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A Shrouded World #1
Whistlers
What happens when two worlds collide?
Jack Walker and Michael Talbot come from two worlds; the same, yet different. They both find themselves transported into an alien one, where things aren’t as they seem. While it appears similar to the ones they come from, there are some terrifying differences. Is it a dream? Or has reality been somehow warped?
Jack comes from a world filled with nocturnal creatures that were once human, but now seek to destroy the last vestiges of humanity. Mike, living under a constant threat from hordes of the undead, arrives with a companion, John the Tripper. Ripped away from their family members and thrown into the unknown, they find that the nightmares from their worlds have preceded them. Survival becomes moment to moment as they encounter old dangers, and new.
Each wants nothing more than to be reunited with their loved ones. With dangers lurking around every corner, they seek to unravel the mystery that brought them. It may be a long road ahead, but they begin by taking the first step, hoping the next one will be the one that takes them home.
Jack Walker and Michael Talbot come from two worlds; the same, yet different. They both find themselves transported into an alien one, where things aren’t as they seem. While it appears similar to the ones they come from, there are some terrifying differences. Is it a dream? Or has reality been somehow warped?
Jack comes from a world filled with nocturnal creatures that were once human, but now seek to destroy the last vestiges of humanity. Mike, living under a constant threat from hordes of the undead, arrives with a companion, John the Tripper. Ripped away from their family members and thrown into the unknown, they find that the nightmares from their worlds have preceded them. Survival becomes moment to moment as they encounter old dangers, and new.
Each wants nothing more than to be reunited with their loved ones. With dangers lurking around every corner, they seek to unravel the mystery that brought them. It may be a long road ahead, but they begin by taking the first step, hoping the next one will be the one that takes them home.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2014
265 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 29, 2017
Hrrrnnnnn.......grrrrrrhhhh...........raaaaahhhhhhhhhh.............boooooommmmm.....
Seriously, zombies, in books, if not overkill, the human race is doomed, the easiest of the undead to kill, my first attempt to read one and it's like skimming the whole book, until the last few chapters. Otherwise a fun read(I guess)
Seriously, zombies, in books, if not overkill, the human race is doomed, the easiest of the undead to kill, my first attempt to read one and it's like skimming the whole book, until the last few chapters. Otherwise a fun read(I guess)
March 14, 2021
Nearly gave up on this so many times but kept going as I didn't want to waste the Audible credit. I'm not sure if my dislike of it stems from the fact that I've only read the Mark Tufo series and have already warmed to Mike and Trip but I couldn't warm to Jack until almost the end and had to REALLY resist skimming his chapters. 30 minutes to the end I started to get a 'feel' for it. I'm about to spend another credit on the 2nd one and hopefully it grabs me quicker than this first one did or part 2 will be my last. Still not sure about Jack but he's growing on me...and I'm glad I didn't skim his parts.
June 1, 2016
So I am much more familiar with Mark Tufo's Michael Talbot character (I actually read the first book of John Obrien's Jack Walker series last month), but this seemed like a fun little collaboration between two characters (+ Trip from Talbot's world). Each of the characters got to interact with the other's main issue (Talbot's zombies and Jack's nighwalkers) and introduced a new bad guy to this world (the Whistlers). It took a little while for the characters to meet up finally, but it was worth it. I am looking forward to the next book to see what happened to this world.
March 24, 2020
A Swing and a Miss
I'm a big fan of the Zombie Fallout series, and really like Indian Hills too. This one, however, bordered on boring at times, and was never what I'd consider "engaging". I have to think about whether I even want to bother with giving the second book a try. So far this series is missing the spark I've come to expect from Tufo.
I'm a big fan of the Zombie Fallout series, and really like Indian Hills too. This one, however, bordered on boring at times, and was never what I'd consider "engaging". I have to think about whether I even want to bother with giving the second book a try. So far this series is missing the spark I've come to expect from Tufo.
November 21, 2014
Awesome!!!! And the only thing that could made this book even better Sean Runnette! What more could I ask for. More of Mike and Trip adventures, and tons of monsters.
August 23, 2014
Great job!
Great job!
This was as good as I hoped it would be! Awesome read even if you haven't read the authors books. Now if you haven't read their books, I highly recommend them as the are two of a handful of must reads in this genre. Great job guys! I was very curious on how John and Mark would put this together. They really did a great job although I am interested on how everything came to be. But I guess we need to wait for future books. Jack as expected makes more of a tactical view of events as they are occurring, while Mike has a very funny way of looking at things, and his pal Trip, wow very funny. Especially when he takes a dump. I know that sounds weird but you have to read it. It had me laughing so hard. I'm still trying to figure out which person wrote which part of the book when the 3rd person story telling takes place.
Great job!
This was as good as I hoped it would be! Awesome read even if you haven't read the authors books. Now if you haven't read their books, I highly recommend them as the are two of a handful of must reads in this genre. Great job guys! I was very curious on how John and Mark would put this together. They really did a great job although I am interested on how everything came to be. But I guess we need to wait for future books. Jack as expected makes more of a tactical view of events as they are occurring, while Mike has a very funny way of looking at things, and his pal Trip, wow very funny. Especially when he takes a dump. I know that sounds weird but you have to read it. It had me laughing so hard. I'm still trying to figure out which person wrote which part of the book when the 3rd person story telling takes place.
June 14, 2016
I am a Mark Tufo fan (haven't not read the co-author John O'Brien work yet) and enjoyed Zombie Fallout. So based on the rave reviews, I purchased the book with audio. Unfortunately, I felt so lost after first 5 chapters, even with all the non-stop actions and interesting characters (which I typically liked). The book doesn't seem to go anywhere. I am not as entertained as Mr Tufo's other books. Bummer!
The voice performance by Sean Runnette is great, as always.
The voice performance by Sean Runnette is great, as always.
August 16, 2014
Omg! John and Mark collaboration! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!
Omg! John and Mark collaboration! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!
Finally after waiting for this work of art available, it was well worth it! I love Talbot and Jack and putting both main characters together was amazing. adding a little Trip to it was the coolest. so is this the being of a series in a parallel universe that will coexist along their time? I want more!! it's a must have must read if you are a fan of both writers, you will enjoy this baby here!
Omg! John and Mark collaboration! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!!
Finally after waiting for this work of art available, it was well worth it! I love Talbot and Jack and putting both main characters together was amazing. adding a little Trip to it was the coolest. so is this the being of a series in a parallel universe that will coexist along their time? I want more!! it's a must have must read if you are a fan of both writers, you will enjoy this baby here!
April 11, 2021
Loved it
Well written and full of action. A hint of humor. A flow so well that I was surprised when it ended. All of
these make for a fun and entertaining read. You bet I will get the rest of the series! You ought to try it too!
Well written and full of action. A hint of humor. A flow so well that I was surprised when it ended. All of
these make for a fun and entertaining read. You bet I will get the rest of the series! You ought to try it too!
January 4, 2015
it was alright. I wanted to like it more.
October 27, 2015
The characters talk to themselves too much! I like the characters but too much details and mumbling.
October 6, 2015
Listening to the audio book was weird as sometimes you could not differentiate between characters voices
February 4, 2020
I absolutely love Tufo's character of Mike Talbot who is more than human & has had me firmly enamored with this unlikely hero since book 1 of his Zombie Fallout series with the line of "some a**h@]÷ is licking my peephole." Unfortunately I am not as familiar with O'Brien's work although once I get some extra audible credits ahead, I will be checking out his books dealing with his character of Jack, or Mac as Trip keeps calling him.
In this first installation of this series, Mike & his weed loving companion Trip find themselves transported to a world that is similar to the one they left but definitely not the same. Then to top it all off they are having to deal with not just the same zombies they were used to but these crazy smart zombies (Mike really has a thing about smart zombies, one of his many peeves) that seem to only come out at night. Crazy as the situation is, at least Mike has Trip with him which is both a blessing as well as a curse which if you've read any of Tufo's fallout series, you'll understand completely. Jack on the other hand is on his own. One minute he's eating with his comrades & kids, the next he's alone in a world he knows nothing about where the zombies aren't just a nighttime concern as they are in his world. These zombies aren't as smart but they are around all day & all night requiring headshots to take them out.
When they finally meet & try to figure out how on earth they got pulled into this strange world, much less trying to figure out what happened there, they end up being split up for a short time but reunite with even more questions. This definitely promises to be a heck of a fascinating series that I'm truly looking forward to reading more about. I have issues with my eyes so I opted to add the audible version to make it easier to focus on the story as well as the characters. The narrator is engaging and only adds to the whole experience. I am already on the second book in the series and as I used my last audible credit to get it, I can honestly say it will be a torturous month after I finish it as it means I will have to wait a month until I can move on to book 3. Sometimes that is the downside of discovering a truly amazing series but hopefully it just means I will savor it even more so.
In this first installation of this series, Mike & his weed loving companion Trip find themselves transported to a world that is similar to the one they left but definitely not the same. Then to top it all off they are having to deal with not just the same zombies they were used to but these crazy smart zombies (Mike really has a thing about smart zombies, one of his many peeves) that seem to only come out at night. Crazy as the situation is, at least Mike has Trip with him which is both a blessing as well as a curse which if you've read any of Tufo's fallout series, you'll understand completely. Jack on the other hand is on his own. One minute he's eating with his comrades & kids, the next he's alone in a world he knows nothing about where the zombies aren't just a nighttime concern as they are in his world. These zombies aren't as smart but they are around all day & all night requiring headshots to take them out.
When they finally meet & try to figure out how on earth they got pulled into this strange world, much less trying to figure out what happened there, they end up being split up for a short time but reunite with even more questions. This definitely promises to be a heck of a fascinating series that I'm truly looking forward to reading more about. I have issues with my eyes so I opted to add the audible version to make it easier to focus on the story as well as the characters. The narrator is engaging and only adds to the whole experience. I am already on the second book in the series and as I used my last audible credit to get it, I can honestly say it will be a torturous month after I finish it as it means I will have to wait a month until I can move on to book 3. Sometimes that is the downside of discovering a truly amazing series but hopefully it just means I will savor it even more so.
January 6, 2022
AWESOME ADVENTURE! Mike + Jack AND Trip?! … Perfection!!
Loved this adventure! Joining two of my favorite characters together (and authors ;) was SUCH a treat!! Add in Trip who now plays a leading role - and it’s perfection!
I’ve read all the other separate Mike and Jack series’s, so I loved all the casual mentions which related to the other timelines.
Some I believe must have been written into books which were crafted in the future, after this book. I realized this when reading along, recognizing the person, places, or things that can be found in other stories - and then stopping to consider which book series it related to, and where in that saga.
It was interesting to discover that some of my memories which appear in this story, were not even written yet, as those series, or parts of series, didn’t even exist yet. So fun!
The “A Shrouded World” series probably took me much longer to read than most others. As the journey through unique worlds and experiences, as well as ALL that occurs during each “visit” … is so masterfully crafted in detail, so well written - that it takes you right there with the characters. Thus, as they slog along, miserable and beat down - you are slogging along right with them.
If you are familiar with these authors you already know - they are two of the best in this genre; expert wordsmiths. And funny as h*ll!!
“Not a fan of sci-fi”?
I have never liked anything that had to do with, “outer space,” or, “aliens.” Or traveling from Earth/alternate timelines, etc. But via a previous series I was slowly eased into it (Indian Hill, I believe?). Like the saying- “how do you boil a frog? Start cold and let the water heat up slowly…” (that’s the gist of quote). Well, that’s what happened to me.
Thus, by the time I reached this series, I was primed and ready for the exciting romp through - well, everywhere….. And I LOVED IT!!
I could go on! I’m just thrilled with this series!
Ok! Stop reading ME - and start reading something actually engaging and entertaining!! Lol
I heard there is new book out by one of the authors … I’m off to search that out asap!!……..
Loved this adventure! Joining two of my favorite characters together (and authors ;) was SUCH a treat!! Add in Trip who now plays a leading role - and it’s perfection!
I’ve read all the other separate Mike and Jack series’s, so I loved all the casual mentions which related to the other timelines.
Some I believe must have been written into books which were crafted in the future, after this book. I realized this when reading along, recognizing the person, places, or things that can be found in other stories - and then stopping to consider which book series it related to, and where in that saga.
It was interesting to discover that some of my memories which appear in this story, were not even written yet, as those series, or parts of series, didn’t even exist yet. So fun!
The “A Shrouded World” series probably took me much longer to read than most others. As the journey through unique worlds and experiences, as well as ALL that occurs during each “visit” … is so masterfully crafted in detail, so well written - that it takes you right there with the characters. Thus, as they slog along, miserable and beat down - you are slogging along right with them.
If you are familiar with these authors you already know - they are two of the best in this genre; expert wordsmiths. And funny as h*ll!!
“Not a fan of sci-fi”?
I have never liked anything that had to do with, “outer space,” or, “aliens.” Or traveling from Earth/alternate timelines, etc. But via a previous series I was slowly eased into it (Indian Hill, I believe?). Like the saying- “how do you boil a frog? Start cold and let the water heat up slowly…” (that’s the gist of quote). Well, that’s what happened to me.
Thus, by the time I reached this series, I was primed and ready for the exciting romp through - well, everywhere….. And I LOVED IT!!
I could go on! I’m just thrilled with this series!
Ok! Stop reading ME - and start reading something actually engaging and entertaining!! Lol
I heard there is new book out by one of the authors … I’m off to search that out asap!!……..
April 26, 2020
What happens when two worlds collide?
Jack Walker and Michael Talbot come from two worlds; the same, yet different. They both find themselves transported into an alien one, where things aren’t as they seem. While it appears similar to the ones they come from, there are some terrifying differences. Is it a dream? Or has reality been somehow warped?
Jack comes from a world filled with nocturnal creatures that were once human, but now seek to destroy the last vestiges of humanity. Mike, living under a constant threat from hordes of the undead, arrives with a companion, John the Tripper. Ripped away from their family members and thrown into the unknown, they find that the nightmares from their worlds have preceded them. Survival becomes moment to moment as they encounter old dangers, and new.
Each wants nothing more than to be reunited with their loved ones. With dangers lurking around every corner, they seek to unravel the mystery that brought them. It may be a long road ahead, but they begin by taking the first step, hoping the next one will be the one that takes them home.
Jack Walker and Michael Talbot come from two worlds; the same, yet different. They both find themselves transported into an alien one, where things aren’t as they seem. While it appears similar to the ones they come from, there are some terrifying differences. Is it a dream? Or has reality been somehow warped?
Jack comes from a world filled with nocturnal creatures that were once human, but now seek to destroy the last vestiges of humanity. Mike, living under a constant threat from hordes of the undead, arrives with a companion, John the Tripper. Ripped away from their family members and thrown into the unknown, they find that the nightmares from their worlds have preceded them. Survival becomes moment to moment as they encounter old dangers, and new.
Each wants nothing more than to be reunited with their loved ones. With dangers lurking around every corner, they seek to unravel the mystery that brought them. It may be a long road ahead, but they begin by taking the first step, hoping the next one will be the one that takes them home.
January 11, 2020
Whistlers
Transitions
A good thing. I am unable to determine transition from one author to the other which is good. Authors get in the way of their story at times.
A puzzle seems to be put in front of us with transitions. Transition from one world to another. Transition from one character to the other. These are not well defined.
The writing is first class which tells me the editing is at least twice as great.
I understand first books in series are by necessity foundational. The plot seems to be situational, survive and solve inter-dimensional entanglement.
Zombie/mutant variations are endless. What drives the stories are good solid character development, which is building, action that isn't over powering, and enough human frailties that prevents the development of a character that is never in danger of being defeated. Superman doesn't need a supporting cast.
I'm glad the first book has met these needful things.
On to book two.
Transitions
A good thing. I am unable to determine transition from one author to the other which is good. Authors get in the way of their story at times.
A puzzle seems to be put in front of us with transitions. Transition from one world to another. Transition from one character to the other. These are not well defined.
The writing is first class which tells me the editing is at least twice as great.
I understand first books in series are by necessity foundational. The plot seems to be situational, survive and solve inter-dimensional entanglement.
Zombie/mutant variations are endless. What drives the stories are good solid character development, which is building, action that isn't over powering, and enough human frailties that prevents the development of a character that is never in danger of being defeated. Superman doesn't need a supporting cast.
I'm glad the first book has met these needful things.
On to book two.
June 7, 2018
Alternate universes collide
Talbot and Trip fall down a rabbit hole into an alternate reality, only to find an ally in Jack Walker, who somehow fell into the same rabbit hole from his own universe. Similar universes collide when these three find themselves in the same alternate reality battling not only monsters found in both their worlds, but creatures unlike anything they've ever seen before. Authors Mark Tufo and John O'Brien come together to bring us all the thrills and chills from their respective apocalyptic nightmares, to weave an entirely new post apocalyptic world for Mike, Trip, and Jack to navigate together.
Talbot and Trip fall down a rabbit hole into an alternate reality, only to find an ally in Jack Walker, who somehow fell into the same rabbit hole from his own universe. Similar universes collide when these three find themselves in the same alternate reality battling not only monsters found in both their worlds, but creatures unlike anything they've ever seen before. Authors Mark Tufo and John O'Brien come together to bring us all the thrills and chills from their respective apocalyptic nightmares, to weave an entirely new post apocalyptic world for Mike, Trip, and Jack to navigate together.
July 14, 2019
Oh boy am I glad this is over. Which says a lot about a book that is 8.5 hours long. 90% of the book is just pointless monologue and all it does is distract me from what is happening in the current moment. I kept wishing that the main character would die already, so that he could stop driving himself to deeper depression with his endless and empty monologues. I lost track of the plot so many times that after finishing it I actually had to google the summary of this book to even understand what was going on. Sadly I found no summary, so I don't even care what the book was about (other than post-apocalypse zombie world). Boring boring boring boring.
May 24, 2022
Always fun to read another Michael Talbot adventure. Adding Jack Walker to the mix makes for an interesting duo. I have not read the previous Jack Walker books, but am enjoying the pairing of the two.
Very interesting premise with a lot still to unfold. I am looking forward to what new dangers await in this alternate world. The familiar ones already uncovered look bad enough, but I suspect it is only the tip of the iceberg.
Very interesting premise with a lot still to unfold. I am looking forward to what new dangers await in this alternate world. The familiar ones already uncovered look bad enough, but I suspect it is only the tip of the iceberg.
October 4, 2023
It really feels like Tufo and O’Brien just wanted and excuse to write more about the adventures of some key characters from Zombie Fallout and A New World. And they pull it off here in a delightful mashup. The why and wherefore of the series is slowly being revealed, but it almost doesn’t matter. I agree - just give me more content with these characters - and zombies and night runners. What could go wrong?
July 13, 2017
Entertaining.
I have it a four star rating because it was entertaining, just a little on the start. I'm glad that there is a2nd book because there are so many unanswered questions. Hopefully the next book has some reveals. I love Trip, he's got his own guardian Angel, and his own gifts from the gods.
I have it a four star rating because it was entertaining, just a little on the start. I'm glad that there is a2nd book because there are so many unanswered questions. Hopefully the next book has some reveals. I love Trip, he's got his own guardian Angel, and his own gifts from the gods.
July 17, 2020
Speaking as someone who had read a lot of Tufo nut not any O'Brien, my advise is to read at least O'briens first Jack Walker adventure 'A New World' before you tackle this. I think you will enjoy it more. Mike and Tripp are entertaining as always and for Zonbie Fallout fans this us a rich, deep connection to one of the best writing sequences in the entire ZF series.
October 4, 2022
Started slow but picked up steam!
Michael Talbot is one of the best characters ever and of course TRIP!!! Jack is an interesting character and comes across a little subdued even boring when up against Mike and Trip but overall they make a good trio. Very interesting and scary monsters in this one.
Michael Talbot is one of the best characters ever and of course TRIP!!! Jack is an interesting character and comes across a little subdued even boring when up against Mike and Trip but overall they make a good trio. Very interesting and scary monsters in this one.
July 25, 2017
Better than expected
Tufo is my favorite author, I was not sure what to expect from a joint venture. Well, it rocks!! After I finish these few books I am going to dive in to obtain for sure!!
Tufo is my favorite author, I was not sure what to expect from a joint venture. Well, it rocks!! After I finish these few books I am going to dive in to obtain for sure!!
December 17, 2019
Awesome once again!
My two favorite zompoc authors in one series? It doesn’t get better than this. As always these two consistently deliver our much needed zompoc fix. Can not wait to download the next in the series!
My two favorite zompoc authors in one series? It doesn’t get better than this. As always these two consistently deliver our much needed zompoc fix. Can not wait to download the next in the series!
March 6, 2020
Big fan of Mark Tufo's work. Fan of many of his series and his writing style. His world and John's seem to blend well. I will need to check out some of John's work as well. Great job both of you.
March 16, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found two. One sentence missing a word and one sentence that repeated itself.
Plot: Combined zombies and night runners and characters from two different authors main books.
Characters: The characters are as good as in the regular series.
8/10
Mistakes: I found two. One sentence missing a word and one sentence that repeated itself.
Plot: Combined zombies and night runners and characters from two different authors main books.
Characters: The characters are as good as in the regular series.
8/10
February 1, 2022
DNF
Got 32% in and gave up. Action that goes no where. Flat characters that have no goals that I can tell. Literally just walking around killing stuff. That’s it. Nothing happening and nothing to draw me into the story. Gave up.
Got 32% in and gave up. Action that goes no where. Flat characters that have no goals that I can tell. Literally just walking around killing stuff. That’s it. Nothing happening and nothing to draw me into the story. Gave up.
June 1, 2022
As always with Mark Tufo I enjoyed this book. It was a bit odd with the new character joining the group. I feel like he had his own series and I was missing out on a lot of his background information. I may need to try to find that series.
September 8, 2017
The best of both worlds with John and Mark. Cannot wait to see how this twisted series turns out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews