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Secret Apocalypse #1
The Secret Apocalypse
Los Angeles
February 23rd
Sixteen year old Rebecca Robinson is the sole survivor of the Australian Apocalypse. The death toll is at an estimated 22 million. The entire world wants to know what happened down there and since the military aren’t talking, everyone is looking to Rebecca for answers.
Sydney, Australia
3 Weeks Earlier
A deadly new virus is spreading through an immigration detention centre in the outback. It is 100% lethal. There is no cure. As a precaution the Australian Government has ordered a nationwide quarantine. No one is allowed to leave the country. No one is allowed to enter. School across the country has been canceled.
Despite these warning signs Rebecca and her friends are in the mood to celebrate their extended summer vacation, blissfully unaware of the dangers that are coming their way.
Over the next few days, things go from bad to worse as the virus begins to spread throughout Australia, killing anyone infected and turning them into ferocious undead monsters. Worse, the military have been ordered to contain the spread of infection and to cover up all trace of the outbreak by any means necessary. Mass panic and hysteria grip the population as the plague reaches the outskirts of Sydney.
Rebecca and her friends realise that it's no longer safe to simply go home and lock the door. They need to make a run for it. They need to escape from Australia.
February 23rd
Sixteen year old Rebecca Robinson is the sole survivor of the Australian Apocalypse. The death toll is at an estimated 22 million. The entire world wants to know what happened down there and since the military aren’t talking, everyone is looking to Rebecca for answers.
Sydney, Australia
3 Weeks Earlier
A deadly new virus is spreading through an immigration detention centre in the outback. It is 100% lethal. There is no cure. As a precaution the Australian Government has ordered a nationwide quarantine. No one is allowed to leave the country. No one is allowed to enter. School across the country has been canceled.
Despite these warning signs Rebecca and her friends are in the mood to celebrate their extended summer vacation, blissfully unaware of the dangers that are coming their way.
Over the next few days, things go from bad to worse as the virus begins to spread throughout Australia, killing anyone infected and turning them into ferocious undead monsters. Worse, the military have been ordered to contain the spread of infection and to cover up all trace of the outbreak by any means necessary. Mass panic and hysteria grip the population as the plague reaches the outskirts of Sydney.
Rebecca and her friends realise that it's no longer safe to simply go home and lock the door. They need to make a run for it. They need to escape from Australia.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2011
296 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 26, 2011
This book was OK, not horrible, not fabulous, and I really wish Goodreads would allow half ratings, because I'd probably give it 3.5, but not 4 stars. It was decently written (though could use an editing pass) and flows pretty well with a lot of action. It starts out with the lone survivor of the apocalypse of the entire country of Australia (a 16-ish year old American girl) reaching America and being hounded by reporters to tell her story.
Most of the rest of the book is the story of the beginning of the outbreak (manmade virus, purposely tested on "collateral" humans, of course it gets out into the general population), living through it, and her escape. The characters are fairly well drawn, and the story is told through the eyes of the main character.
I think my quibble is mostly that it just wasn't believable. I know, like a zombie-ish apocalypse is totally believable, right? This group of 4 teenagers, one a soldier, and the sister of one of the teens (a cop) manages to maintain and stay safe through all kinds of messes, when others are dropping like flies left and right. Stuff happens to them, yes, but they seem to have better luck than all of the rest of the entire population of Australia...
Though the infected are converging upon others and spreading their disease like mad, they are more of a background story than the soldiers, who are hell bent on containing the virus and gunning down everyone, infected or not. This good luck group of kids, though, are smarter than the average bear, of course, and have greater fortune than anyone else.
There is good explanation of the advent of the virus, the escape, and containment efforts, and the main character tells her story well.
Worth a read, if you can stand a group of teenagers who survive through hell and back with little adult assistance in the midst of an out of control virus.
Most of the rest of the book is the story of the beginning of the outbreak (manmade virus, purposely tested on "collateral" humans, of course it gets out into the general population), living through it, and her escape. The characters are fairly well drawn, and the story is told through the eyes of the main character.
I think my quibble is mostly that it just wasn't believable. I know, like a zombie-ish apocalypse is totally believable, right? This group of 4 teenagers, one a soldier, and the sister of one of the teens (a cop) manages to maintain and stay safe through all kinds of messes, when others are dropping like flies left and right. Stuff happens to them, yes, but they seem to have better luck than all of the rest of the entire population of Australia...
Though the infected are converging upon others and spreading their disease like mad, they are more of a background story than the soldiers, who are hell bent on containing the virus and gunning down everyone, infected or not. This good luck group of kids, though, are smarter than the average bear, of course, and have greater fortune than anyone else.
There is good explanation of the advent of the virus, the escape, and containment efforts, and the main character tells her story well.
Worth a read, if you can stand a group of teenagers who survive through hell and back with little adult assistance in the midst of an out of control virus.
July 28, 2024
Apart from the initial couple of chapters, which is getting to know the characters, this book is brilliant. It slowly took me in, and that was it until the last page. Unfortunately, the last page for book one is at 81%, and the rest of the book is a preview for book two. Even though the story is very good, I’m not going to read the rest of the series at this time.
May 14, 2012
Despite the number of reviews both here and on Amazon that mention numerous typographical and grammatical errors, I decided to give this book a chance. It's obviously been cleaned up since the early release, because I only noticed a handful of errors.
I enjoyed the book, but there wasn't really anything there that elevated the book beyond an average level. I don't think it really deserves either a 3 rating or a 4 rating, but about a 3.5.
Usually, I reserve 4+ ratings for books I can't put down. But I found this one easy to put down and come back to later. I liked the writing, I liked the main characters, but it just didn't "excite" me the way better books can. Too many of the escapes were more luck than anything else. No one really even had a plan. No one was really a leader. It's a miracle they survived as long as they did.
I enjoyed the book, but there wasn't really anything there that elevated the book beyond an average level. I don't think it really deserves either a 3 rating or a 4 rating, but about a 3.5.
Usually, I reserve 4+ ratings for books I can't put down. But I found this one easy to put down and come back to later. I liked the writing, I liked the main characters, but it just didn't "excite" me the way better books can. Too many of the escapes were more luck than anything else. No one really even had a plan. No one was really a leader. It's a miracle they survived as long as they did.
June 16, 2011
I bought this (via Kindle) on a whim, without digging too much past seeing that it had a good star rating and it was cheap. I did not realize it was a YA book. While the grown-ups of America seem enamored of YA fiction these days, I am not one of them. Too often a book written for teens reads like it's been written by a teen. Just because someone is under 18 they don't deserve well written fiction? Or do writers and publishers figure that their tastes aren't discerning enough yet to know the difference?
This would have been an entertaining summer read if I hadn't been editing and rewriting in my head the whole way through.
This would have been an entertaining summer read if I hadn't been editing and rewriting in my head the whole way through.
July 16, 2018
This book didn't do anything for me... I couldn't connect to any of the characters, the character interactions seemed odd, and there's some ideas in the plot that had me raising my eyebrows (okay, this is a zombie novel, so it's supposed to be unrealistic, but there was some things that made me question the book).
So, why 4 stars? Because this book is clearly aimed at a much younger audience, and I had I been 16 or 17 again I probably would have loved it.
It does need a little bit of polishing to get the typos out, but again, I probably wouldn't have noticed them at 16...
So, why 4 stars? Because this book is clearly aimed at a much younger audience, and I had I been 16 or 17 again I probably would have loved it.
It does need a little bit of polishing to get the typos out, but again, I probably wouldn't have noticed them at 16...
May 29, 2021
It ended kind of abruptly. There is a cliffhanger. I definitely want to know what happens next!!
August 9, 2013
"The Secret Apocalypse" is a fast and entertaining read. This story is told through the eyes of a sixteen year old high-school girl; she is the sole survivor of the "Oz Virus" - a military weapons test that goes awry. The virus has mutated and and the vaccine is no longer effective. Ground zero can't be quarantined - the virus is spreading too fast via blood and saliva and troops are quickly overwhelmed by the attacking hoards of zombies. The military goes to great length to contain this epidemic and reverts to blowing up bridges and other escape routes to create a controlled quarantine area, unfortunately, thousands of survivors are killed as collateral damage in the process.
There is no stopping the virus and the military is desperate, unleashing jets, helicopters, napalm and nukes to kill zombies and survivors alike. Government killer teams are dispatched throughout the country in search of survivors that may have come in contact with the virus but haven't turned yet - they are rescued then taken to secret centers, unknowing that they will soon be dissected and become "specimens" in the experiments to develop a vaccine.
Rebecca and her friends are in the middle of all this and must evade both zombies and soldiers in their quest for survival and to escape the country. There are many twists and turns along the way, plenty of places to bite your fingernails or hold your breath. Rebecca appears to be the "sole" survivor from the apocalypse in Australia, the virus claiming the remaining 22 million citizens. We'll have to read the next book in the series to find out what happened to her friends...they all split apart before her rescue. Are they all dead?
I liked the story a lot and would recommend it to others, but must also agree with other reviewers regarding the lack of editing within the story...at times, it is distracting. If the book were "fixed", I would most likely give it four or five stars. This book also includes an excerpt of the next book which sheds some light upon the earlier question - I will most likely purchase it to see how this story progresses.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
There is no stopping the virus and the military is desperate, unleashing jets, helicopters, napalm and nukes to kill zombies and survivors alike. Government killer teams are dispatched throughout the country in search of survivors that may have come in contact with the virus but haven't turned yet - they are rescued then taken to secret centers, unknowing that they will soon be dissected and become "specimens" in the experiments to develop a vaccine.
Rebecca and her friends are in the middle of all this and must evade both zombies and soldiers in their quest for survival and to escape the country. There are many twists and turns along the way, plenty of places to bite your fingernails or hold your breath. Rebecca appears to be the "sole" survivor from the apocalypse in Australia, the virus claiming the remaining 22 million citizens. We'll have to read the next book in the series to find out what happened to her friends...they all split apart before her rescue. Are they all dead?
I liked the story a lot and would recommend it to others, but must also agree with other reviewers regarding the lack of editing within the story...at times, it is distracting. If the book were "fixed", I would most likely give it four or five stars. This book also includes an excerpt of the next book which sheds some light upon the earlier question - I will most likely purchase it to see how this story progresses.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
November 13, 2015
Pretty dire. Poorly written, monotone, tosh. I really tried but struggled to get to the end of chapter 1. The plot sounded fun, but from what little I read the author lacks any real writing talent, it was just flat ... the best way to describe it would be like a piece of music without any dynamics. Elements that ruined it? Talk of social media sounded like it was written by an aging relative, probably your gran. Then the notion that the government and WHO would order all the school's closed but no one but the head teacher seemed to know, does nobody listen to the radio, watch the tele?
It was the little things, but just too absurd. They say you are what you eat, but you're also what you read . . .
It was the little things, but just too absurd. They say you are what you eat, but you're also what you read . . .
August 9, 2013
This is a solid debut, even though some of the particulars are a bit shaky here and there. It's a great premise - that one youthful girl is the only one to make it out alive.
The characters work well together overall, and the pace stays mostly consistent. There are a few small things that I didn't like - one of them being that the youngsters seemed to have abilities beyond their years at some point, and then be distinctly less mature later on - but that might also be a symptom of being a teen. It wasn't enough to keep me from wanting to know what happened to this group.
The characters work well together overall, and the pace stays mostly consistent. There are a few small things that I didn't like - one of them being that the youngsters seemed to have abilities beyond their years at some point, and then be distinctly less mature later on - but that might also be a symptom of being a teen. It wasn't enough to keep me from wanting to know what happened to this group.
October 17, 2015
Wow. So much happened! I actually really liked the characters and the flow of the story. Pretty great book, I recommended it. Not a zombie story, though. Which is cool for me, since I'm way more into "society has collapsed" scenarios.
I did see some minor mistakes, things that an editor would've caught. But truly minor. This has been a very pleasant surprise!
I did see some minor mistakes, things that an editor would've caught. But truly minor. This has been a very pleasant surprise!
September 6, 2015
My review of all books in the series up to and including book 6 is located under A World on Fire: Secret Apocalypse Book 6.
February 6, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was fast paced and exciting and creepy! It was an easy read and I will definitely have to continue with the series to see what happens.
July 26, 2019
Don't bother.
Most apocalyptic books I've read have been fairly believable, as well as entertaining. Sorry to say this is too elementary from story to dialog. Disappointing.
Most apocalyptic books I've read have been fairly believable, as well as entertaining. Sorry to say this is too elementary from story to dialog. Disappointing.
August 16, 2019
A good attempt at a zombie apocalypse book, full of good ideas that felt new and fresh. I liked that the protagonist, and many of the main characters, were teens instead of buffed up military/cops. It gave their struggle for survival a real feel- in that, at certain key times, you can well imagine them been crippled with fear or doubt and when they do have moments of heroism, they feel all the more satisfying. Also, the concept of been a foreigner in a foreign land. The man character is an American teen living in Australia, which also adds a layer of suspense.
However, there are some elements I didn't like. The book had a feel of a self published work. Along with this came the feeling that an editor could have been used. Some scenes felt rushed, others, the emotions felt forced and other scenes felt as if they had been cut down.
Overall, three stars.
However, there are some elements I didn't like. The book had a feel of a self published work. Along with this came the feeling that an editor could have been used. Some scenes felt rushed, others, the emotions felt forced and other scenes felt as if they had been cut down.
Overall, three stars.
November 28, 2023
“They need to make a run for it. They need to escape”
The first book of J.L. Harden’s The Secret Apocalypse series is superb. The characters are normal teenagers who are compelled to grow up way before their time. They are all flesh and blood characters. Will and Maria are fun-loving and great friends. I loved the bond with Rebecca and Kenji was a stoic soldier. Kim was feisty and someone anyone would like in their corner. Rebecca was one amazing protagonist.
I also loved that I listened to this on Audio read by an AI, which was amazing....except for the fact Rebecca was narrated by a man.
Main Characters: Rebecca, Kenji, Jack, Kim, Marie
Other Characters: Dr. West, The undead.
Places: Sydney
The first book of J.L. Harden’s The Secret Apocalypse series is superb. The characters are normal teenagers who are compelled to grow up way before their time. They are all flesh and blood characters. Will and Maria are fun-loving and great friends. I loved the bond with Rebecca and Kenji was a stoic soldier. Kim was feisty and someone anyone would like in their corner. Rebecca was one amazing protagonist.
I also loved that I listened to this on Audio read by an AI, which was amazing....except for the fact Rebecca was narrated by a man.
Main Characters: Rebecca, Kenji, Jack, Kim, Marie
Other Characters: Dr. West, The undead.
Places: Sydney
February 5, 2021
A classic zombie apocalypse situation, mixed with high school aged characters, filled with action, military, and deception. What more could you ask for? The twist here is, is that it's set in Australia, and the zombie outbreak is trying to be kept hidden by the government, the military, and everyone else in charge of it. Created by scientists, this deadly virus will tear apart the world person by person if it gets the chance to get out. But will it? You'll have to read to find out.
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
November 19, 2022
It took me a few minutes to get into this book but it's really good. There are a few things that still bother me, like where were the parents? None of these kids seem to worry about the fact that their parents were either dead or undead or whatever.
Also how did Kenji know Rebecca's address and how did he get into her house on that first day?
So many questions.
I really enjoyed the fact that, having stayed in Darling Harbour and gone to the casino, I could picture where they were and the different places they went. Not an ideal place to be during a zombie apocalypse. If the zombies or murderous military don't get you, the sharks in Sydney Harbour will.
I can't wait to read the next book
Also how did Kenji know Rebecca's address and how did he get into her house on that first day?
So many questions.
I really enjoyed the fact that, having stayed in Darling Harbour and gone to the casino, I could picture where they were and the different places they went. Not an ideal place to be during a zombie apocalypse. If the zombies or murderous military don't get you, the sharks in Sydney Harbour will.
I can't wait to read the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
"The Secret Apocalypse" by J.L. Hardin, takes us to an Australia that is almost no more. The outbreak of a deadly illness has been turning its population into zombies. The government and the military are on a mission to contain the outbreak and keep the truth of Australia’s devastation from the world. They are even ready to sacrifice innocent lives in the process. Amidst this chaos, Rebecca, Will, Maria, Kenji, and Kim do their best to survive. Will they succeed? J.L. Hardin weaves a relatable and gripping tale set in an apocalyptic world. Eagerly awaiting "Extinction Level", the next book in the series.
September 23, 2025
This book feels equal parts disaster-movie + teen survival horror. It’s not the most realistic, but it’s engaging, emotionally charged, and perfect when you want fast-paced chaos and disaster.
Though somethings feel really impossible, and totally unrealistic, it does feel like this part of the story, like it is all intentional.
Not the best YA post-apocalyptic story I've read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Though somethings feel really impossible, and totally unrealistic, it does feel like this part of the story, like it is all intentional.
Not the best YA post-apocalyptic story I've read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
December 22, 2016
Haunting
It is so sad that I can imagine someone, somewhere can make a decision to make a virus like this and not worry about twenty-two million lives. I don't expect to see zombies running around but I can see someone making one that has no cure and letting it loose on the world. Thank you for a thought-provoking story, Danny Scott.
It is so sad that I can imagine someone, somewhere can make a decision to make a virus like this and not worry about twenty-two million lives. I don't expect to see zombies running around but I can see someone making one that has no cure and letting it loose on the world. Thank you for a thought-provoking story, Danny Scott.
March 2, 2022
Read : March 2, 2022
Rating :3 Stars
It was okay, more military shooting and personal drama than actual zombie stuff.
The how and why of the "apocalypse" was kinda wack? and the story felt a little unfinished.
I'll read the next one to see if zombies have some more screentime there, otherwise I'm dropping this series.
Rating :3 Stars
It was okay, more military shooting and personal drama than actual zombie stuff.
The how and why of the "apocalypse" was kinda wack? and the story felt a little unfinished.
I'll read the next one to see if zombies have some more screentime there, otherwise I'm dropping this series.
August 12, 2018
Amazing!!!!
I loved reading this book. In particular I love zombies. James Harden has made a true literary masterpiece in my eyes. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of zombies, or people who just love to read :-)
I loved reading this book. In particular I love zombies. James Harden has made a true literary masterpiece in my eyes. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of zombies, or people who just love to read :-)
January 12, 2019
Good
I really enjoyed reading this book. Can't wait to start reading the next one. I also wish I would have read it before the shows/movies came out but it has helped picturing the zombies.😀😀
I really enjoyed reading this book. Can't wait to start reading the next one. I also wish I would have read it before the shows/movies came out but it has helped picturing the zombies.😀😀
December 17, 2019
Great book
I downloaded this book to read the following day. It immediately grabbed me in its clutches and kept me up most of the night. I am going to be reading more of this author. I love the characters
I downloaded this book to read the following day. It immediately grabbed me in its clutches and kept me up most of the night. I am going to be reading more of this author. I love the characters
January 9, 2022
Got me out of a reading slump
This book was phenomenal, I've been having trouble getting into any new books recently and this really drew me in. I was constantly at the edge of my seat. I'm so excited to see what happens next. Major kudos to the author!
This book was phenomenal, I've been having trouble getting into any new books recently and this really drew me in. I was constantly at the edge of my seat. I'm so excited to see what happens next. Major kudos to the author!
December 29, 2022
I want more!
When I have to stay up until 5 am because I can’t put a book down until I finish it, it means it kept my attention and kept me on the wedge of my seat. A part two would very plausible ( and hoped for!)
When I have to stay up until 5 am because I can’t put a book down until I finish it, it means it kept my attention and kept me on the wedge of my seat. A part two would very plausible ( and hoped for!)
December 31, 2022
Great scary story
The book kept me on the edge of my seat. Hate when books end with a new book waiting . waiting is not my strongest character. Wish author had put it all together as one store
The book kept me on the edge of my seat. Hate when books end with a new book waiting . waiting is not my strongest character. Wish author had put it all together as one store
November 24, 2023
I liked it
I thought it a good read. I liked the characters and the story line, though predictable, was good and I am probably going to get next in the series. There a few errors but nothing major. It's unlikely to become the book of year :-) but I liked it.
I thought it a good read. I liked the characters and the story line, though predictable, was good and I am probably going to get next in the series. There a few errors but nothing major. It's unlikely to become the book of year :-) but I liked it.
July 13, 2021
Another new .book
This book makes you feel like you are there. You are the only one to get them out. Altogether and Ali ve
This book makes you feel like you are there. You are the only one to get them out. Altogether and Ali ve
September 19, 2021
Well written dramatic human I loved it
Well written human believable brilliant I loved it xxxxxxxxc cxxxx. Xxxxx xxxxx. Xxxx. Xxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxcc xcx. Xxxxxxx
Well written human believable brilliant I loved it xxxxxxxxc cxxxx. Xxxxx xxxxx. Xxxx. Xxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxcc xcx. Xxxxxxx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews