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Invasion of the Dead #2
Survival
Albury… once a thriving, country town, now a wasteland overrun by the dead, and occupied by the last threads of human immorality.
With limited options, those who survived the aftermath push on into more populated areas, seeking help from the authorities. The group will rescue new friends, confront foes, and battle heart-wrenching loss. Unresolved issues will surface, and friendships will be tested, as love struggles to survive in a changing world.
Within the infected walls of the Defence Department facility, Klaus Weinstrem battles on in his quest for a scientific saviour, but a bitter disagreement with the last remaining military personnel threatens to destroy them both.
As the invasion of the dead strengthens, risk, courage, and good fortune are essential to survive in the post-apocalyptic world, but sometimes not even these are enough…
With limited options, those who survived the aftermath push on into more populated areas, seeking help from the authorities. The group will rescue new friends, confront foes, and battle heart-wrenching loss. Unresolved issues will surface, and friendships will be tested, as love struggles to survive in a changing world.
Within the infected walls of the Defence Department facility, Klaus Weinstrem battles on in his quest for a scientific saviour, but a bitter disagreement with the last remaining military personnel threatens to destroy them both.
As the invasion of the dead strengthens, risk, courage, and good fortune are essential to survive in the post-apocalyptic world, but sometimes not even these are enough…
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
70 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Owen Baillie
14 books67 followersI live in Melbourne, Australia with my wife and three children. I grew up reading Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and Jean Auel, amongst others. I love hearing a good story, particulary with a fantastic element, but my bookcases are filled with an eclectic mix of authors. My writing is the first priority of the day before I head off to my full time job!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 21, 2015
Actual rating - 3.5
I liked the characters a bit more in this installment, but they still had their annoying moments.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than book one, as there wasn't as many times where I felt bored, or didn't find the action interesting.
Overall, A decent read.
I liked the characters a bit more in this installment, but they still had their annoying moments.
I enjoyed this one slightly more than book one, as there wasn't as many times where I felt bored, or didn't find the action interesting.
Overall, A decent read.
April 21, 2017
A fantastic follow up to Aftermath. I'd be hard pressed to say which of the two books I prefer. There are some elements of Survival that I particularly enjoyed though.
Firstly, as always, characters! I enjoyed the introduction of the newbies. Like most readers, I developed a favourite and of course become invested in the plight of that individual. I don't want to spoil the story for people yet to read it but lets just say it's always sad if a character departs but having said that I think it's essential to the "realism" of the story. In reality we lose people we feel an affinity for & so it should be in novels. Baillie has stayed true to the first book in keeping a focus on the characters interactions & relationships.
Secondly, the feeders - great development along those lines. Drawing a clearer distinction between the "base zombie" & type 3 really opens up the possibilities for the story. Anyone who read my review of Aftermath will see that initially I was assuming the virus was magnifying a latent "anger/rage" element of the infected person but now I'm left wondering if it's something more? It almost reads like the evolution of a new species or sub-species. I don't know if that was intended or not but it's an interesting new layer.
And lastly, as per the author's previous book ... I really enjoy the way he controls the flow of the story - too slow a pace and it's easy for the reader's mind to wander.Too fast and the reader feels rushed. Baillie has a knack for building momentum and controlling the flow of the story.
Another fantastic book. I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
Firstly, as always, characters! I enjoyed the introduction of the newbies. Like most readers, I developed a favourite and of course become invested in the plight of that individual. I don't want to spoil the story for people yet to read it but lets just say it's always sad if a character departs but having said that I think it's essential to the "realism" of the story. In reality we lose people we feel an affinity for & so it should be in novels. Baillie has stayed true to the first book in keeping a focus on the characters interactions & relationships.
Secondly, the feeders - great development along those lines. Drawing a clearer distinction between the "base zombie" & type 3 really opens up the possibilities for the story. Anyone who read my review of Aftermath will see that initially I was assuming the virus was magnifying a latent "anger/rage" element of the infected person but now I'm left wondering if it's something more? It almost reads like the evolution of a new species or sub-species. I don't know if that was intended or not but it's an interesting new layer.
And lastly, as per the author's previous book ... I really enjoy the way he controls the flow of the story - too slow a pace and it's easy for the reader's mind to wander.Too fast and the reader feels rushed. Baillie has a knack for building momentum and controlling the flow of the story.
Another fantastic book. I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
September 10, 2014
I have kind of mixed feelings about this book/series. The author has made a point of asking for comments and I will take him at his word. Having read both books it is obvious that I like the series but I think 'like' is as strong a recommendation that I can make at this point. I think it is close to being great but not quite there yet and I think this is due more to frustrations with situations rather than the writing style.
My frustrations are with such inconsistencies such as never seeming to learn from experience. I can accept that the large camp gets overrun because the guard fell asleep but then they immediately go to the lab in Melbourne and everyone sits in the camper without posting a lookout. A lookout seems such an obvious precaution yet they never seem to do it. Another frustration is the constant fighting throughout the two books, yes survival is integral but it just doesn't seem to stop. Maybe if they posted lookouts they wouldn't have to fight so often. A golden rule of a barroom brawl is not to go down because then you're finished and yet someone goes down every scrap they get into and yet they survive. Having been to Australia I know the locals are smarter than that. :)
I do not wish to sound petty but I think these and other things are what prevent this series from becoming great. On the other hand I like the pace of the books, they are fast and interesting. I love the dog and the overall premise.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
My frustrations are with such inconsistencies such as never seeming to learn from experience. I can accept that the large camp gets overrun because the guard fell asleep but then they immediately go to the lab in Melbourne and everyone sits in the camper without posting a lookout. A lookout seems such an obvious precaution yet they never seem to do it. Another frustration is the constant fighting throughout the two books, yes survival is integral but it just doesn't seem to stop. Maybe if they posted lookouts they wouldn't have to fight so often. A golden rule of a barroom brawl is not to go down because then you're finished and yet someone goes down every scrap they get into and yet they survive. Having been to Australia I know the locals are smarter than that. :)
I do not wish to sound petty but I think these and other things are what prevent this series from becoming great. On the other hand I like the pace of the books, they are fast and interesting. I love the dog and the overall premise.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 3, 2015
I'm enjoying the series very much, however I am very frustrated with the character development in this installment. In the first book the characters were written with some serious flaws, which I like. No character should be written without some sort of baggage, however when these characters are part of a series you need see said characters get their head out of their ass and to get a clue as to what is going on in their surroundings and try to not make the same mistake for the 45th time. When your dealing with an undead horde you can't afford to make the same close call mistakes over and over. Is that the intention of the author? If it is than he is really rocking this series. If not, than please do something to make me stop yelling at the characters. Thank you..Oh and tell them to put the guns down once in a while to keep the noise down. Didn't they ever watch The Walking Dead? Loud noises bring zombies quicker!!
~ End Rant
Despite all the frustration these characters are giving me I am still giving this 4.5 stars because the book is overall written very well. It flows nicely, there is just the right amount action and drama to keep you interested.
~ End Rant
Despite all the frustration these characters are giving me I am still giving this 4.5 stars because the book is overall written very well. It flows nicely, there is just the right amount action and drama to keep you interested.
March 5, 2019
As Predicted - Smash Hit!
For my fellow zom-poc readers, this is a seriously great series. Book one is truly needed to follow book two, IMHO. In this installment, or group becomes enlarged, the action is more intense, and we learn more about each person looks the virus itself.
Callan, Kristy, Greg, and Dylan plus others are in the run for survival while also looking for a possible vaccine/cure source, to better their chances of survival in this horrendous, dangerous, new landscape. There are brief moments of happiness, lots of zombie dispatches, and if course, the inevitable loss of loved ones. The series continues, so I'm off to Book Three!
For my fellow zom-poc readers, this is a seriously great series. Book one is truly needed to follow book two, IMHO. In this installment, or group becomes enlarged, the action is more intense, and we learn more about each person looks the virus itself.
Callan, Kristy, Greg, and Dylan plus others are in the run for survival while also looking for a possible vaccine/cure source, to better their chances of survival in this horrendous, dangerous, new landscape. There are brief moments of happiness, lots of zombie dispatches, and if course, the inevitable loss of loved ones. The series continues, so I'm off to Book Three!
July 9, 2015
All of the characters make the same mistakes over and over and over. They are the WORST zombie killers and yet they continue to survive (mostly). I find this incredibly annoying. I am also annoyed with how weak and unable to fight a lot of the women seem. Even though Kristy shoots some zombies it still bothers me that she's so passive. Ugh. I a lot of "feelings" talk for a zombie book. Yuk. Boring even with so much action. This is because every fight was the same, falling down, surrounded, cornered, etc. Good God! I had to skip through quite a bit.
December 24, 2014
Wonderful...
Part two in the series, it flowed well... the characters were well-written, though I wish some could've been developed a bit more, which is not to say they weren't rounded... I liked and hated equally. The storyline was on-the-edge-of-your-seat good! Making me read in one sitting, actually in less than 14 hours!! If you're into post-apocalyptic zombie lore, with a very humanistic turn, you'll enjoy this installment. I can't wait for the next!
Part two in the series, it flowed well... the characters were well-written, though I wish some could've been developed a bit more, which is not to say they weren't rounded... I liked and hated equally. The storyline was on-the-edge-of-your-seat good! Making me read in one sitting, actually in less than 14 hours!! If you're into post-apocalyptic zombie lore, with a very humanistic turn, you'll enjoy this installment. I can't wait for the next!
April 20, 2018
Brilliant
This is an outstanding series, well written and I can't get enough of the characters. Well done Mr Baillie.
Set in Australia a zombie virus is unleashed on the world. Follow characters Callam, Kristy, Dylan and Greg on a survival mission as they pick others along the way and loose others to the zombies. I am getting the next book now! Do yourself a favor get this series
This is an outstanding series, well written and I can't get enough of the characters. Well done Mr Baillie.
Set in Australia a zombie virus is unleashed on the world. Follow characters Callam, Kristy, Dylan and Greg on a survival mission as they pick others along the way and loose others to the zombies. I am getting the next book now! Do yourself a favor get this series
August 21, 2019
Ready for book 3
Enjoying this story, feeling the casualties but hard to let go of some characters. I like how sometimes the group can't comprehend their narrow escape, but they push on knowing the dead outnumber the living. Many good and bad human qualities throughout the first two books. Glad I found this series, restored faith in good plots, good writers.
Enjoying this story, feeling the casualties but hard to let go of some characters. I like how sometimes the group can't comprehend their narrow escape, but they push on knowing the dead outnumber the living. Many good and bad human qualities throughout the first two books. Glad I found this series, restored faith in good plots, good writers.
August 9, 2014
Really enjoyed the fast-paced action and energy in this story. My only complaint is I now have to wait for the next installment.
August 11, 2014
Very good book
it is a very good series. Everyday people struggling to adjust to the broken world around them while fighting for their lives and losing their loved ones.
it is a very good series. Everyday people struggling to adjust to the broken world around them while fighting for their lives and losing their loved ones.
August 14, 2014
Book2
Book2
beautifully written I enjoyed every single page can't wait for book3 well done Mr Owen ballie keep up the good story
Book2
beautifully written I enjoyed every single page can't wait for book3 well done Mr Owen ballie keep up the good story
August 20, 2014
I enjoyed it
I enjoyed it
Not your run of the mill zombie tale. Very enjoyable and a quick, engrossing read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I enjoyed it
Not your run of the mill zombie tale. Very enjoyable and a quick, engrossing read. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
August 23, 2014
Down under
I liked this one better than the frst, got to know the characters better can't wait for the next one!!!
I liked this one better than the frst, got to know the characters better can't wait for the next one!!!
January 10, 2015
Full of action
I enjoyed reading this book especially with Australia as the background. It was packed adventure and excitement and kept going.
I enjoyed reading this book especially with Australia as the background. It was packed adventure and excitement and kept going.
April 29, 2018
Great read! Exciting and plenty long. I look forward to the next one...
May 21, 2017
OWEN BAILLIE, ONE AUTHOR I WILL DEFINITELY BE FOLLOWING!!!!!!
Book #2 passed all my expectations and I loved it!!!!!! Owen Baillie has done an amazing job creating the characters in this next book of the series. He's brought many more people into this book & part of the storyline that it will be so great when/if he decides to bring everyone together (I'm hoping)sometime later on in the series. Now this book has everything taking place in Australia with Kristy, Dylan & Callan & their friends, having a rough time dealing with their losses and even rougher time learning how to survive. They come across new people, as some are more dangerous than even they can imagine. Some want to get together, to help & rebuild, while others just want to take, hurt and destroy, even friends they thought they knew. With death around each corner it even follows them as they try to sleep, as no place seems safe. Then by chance, they come upon someone that may hold the fate of everyone & everything they love in their hands, but trying to save him, might be completely out of their hands. This book & series is one I would definitely recommend to everyone and I hope that after you read this, you will agree and also pass it on to others. Thank you Mr. Baillie, this story ROCKS!!! Now onwards to Book #3 of Invasion Of The Dead "Escape"....
Book #2 passed all my expectations and I loved it!!!!!! Owen Baillie has done an amazing job creating the characters in this next book of the series. He's brought many more people into this book & part of the storyline that it will be so great when/if he decides to bring everyone together (I'm hoping)sometime later on in the series. Now this book has everything taking place in Australia with Kristy, Dylan & Callan & their friends, having a rough time dealing with their losses and even rougher time learning how to survive. They come across new people, as some are more dangerous than even they can imagine. Some want to get together, to help & rebuild, while others just want to take, hurt and destroy, even friends they thought they knew. With death around each corner it even follows them as they try to sleep, as no place seems safe. Then by chance, they come upon someone that may hold the fate of everyone & everything they love in their hands, but trying to save him, might be completely out of their hands. This book & series is one I would definitely recommend to everyone and I hope that after you read this, you will agree and also pass it on to others. Thank you Mr. Baillie, this story ROCKS!!! Now onwards to Book #3 of Invasion Of The Dead "Escape"....
June 1, 2019
Griping read
I loved this book and except for the wrong terminologies used for magazines, clips, bullets and cartridges I found it entertaining. Perhaps the author might brush up on these terms a bit and the books will be rated 5 stars.
I loved this book and except for the wrong terminologies used for magazines, clips, bullets and cartridges I found it entertaining. Perhaps the author might brush up on these terms a bit and the books will be rated 5 stars.
January 27, 2023
So got #2 as a Xmas present and it was okay, not sure it would have helped much to read #1 first as it was just the writing and characters in general that i had a time with. It's not the worst I've read but def not the best either. May get #3, only time will tell.
June 27, 2017
I liked the characters and the way they developed. But I got bit tired of the long fight scenes. I lost interest. I am not sure I want to read on if the next book is the same..
July 16, 2017
Enjoyed
November 19, 2014
Survival
Mr Baillie did it again.
The will to survive, the emotion and longing of peacefulness, the human urge to love and be loved even in a world that has gone to the dead.
This was an emotional roller coaster, as the friends strive for a safe place but still wanting to help others.
The way Owen portrays these young adults in their journey is amazing. You can identify with each one. We all know one or two of these characters in our current lives. He brings them close to our heart in a time of struggle for them. It makes you think about what you or your friends would do in such a scenario.
And then he leaves you with wanting more. Cannot wait for the third book.
Mr Baillie did it again.
The will to survive, the emotion and longing of peacefulness, the human urge to love and be loved even in a world that has gone to the dead.
This was an emotional roller coaster, as the friends strive for a safe place but still wanting to help others.
The way Owen portrays these young adults in their journey is amazing. You can identify with each one. We all know one or two of these characters in our current lives. He brings them close to our heart in a time of struggle for them. It makes you think about what you or your friends would do in such a scenario.
And then he leaves you with wanting more. Cannot wait for the third book.
August 3, 2015
Survival Book 3
By now I have read at least 100 zombie books so, there are parts in this book that just piss me off. You do not think about helping bad guys or giving them chance . Shoot, shoot, shoot. You do not play martyr for a dog to protect his master's feelings. Sometimes, the characters spend too much time thinking to themselves and I wish they would shut up. On the flip side Kristy is getting a backbone and I like the action in the novel. I too, also feel tired and warn out. I will probably will start book 3 tonight.
By now I have read at least 100 zombie books so, there are parts in this book that just piss me off. You do not think about helping bad guys or giving them chance . Shoot, shoot, shoot. You do not play martyr for a dog to protect his master's feelings. Sometimes, the characters spend too much time thinking to themselves and I wish they would shut up. On the flip side Kristy is getting a backbone and I like the action in the novel. I too, also feel tired and warn out. I will probably will start book 3 tonight.
February 21, 2015
Really more like 3.5. The problem I have with both 1 and 2, is the how easily the main characters would risk their lives. I just didn't think it was realistic. Sure first encounter, being surprised etc, but after that people would not be this reckless with their lives. Relationships and other character development were good.
May 9, 2015
I truly enjoyed this.
I just started reading this series and I truly enjoyed it. Though I feel at times it's crazy how they manage to get out of their situations, the scenes are intense. I have fallen for the characters, especially Dylan. I really hope things work out! This series is definitely worth it.
I just started reading this series and I truly enjoyed it. Though I feel at times it's crazy how they manage to get out of their situations, the scenes are intense. I have fallen for the characters, especially Dylan. I really hope things work out! This series is definitely worth it.
October 15, 2015
This could've been so good. BUT EVERYBODY IS TOO DAMN DUMB AND I CAN'T TAKE IT!
Seriously. It's like they want to die. They keep making the worst decisions. It's frustrating and I've reached a point where I wish they'd all just die already.
Seriously. It's like they want to die. They keep making the worst decisions. It's frustrating and I've reached a point where I wish they'd all just die already.
September 25, 2014
Great
I thoroughly enjoyed this book a nd cannot wait for the next one! not your average kiddie zombie thriller series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book a nd cannot wait for the next one! not your average kiddie zombie thriller series.
April 8, 2015
Zombie novel set in rural Australia - what's not to love? I'm enjoying this series - the author is talented and while I'm not enamoured of any of the characters, he writes well and I'm engaged.
January 9, 2015
Better than the 1st Installment
Loved the 1st book, this one was better. The writing became more fluid and appeared less strained.
Loved the book and can't wait for #3!!
Loved the 1st book, this one was better. The writing became more fluid and appeared less strained.
Loved the book and can't wait for #3!!
February 9, 2015
Glad the story continues...
I have come to care about the characters and what will come next for them. I highly recommend this series.
I have come to care about the characters and what will come next for them. I highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews