the saga. Combine these characters and some of the others introduced in this novel and maybe the human race stands a chance to survive.
It's a good read with lots of ups and downs along the way. Enjoy it!
January 2, 2018
What a great read! I bought the first three books in a set and I haven't been able to put them down. When I was halfway through book for, I slowed down to extend the enjoyment... But then book five came out {happy happy joy joy}. Don't shy away from these books due to the low price, it is well worth the time spent reading them all. I can't wait to find out what happens to Walt in the next book...
May 11, 2014
Great!
All of the books in this series are great, but this is the best yet. I literally could not quit reading until the end,and even then, wanted more. Every character is believable and as with people, human. Well, all but Sebastian, and he makes the story. I can hardly wait for the next book!
All of the books in this series are great, but this is the best yet. I literally could not quit reading until the end,and even then, wanted more. Every character is believable and as with people, human. Well, all but Sebastian, and he makes the story. I can hardly wait for the next book!
June 25, 2016
Worth the price
I was sure where this book would go when it first started. However, I love where it ended up. I think this is an excellent addition to the Breakers story line. And the growth of the characters to finding out who they truly are is a welcome addition to the character development. This particular plot line does not disappoint... Despite a bit of an awkward start.
I was sure where this book would go when it first started. However, I love where it ended up. I think this is an excellent addition to the Breakers story line. And the growth of the characters to finding out who they truly are is a welcome addition to the character development. This particular plot line does not disappoint... Despite a bit of an awkward start.
May 7, 2014
I liked it, and the words flow very well, but I think character developments needs to be improved. All the characters feel like the same person. That said, I'll probably read the next book in the series and the cost for the entire series is/was really reasonable.
May 3, 2014
Back on track from the slow and disappointing Knifepoint.
the story continues with Sebastian and Ness, Tristan and Alden. The action is mostly in the Pacific with some nice tie ins to previous novels.
..
the story continues with Sebastian and Ness, Tristan and Alden. The action is mostly in the Pacific with some nice tie ins to previous novels.
..
May 16, 2014
This series is okay, but it's beginning to become repetitive. Different characters, similar situations. I'm sure there's another book in the works but I think I'll pass on the rest of them. The first five were enough.
August 8, 2015
This is a book where we return to characters that we know from previous books, which I like. You get every other chapter from alternating points of view, and sooner or later they converge. In this book it's Tristan and Ness, which I both like.
February 8, 2016
Stunning. One of the most creative novels I have read, CUT OFF delivered the precision of action, science fiction, drama, and redemption. (Plus, any book with Sebastian and Ness is sure to get five stars.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews