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Plan Z #1
The North
Breakout. Escape the City. Stay Alive.
Sixteen-year-old David Simmons is on a mission to save his eight-year-old sister. In a smoldering world infested with walking cadavers, the survivors of Simmons infantry reserve unit are going hatches down in a pair of armoured personnel carriers and everyone knows that it’s only a matter of time until their fuel runs dry.
There’s a weak short wave radio signal from a place called Sanctuary Base and it’s supposed to be zombie-free. But there’s more than a thousand miles to cover, a biting, unforgiving cold, armed survivalists, legions of the living dead and someone called SUNRAY.
They’re outgunned, outnumbered and out of time.
This tense thriller for teens offers a terrifying and brutal vision of survival in a post-apocalyptic world where the bonds of friendship and family are the only things left that are worth fighting for.
Sixteen-year-old David Simmons is on a mission to save his eight-year-old sister. In a smoldering world infested with walking cadavers, the survivors of Simmons infantry reserve unit are going hatches down in a pair of armoured personnel carriers and everyone knows that it’s only a matter of time until their fuel runs dry.
There’s a weak short wave radio signal from a place called Sanctuary Base and it’s supposed to be zombie-free. But there’s more than a thousand miles to cover, a biting, unforgiving cold, armed survivalists, legions of the living dead and someone called SUNRAY.
They’re outgunned, outnumbered and out of time.
This tense thriller for teens offers a terrifying and brutal vision of survival in a post-apocalyptic world where the bonds of friendship and family are the only things left that are worth fighting for.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2014
34 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Sean Cummings
43 books132 followersSean Cummings is a fantasy author with published works ranging from traditional urban fantasy to the zombie apocalypse. He lives in Saskatchewan Canada with his wife, a retired racing greyhound and a huge spotted dog.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 19, 2014
I loved so much about this book, I don’t even know where to start. The story is about what the world looks like after the zombie apocalypse — and it’s not pretty. Our hero is a 16-year-old kid who’s in charge of a group of army cadets who have holed up in the city until now, but if they’re going to survive, they have to get out…and the zombies (or creeps, as they’re called in the novel) are just the beginning of their problems in doing so.
The post-apocalyptic world that Cummings has created is incredibly detailed and all-too-believable. The characters are tough (yes, even the girls!) without being over the top, and they strive to maintain their continued humanity in the face of unbelievable odds. And the action? A non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, must-read-just-one-more-chapter, relentless pace.
About the only complaint I have is with regard to back story. THE NORTH kicks off six months after the apocalypse happens, and I would have liked a little more info on how it all came about, what caused it, etc. I’m hoping these details will be forthcoming in the next two books (this was the first of a trilogy), but it would have been nice to have more up front.
If you like zombies and dark, gritty, no-holds barred apocalyptic fiction, you’re going to love this. Heck, I DON'T like zombies, and I still loved it.
(The full review text can be found on my blog at http://www.lindapoitevin.com/2014/09/...)
The post-apocalyptic world that Cummings has created is incredibly detailed and all-too-believable. The characters are tough (yes, even the girls!) without being over the top, and they strive to maintain their continued humanity in the face of unbelievable odds. And the action? A non-stop, edge-of-your-seat, must-read-just-one-more-chapter, relentless pace.
About the only complaint I have is with regard to back story. THE NORTH kicks off six months after the apocalypse happens, and I would have liked a little more info on how it all came about, what caused it, etc. I’m hoping these details will be forthcoming in the next two books (this was the first of a trilogy), but it would have been nice to have more up front.
If you like zombies and dark, gritty, no-holds barred apocalyptic fiction, you’re going to love this. Heck, I DON'T like zombies, and I still loved it.
(The full review text can be found on my blog at http://www.lindapoitevin.com/2014/09/...)
September 18, 2015
All in all it was a pretty decent zombie novel. I have a few little complaints, but nothing that kept me from reading this and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I liked the kids in the book. They felt older than what they really were, not sure if teens would really behave in that way, but then they did have a military mentor. What grabbed me was that it takes place in Canada. And a part of Canada I know and have been . I have family in Calgary, which is the starting point (although this could have been better described, I wasn't sure at first where we were), I have been to Airdrie, and Red Deer ( I saw RUSH there) and been down to Drumheller. The thought of the undead lounging around Lake Louise was sad. I was a little bummed with the ending, it is the beginning of a series. Not sure if I will read the next one. But if you like zombie novels, this one is really ok.
June 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book for what it was; a YA military/horror jaunt. The undead were handled really well as were the communities the characters encountered on their retreat from the city populated by "creepers". The writing was clean and the characters believable. The only thing that jarred for me was the ages of the core characters. They seemed much older in mannerisms and speech for their actual ages. They referred to themselves as N00bs, but were able to successfully combat any military veterans that came their way, using techniques and equipment that was exceedingly complex. That said, they were terrific characters with good internal conflicts. Looking forward to the next one.
October 26, 2016
One more
This book needs a sequel. I want to find out what happens to the teens. I wasn't going to read this book at first because it was about teens, but the reviews were good, so I read it. I'm glad I did. It's really interesting story and well written. The characters and situations are well developed and holds ones interest. Good work Mr. Cummings!
This book needs a sequel. I want to find out what happens to the teens. I wasn't going to read this book at first because it was about teens, but the reviews were good, so I read it. I'm glad I did. It's really interesting story and well written. The characters and situations are well developed and holds ones interest. Good work Mr. Cummings!
November 23, 2014
Really tactical look at the zompoc. I really enjoyed it too becuase I live in the area in which it was based, and it's really well described. The characters are heartbreaking, mess up, and ARE messed up.
January 5, 2015
I wanted to give this 5 stars but I don't think too many 16 year old know as much about weapons and tactics as this kid does. That said, I couldn't put it down. I love Z apocalypse books and set in Canada is an added bonus. (I'm from Canada, eh) can't wait for the next installment.
July 8, 2016
Interesting Book
I've never read anything from this author before, but I liked North and I can't wait for more! Great characters and well guided plot.
I've never read anything from this author before, but I liked North and I can't wait for more! Great characters and well guided plot.
January 17, 2015
a fresh take on a popular genre
I thought The North was a good read. At first the I was put off by all the military jargon- I felt I was reading a pamphlet written by the military for it's soldiers. But as the story developed and the characters came to life the jargon became less noticeable.
The author really did a bang up job of bringing the protagonist to life- his thoughts and actions are rich and life like, and the in his quandaries about leading his team, protecting his sister and making the right decisions you can fully feel his doubt and fear of making the wrong decision.
The prose is sparse and lean. Cummings rarely uses four words when one would suffice. The narrative is fast and flows well.
All in all a heck of a read.
I thought The North was a good read. At first the I was put off by all the military jargon- I felt I was reading a pamphlet written by the military for it's soldiers. But as the story developed and the characters came to life the jargon became less noticeable.
The author really did a bang up job of bringing the protagonist to life- his thoughts and actions are rich and life like, and the in his quandaries about leading his team, protecting his sister and making the right decisions you can fully feel his doubt and fear of making the wrong decision.
The prose is sparse and lean. Cummings rarely uses four words when one would suffice. The narrative is fast and flows well.
All in all a heck of a read.
September 17, 2021
Loads of spelling and grammar errors ruined it for me. Tactical naivety shown where a 5.56 was lodged in a leg when
June 24, 2015
2.5 stars. An okay storyline and good details about the plans and actions of the crew members, but sometimes the details bogged the story down. The next book should focus on character development a little more - see if he can get the reader to care more about what happens to them. Overall, okay, but room for improvement.
December 17, 2015
This book gives nothing new or at least interesting in this tidal wave of zombie books that is flooding us lately. It has to many technical army expressions and characters are unconvincing (they should be children but act like full grown ups).
March 15, 2015
Great book
Hope you can write faster than waiting for October of 2015. This is a really good book, keeps your attention going.
Hope you can write faster than waiting for October of 2015. This is a really good book, keeps your attention going.
October 5, 2015
kindle dystopian
May 12, 2015
I give this book 4.5 stars!
May 9, 2015
Great!
Really enjoyable read! Fast paced and thrilling. Looking forward to that next book. Hopefully there are at least two more.
Really enjoyable read! Fast paced and thrilling. Looking forward to that next book. Hopefully there are at least two more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews