Flag 9

Flag 9 #1

by A.G. Rives

It was a phone call with my girlfriend Margaret and an episode of AMC’s The Walking Dead (pick any one) that set Drew on his journey. “I’m going to write a Zombie book,” I announced as we said goodnight (sure you will, she was probably thinking). Setting the phone down, I opened my laptop and stared at the stark whiteness of a fresh Microsoft Word document. My motivation wasn’t any particular episode of that miniseries but the culmination of all the genre books, movies, and TV shows that I had enjoyed since I was a kid. I remember looking forward to a local access show that came on every Saturday, Commander USA’s Groovy Movies. It came on after cartoons. What you got was a pair of the worst horror thrillers produced, hosted by a middle aged dad in a superhero outfit that did magic tricks during commercial breaks. I couldn’t get enough and just like my love of candy has never changed, neither has my interest in creepy stories. That being said, I set out to do something a little different in a new environment. I wanted to freshen up the genre with a tale of a disrupted solo-circumnavigation attempt. At first, I tried to guide Drew but ultimately he was the one that took me on a trip. For that I am in his debt. My hope is that you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2014

Reviews

[Hattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic thriller! What a find this book was. We were visiting Fernandina Beach and came across Flag 9 at a local bookstore. Zombies are not usually on my radar but I wanted to see how the author weaved the local flavor of Fernandina with zombies. I really enjoyed Drew's journey.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pros: Flag 9 was an enjoyable, quick read and the author incorporated a lot of details about boats and sailing as well as Fernandina Beach and Fort Clinch. He really did his research on these two subjects. The plot is good and it would be nice if the story was continued with closure about the epidemic and survivors.

Cons: I did find several grammatical errors (Johns vs. John's, United State, quite vs, quiet, Buddy Holley, etc.). I'm no editor but in my opinion, the next edition of this book should address these.

Overall, A.G. Rives is a good storyteller and as stated before, I hope he writes a sequel to this novel.

[Marla Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!

If you're a Walking Dead fan or an Amelia Island resident you will love this book! If you're both, hang on! You're in for an amazing ride! And if you're neither of the above and just love a good book that grabs you and keeps you, then you won't be disappointed. Drinkers and Walkers take over the places we are familiar with, even the Ritz. Strap it down, sit back and enjoy. And be sure to leave the lights on!

[Amanda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved it! I grew up on Amelia Island and really appreciate how nothing was made up geographically to fit in like some authors do and he wrote the zombie apocalypse around what really is there. I could see everything happening in real time like I was living the story, not only because I am from there, but because it was written so well that you could smell the ocean. That is how I rate my favorite books. I love to read and it's about the only thing I can do anymore with 100% of my being. I received this book for free after it first came out, not for a review but because I was sick and unable to afford any books at the time. U didn't even meet the author. I am sicker now but in a better position than I was before and I have recently re-read this book and am going to buy the next two myself!

[Rachel Fortin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local author tells the story of a zombie apocalypse right here in our backyard. I enjoyed all the local references. Great for a north florida or southern Georgia resident.

[Michael L Dunaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read!

I have always struggled staying focused long enough to completely read a book. I read this one in a couple of days on a cruise, I couldn't put it down. I live on Amelia Island and that could be part of it but I really did enjoy it.

[Kelly Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great zombie novel

Really enjoyed reading this new author. Story was fresh had plenty of action, great characters and believable plot line. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Marcia King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mainly because I live in Fernandina Beach. Some obvious typos from this self published book need to be fixed. I did like the story and will probably read the sequel.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story with a great cast of characters. I would say that this was definitely a 4-star story, but the amount of editing discrepancies absolutely made me bump it down to three stars...