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Blood has been spilled…
Retribution is at hand…


Greg rescues several survivors from the clutches of a fanatical group only to find a mysterious force behind him. With only a small team accompanying him, he flees into the night with the force following. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.


Leonard finds their home port lying in ruins. He discovers evidence indicating that part of the fleet may have fled. Turning the Santa Fe west, he sets out to search for them. What he finds shocks the entire crew.


The survivor compound is beset on all sides. Night runners are flowing south toward their sanctuary while the danger from another group looms large. Jack must make a decision which presents the greater threat. Their very existence may hinge on a do-or-die plan.

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First published February 7, 2014

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221 people want to read

About the author

John O'Brien

45 books285 followers
John O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry in corporate management. Currently, John is writing full-time.

As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.

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5 stars
429 (56%)
4 stars
244 (32%)
3 stars
67 (8%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Felix.
99 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2014
This is my first review on this site for John Obrien on his New World series and that is an injustice to him because over the last six months or so since I discovered him, he has instantly become one of my favorite writers in apocalyptic sagas. So I will try to do better by him. This is the 9th book in the series and it is a fantastic series. If you are into the Zombie Genre, you might like this series, if all you like is the Zombie Genre then this series might change your mind. It is apocalyptic but in place of Zombies, we have mutated humans that have a hunger for human flesh, what else. The protagonist is Jack Walker, ex Air Force Captain who only wants to keep his family and girlfriend safe along with anyone who happens to join the group. He has managed thus far to build a sanctuary for the people that are now under his command and care. There are tragic events in his life as well as a few uplifting ones and there many harrowing experiences for him as well as for the people. The antagonist in this series are the mutated humans that are appropriately named Night Runners. As the name suggest, they come out at night and are bigger and stronger than humans. Unlike the zombies that never tire, nature has at least given humanity a hand by giving the Night Runners a deadly allergic reaction to sunlight, thus humans can roam and search for food during the day but must seek shelter at night for creatures also have a better sense of smell and enhanced eyesight. They also run in packs which is another disadvantage for humans. Daylight is a small advantage but one that Jack Walker and fellow survivors make the most of by creating a sanctuary. They make friends and enemies and while the Night Runners are the major protagonist in the series, humans will also be a part of this world who will inevitably want what you have. Jack and his group of survivors deal with them all. John Obrien has created a world the reader will love to visit again and again, telling the story in the first person but allowing the growth of his secondary characters and he does it beautifully in the latest installment of the series. He brings the characters to life with excellent skill so that the reader will go through many of the emotions, thrills, chills, horror and excitement. He will carry you through the highs and lows that Jack Walker faces and leave you wanting more. Let's hope that he continues on his journey for it can only get better and John Obrien is one of those rare authors that will leave you frustrated when one book ends but also gives you hope that more are coming our way.
36 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2014
Yes! Another awesome kick ass book!

Yes! Another awesome kick ass book!

I did it,I stretched my reading speed from 3 days(my normal reading time) to 6. I just didn't want it to end. Mr O'Brien you never seem to disappoint! Finally Jack's team take the fight to the bad guys. I wasn't expecting the outcome for Gav. but we all can't be bloodthirsty lol. I love the series and can't wait for the next one! keep it coming
Profile Image for Julie Jones.
81 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2014
Loved it. Sad to get to the end. Really wanted Nahmer to die a slow agonizing death that took weeks if not longer. After her crimes....she didn't deserve an easy way out. Robert is really coming into his own and OMFG Brie kicked ass in the hallway when she was cornered. To have the knowledge and training is one thing, but she backed it up with a vengeance! I couldn't have been more proud. . Great series. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Jessica.
15 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2014
absolutely hands down the best one yet!!!!! my only complaint is that it was too short!!!! i wish it could've been hundreds more pages. can't wait to read the next one. I never thought there could be a series that could hold my interest through this many books but I am completely hooked!
3 reviews
April 4, 2014
Great series.

Great series.

Another great book on the New World series. I can't wait for the next installment. What will happen with captain Leonard and his crew and what is the next plan for Jack? I wish the Gav plot was different but it was still good.

9 reviews
Read
February 28, 2020
I am currently on my second read through of this series. Although it is a great series there are a few things that I find unrealistic. For instance, why do they continue to insist on using Cabela’s as their primary sanctuary? The main character Walker keeps voicing concerns about their location so close to major cities and and increasing amounts of night runners which represent a very real danger of overwhelming them.
After defeating a Nahmer, instead of doing the logical thing and use the C130’s to move everyone to the Colorado compound which is a million times more secure and has much better resources and military equipment available they decide to remain in Cabela’s? Give me a break! If Colorodo was not their cup of tea then why not relocate to an army or Air Force base somewhere far away from cities, like in Idaho, for instance? They could use their resources to clear out a major base there and since it would be so far from any major city they would be relatively safe from large groups of night runners. Instead they insist on staying in Cabela’s? Give me a break
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy N Bauer.
91 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2023
I can't get enough!

After reading the author's note in beginning of the book, I prepared myself for some lengthy overwritten chapters where I could just skim, and still get the jist of story. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was captivated by the explanation and completely vested in our teams getting in and out without any more casualties. To be honest, I
was a bit underwhelmed by Gar's final scenes, but all the characters are so well written, I would have flipped if we lost another good one, lol, yes it is fiction, but don't tell my heart, <3
Profile Image for Jim Scriven.
317 reviews19 followers
August 20, 2023
Just loving the intensity of the tale, and the way characters overcome challenges - although, not all are able to overcome. O'Brien balances success and failure well in this series, bringing a touch more realism to his apocalyptic story than we sometimes see.
Profile Image for Kat.
35 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2017
So addictive

I got sucked into this series fast and it just gets better with each book. Not your normal apocalypse survival story, it brings so much more to make you wonder about.
Profile Image for Amanda Davies.
22 reviews
February 4, 2018
What can I say that I haven’t already In my reviews, John is an amazing writer I feel for each character, I even feel for the night runners awsome job john
Profile Image for Cindy.
18 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2019
#9 book in the series, it didn’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
410 reviews10 followers
September 18, 2019
Coming to the end of this series and it's been a non stop action packed read. Well written! Well done !
Profile Image for Sara.
23 reviews
February 15, 2014
I discovered John O'Brien's books last summer and became hooked immediately. The entire series is well-written, with thoughtfully developed characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning.

In A New World: Reckoning the characters continue in their fight for survival in a post-apocalypse, Night Runner-filled world. As if their lives weren't difficult enough, Jack Walker and his team must determine how to eliminate a new threat which was introduced in the 8th book in the series.

A brief note about the characters in the series:
The protagonists are highly likable and believable. I appreciate the depth O'Brien goes into with each of his main characters. I also like that the "good guys" are truly good. Not perfect, of course... that would be boring. Jack Walker faces many moral dilemmas and deals with them with integrity. Maybe it's just me, but I enjoy books that have characters I can really like, as well as some I can really hate.

A New World series would appeal to those who like the zombie genre, post-apocalypse scenarios, action, horror, and romance... well, maybe not that. Just give the series a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2015
We pick up with Captain Greg making good the rescue of several survivors from the group of fanatics that like to hang survivors on a cross for the infected, a sacrifice of sorts. With that rescue they manage to save a brother and sister of one of the soldiers, the mother was not so lucky. Unknown to Greg the Mossad admin has set two groups of vehicles on his tail with the result being to lessen Jack's company strength. With their satellite communication the two groups are able to follow and cut Greg off easily. A hide and seek and run like hell mission ensues. Meanwhile, Captain Leonard in the Santa Fe has made his way to his home port of San Diego only to discover that the city has been nuked. He also notices that the fleet is nowhere to be seen. He determines that his best course of action is to search for the fleet for answers. Coming upon it he finds the ships sitting dead in the water infested with infected. Surprisingly two more nuclear submarines from the fleet surface to communicate and join with Leonard. Back at the ranch, Jack is tired of running and being attacked from all sides. He decides to take the fight to the group administered by the ex Mossad agent. An exciting battle ensues. The books get better as we go along. I'll hate to see this series end.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
90 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2014
This was an intense read. I think I have said that about all the previous books in this series, but John O'Brien certainly picked up the pace even more so with this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way he moved from one POV to another - it kept the suspense levels high and it worked very well.

I think one of my favorite developments in this book was the new awareness between Jack and Robert - that was awesome stuff, and it opens the way for some really great possibilities in future books. The survivors need every advantage they can get because the Night Runners are becoming more terrifying with each book, and if this discovery can give them even a slight advantage, that will be great.

I read a review the other day which stuck with me - the reviewer said: "this book is fast, chaotic, exciting, and relentless!" That about sums it up for me too. A great read.

I have enjoyed watching this story evolve to this point and would never have envisaged the story taking the turns that it has, it has been great and I look forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for K.
16 reviews
April 22, 2014
Unfortunately, not up to previous standard. I eagerly await all new books in this series, but this book was extremely disappointing. There were sections and plot points that could have been handled in a paragraph and went on for pages. The book had very little forward momentum and it wasn't until the end that the plot moved forward.
Profile Image for Jett Cat.
123 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2025
If you have read this far, you know why you enjoy this series. I downloaded the first in the series for free from amazon, I think and then found myself purchasing the rest of the series.

I still love the witty snarky humor, and can appreciate the tactical details used in the books.

I just hate waiting fir the next ones.
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2016
I am on to book 10 to finish this journey of hope and trying to survive...at least the team has gotten rid of one threat now, but I am not sure there are not more out there that may be vying for total world domination soon..this book was again very technical and more military based again...but all in all a great story and very well narrated! This is a good series!
Profile Image for Rune.
161 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2014
Another awsome book from John O'Brien. This one gives a bit more depth to some of the characters, but it's still a lot more action- than character-driven.

It's a fast read, as it's impossible to put down. And this is the best acpocalyptic serial out there, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Mark Kearney.
135 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2014
Great book, can't wait till the next one, only minor quibble is a synopsis would have helped as took me a while to get into it, too many other books out to reread old books, other than that great book, great series
Profile Image for Jeff.
6 reviews
February 13, 2014
John just gets better

John just gets better

I enjoy this series so much Johns writing has matured with each and every book he puts out. I am really excited for the next book and reading about what's to come.
Profile Image for Heidi Frese.
62 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2014
Best one yet, this series just keeps picking up steam! The group is seriously badass, I almost feel sorry for the zombies. The writing keeps me biting my nails. Great series, great book #9. No sign of winding down at all.
6 reviews
March 13, 2014
Another win

Another win


Another solid book by John O'Brien. he utilizes his prior military experience to give a detailed sorry of how he would handle the apocalypse.
105 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2015
A New World

First this is one of my favorite stories to follow. With that said, I really enjoyed the book. But I have to say I was disappointed with how this one ended. Hopefully I can find something else fill the hours I will have after this.
Profile Image for Robert.
206 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2014
This was pretty much all military action and pretty much no zombie/night runner activity...a great read and series volume.
Profile Image for Geoff.
Author 87 books129 followers
March 14, 2025
Seemed a rush to tie up loose ends, but still a solid read.
Unhappy with the finale.
I won't say any more, for fear of spoilers.
239 reviews
December 20, 2015
I've got to give the author credit for writing an engaging tale, although I think he could have made it better by leaving out some of the non-scientific, fantasy elements of the story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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