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Dead Rage: A Zombie Apocalypse
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
A STAND ALONE ZOMBIE NOVEL.
When Steve Bannon and the crew of his fishing boat sail into harbor, they stumble into the horror of a zombie plague.
The zombie apocalypse has overtaken the east coast of America, and Bannon must fight for his own survival in a nightmare world filled with unimaginable peril and betrayal... at the highest, and the most personal levels.
'Dead Rage' is a white-knuckled ride into the jaws of the zombie apocalypse, where friends become enemies... and every step could mean life or death.
A full length stand alone novel.
A STAND ALONE ZOMBIE NOVEL.
When Steve Bannon and the crew of his fishing boat sail into harbor, they stumble into the horror of a zombie plague.
The zombie apocalypse has overtaken the east coast of America, and Bannon must fight for his own survival in a nightmare world filled with unimaginable peril and betrayal... at the highest, and the most personal levels.
'Dead Rage' is a white-knuckled ride into the jaws of the zombie apocalypse, where friends become enemies... and every step could mean life or death.
A full length stand alone novel.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2014
60 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Ryan
20 books87 followersTo keep up to date with all the latest Nicholas Ryan news and new book release information visit him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nickryanauth...
You can contact Nick directly at nicholasryanpublicist@gmail.com.
You can contact Nick directly at nicholasryanpublicist@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 28, 2018
Good concept
It was a good concept but I hated the characters. There was t one that I felt had any Good quality’s at all. I have to like a character to really get involved in the story line.
It was a good concept but I hated the characters. There was t one that I felt had any Good quality’s at all. I have to like a character to really get involved in the story line.
September 25, 2014
FTC Disclaimer: This book was provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review of the book. NO monetary compensation for this review or time has been provided. The opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.
Nicholas Ryan has struck again with his enveloping novel, "Dead Rage". Similar to the writing styles of Max Brooks and Jeremy Robinson, his books engage you with such visual descriptions that you feel as if you're right there, alongside Steve Bannon, running for your life, smelling the decay of rotting flesh and feeling as if your world has descended straight into the bowels of Hell.
Quote:
"Bannon opened the throttle on the big diesel engine, setting the long-liner for the next wave the way a rider gathers a horse before the jump. 'Mandrake' took the rise bravely, her timber frame shuddering as the snub of her bow cleaved through the swell like a blunt axe. A burst of white water detonated against the wheelhouse windows and went surging back along the open deck."
And similar to Robert Kirkman, Nicholas Ryan spares no one, and you never know who is going to die, live or just be horribly betrayed by life in general. Mr Ryan puts his characters through hell, and back again. I felt as betrayed by him as some of his characters felt in the book. But in Zombie literature, no one SHOULD be safe. Or else it wouldn't be true post-apocalyptic fiction!
Amongst the notes I made along the way, aside from the above quote, as an example of his vivid imagery, Nicholas Ryan creates characters that, for one of them, used only one word and already had me voting for him to die horribly.
Lastly, I find it interesting that the undead in his novels have eyes that "seethe with hatred" - instead of the eyes being blank, dark, or hungry. I particularly loved that description and tone because it gives them an even darker tone, which I had thought impossible. That one word gave me chills... and I love Nicholas Ryan for that.
Again, I was offered this in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest, unbiased opinion: Buy this book, and the two before it. They're well worth the read and will have you begging for daylight to come back.
Nicholas Ryan has struck again with his enveloping novel, "Dead Rage". Similar to the writing styles of Max Brooks and Jeremy Robinson, his books engage you with such visual descriptions that you feel as if you're right there, alongside Steve Bannon, running for your life, smelling the decay of rotting flesh and feeling as if your world has descended straight into the bowels of Hell.
Quote:
"Bannon opened the throttle on the big diesel engine, setting the long-liner for the next wave the way a rider gathers a horse before the jump. 'Mandrake' took the rise bravely, her timber frame shuddering as the snub of her bow cleaved through the swell like a blunt axe. A burst of white water detonated against the wheelhouse windows and went surging back along the open deck."
And similar to Robert Kirkman, Nicholas Ryan spares no one, and you never know who is going to die, live or just be horribly betrayed by life in general. Mr Ryan puts his characters through hell, and back again. I felt as betrayed by him as some of his characters felt in the book. But in Zombie literature, no one SHOULD be safe. Or else it wouldn't be true post-apocalyptic fiction!
Amongst the notes I made along the way, aside from the above quote, as an example of his vivid imagery, Nicholas Ryan creates characters that, for one of them, used only one word and already had me voting for him to die horribly.
Lastly, I find it interesting that the undead in his novels have eyes that "seethe with hatred" - instead of the eyes being blank, dark, or hungry. I particularly loved that description and tone because it gives them an even darker tone, which I had thought impossible. That one word gave me chills... and I love Nicholas Ryan for that.
Again, I was offered this in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest, unbiased opinion: Buy this book, and the two before it. They're well worth the read and will have you begging for daylight to come back.
February 7, 2015
Once again as with all of his books Nicholas Ryan not only tells a story he draws you into it with his extraordinary attention to detail. From the sights, sounds and locations this story takes place you experience every word.
Dead Rage begins with a slow and steady build that not only gave me the chance to visual the characters but also allowed me to gain a greater sense of their emotions and thought processes. Some characters I bonded with immediately and others left a sense of unease.
As the story progresses so does the intensity and once it starts it never stops. Never knowing what was coming next, who to trust, the truth from lies only added to the storyline which moved with a rapid fire pace. The words erupt upon the pages and you feel each and every one of them pulsating through your entire body.
The magnificent detail written into this story is done so with spot-on perfection. The terrifying and at times horrifying images are explosive. Adrenaline pumps through your body which only heightens and magnifies this extraordinary story of survival.
Dead Rage was a thrill ride, a perfect mixture of terror, horror, dead, undead and expecting the unexpected. Heart-pounding and exhilarating I could not put this book down.
Nicholas Ryan was the first zombie/horror author that I read. While reading his three exhilarating and thrilling books I found a love for all things dead, undead and the fierce determination of survival. Along with that he has opened my eyes to other authors who write within this genre. Max Brookes and D. J. Molles are two of those authors. While the genre is the same each author adds their own unique flavor to their stories. If you enjoy Nicholas Ryan’s books I think you will enjoy Max Brooks and DJ Molles as well.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.
Dead Rage begins with a slow and steady build that not only gave me the chance to visual the characters but also allowed me to gain a greater sense of their emotions and thought processes. Some characters I bonded with immediately and others left a sense of unease.
As the story progresses so does the intensity and once it starts it never stops. Never knowing what was coming next, who to trust, the truth from lies only added to the storyline which moved with a rapid fire pace. The words erupt upon the pages and you feel each and every one of them pulsating through your entire body.
The magnificent detail written into this story is done so with spot-on perfection. The terrifying and at times horrifying images are explosive. Adrenaline pumps through your body which only heightens and magnifies this extraordinary story of survival.
Dead Rage was a thrill ride, a perfect mixture of terror, horror, dead, undead and expecting the unexpected. Heart-pounding and exhilarating I could not put this book down.
Nicholas Ryan was the first zombie/horror author that I read. While reading his three exhilarating and thrilling books I found a love for all things dead, undead and the fierce determination of survival. Along with that he has opened my eyes to other authors who write within this genre. Max Brookes and D. J. Molles are two of those authors. While the genre is the same each author adds their own unique flavor to their stories. If you enjoy Nicholas Ryan’s books I think you will enjoy Max Brooks and DJ Molles as well.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the author. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.
October 23, 2014
review to come...gosh I almost forgot I needed to type up my review. Sorry about that.
This is a wonderful continuation of A Zombie Apocalypse. This story just continues to captivate me, I really hope that we never actually do have a zombie Apocalypse, cause reading Nicholas Ryan's books terrify me. Nicholas has such a way with writing that it just pulls you in and makes you feel as if you are there observing everything in person.
With this installment, we have Steven Bannon who comes home from his fishing job to find the world as he left it is not ever going to be the same again. There are ghouls and everyone he once knew in his small town are after him for his flesh/brains and what have you. Now that's a way to go! (NOT!)
It seems that the government has been able to actually cut off the effected areas along that coast, in an attempt to contain the zombie virus. the problem, they still don't know what to do about it, other then contain it.
So while the government is trying to find a cure or something to end this. Steve is only really concerned about what happened to and where is his wife.
Now there's a mystery for you, she isn't at the apartment, her car is in the parking lot, she isn't found anywhere, so what has become of her?
Well now, I am not going to tell you, you will have to read it for yourself. Be sure to hold tight, its a rough ride getting through this one.
Love it, and cant' wait for more zombies.
thanks Nicholas for allowing me to read this for you for a review.
This is a wonderful continuation of A Zombie Apocalypse. This story just continues to captivate me, I really hope that we never actually do have a zombie Apocalypse, cause reading Nicholas Ryan's books terrify me. Nicholas has such a way with writing that it just pulls you in and makes you feel as if you are there observing everything in person.
With this installment, we have Steven Bannon who comes home from his fishing job to find the world as he left it is not ever going to be the same again. There are ghouls and everyone he once knew in his small town are after him for his flesh/brains and what have you. Now that's a way to go! (NOT!)
It seems that the government has been able to actually cut off the effected areas along that coast, in an attempt to contain the zombie virus. the problem, they still don't know what to do about it, other then contain it.
So while the government is trying to find a cure or something to end this. Steve is only really concerned about what happened to and where is his wife.
Now there's a mystery for you, she isn't at the apartment, her car is in the parking lot, she isn't found anywhere, so what has become of her?
Well now, I am not going to tell you, you will have to read it for yourself. Be sure to hold tight, its a rough ride getting through this one.
Love it, and cant' wait for more zombies.
thanks Nicholas for allowing me to read this for you for a review.
September 25, 2014
Wow!! Nicholas Ryan has done it again! I absolutely LOVED this book! Just like with his previous 2 zombie novels, Ground Zero and Die Trying, this one hooked me with the first sentence and took me on a fast roller coaster ride! The plot was fantastic and the characters were amazing and SO REAL! Nicholas Ryan is such a talented author, he has a way of writing that draws you right into the book, as if you were right there with the characters! This book was terrifying and so frighteningly real! Definitely not for the faint of heart! There were many plot twists so I never knew what would happen next and this story was definitely original, one of a kind! I feel that Nicholas Ryan is absolutely in the same class as other zombie authors such as Max Brooks, D.J. Molles, and D.A. Wearmouth! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves horror and/or zombie thrillers! Thanks again for a great thrill ride Nicholas Ryan, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in future books!
May 3, 2022
This is a solid 4 out of 5.
You don't expect great prose when you go into a zombie novel. Here's the first page. I typed it out for you.
------------------
Dead Rage, page 1
Low rain clouds had turned the ocean grey as steel, so the sky and sea merged together at the horizon into a dull blur without definition.
Steven Bannon leaned against the spoked wooden wheel and peered hard through the wheelhouse windows.
'Mandrake' was heavy in the water, taking the rolling swells on her starboard shoulder. Bannon waited as the boat swooped down into the yawning trough between waves, and felt his knees buckle as the old timber boat clambered gamely up the rising face of the next crest.
The deck beneath his feet canted back, and he caught a sudden smudge of sky the color of old bruises through the thick glass.
Bannon opened the throttle on the big diesel engine, setting the long liner for the next wave the way a rider gathers a horse before the jump.
'Mandrake' took the rise bravely, her timber frame shuddering as the snub of her bow cleaved through the swell like a blunt axe. A burst of white water detonated against the wheelhouse windows and went surging back along the open deck."
----------------
I don't know about you, but for a zombie novel, that's great writing.
Pros:
1. What if you're on a boat, out fishing for days, and you lose contact with the mainland? What if the zombie apocalypse has just broken out and you don't know? That's the situation Bannon and his mates find themselves in.
2. Good writing. Beautifully descriptive. The sky is like a bruise, the boat cleaves through waves like an axe.
3. A very simple plot, but you don't even realize it, because the story pulls you along.
4. Not sure if this is a pro or a con, but Sully's character... it was complex...
I'll get more into that later.
Cons:
1. Gore. Not my favourite part about zombie novels, and this one unfortunately has plenty of it.
Intestines? Check!
Brain matter? Check!
Goo? Check!
2. One major plot issue: The Special Ops team.
So Sully. Sully, Sully, Sully. What are we going to do with you? Are you good? Are you bad? Are you a just a jerk? Why did you
I just don't know what to make of his character. Was that intentional on the author's part?
Recommended to non-squeamish readers or if you are good at skipping gory paragraphs! XD
You don't expect great prose when you go into a zombie novel. Here's the first page. I typed it out for you.
------------------
Dead Rage, page 1
Low rain clouds had turned the ocean grey as steel, so the sky and sea merged together at the horizon into a dull blur without definition.
Steven Bannon leaned against the spoked wooden wheel and peered hard through the wheelhouse windows.
'Mandrake' was heavy in the water, taking the rolling swells on her starboard shoulder. Bannon waited as the boat swooped down into the yawning trough between waves, and felt his knees buckle as the old timber boat clambered gamely up the rising face of the next crest.
The deck beneath his feet canted back, and he caught a sudden smudge of sky the color of old bruises through the thick glass.
Bannon opened the throttle on the big diesel engine, setting the long liner for the next wave the way a rider gathers a horse before the jump.
'Mandrake' took the rise bravely, her timber frame shuddering as the snub of her bow cleaved through the swell like a blunt axe. A burst of white water detonated against the wheelhouse windows and went surging back along the open deck."
----------------
I don't know about you, but for a zombie novel, that's great writing.
Pros:
1. What if you're on a boat, out fishing for days, and you lose contact with the mainland? What if the zombie apocalypse has just broken out and you don't know? That's the situation Bannon and his mates find themselves in.
2. Good writing. Beautifully descriptive. The sky is like a bruise, the boat cleaves through waves like an axe.
3. A very simple plot, but you don't even realize it, because the story pulls you along.
4. Not sure if this is a pro or a con, but Sully's character... it was complex...
I'll get more into that later.
Cons:
1. Gore. Not my favourite part about zombie novels, and this one unfortunately has plenty of it.
Intestines? Check!
Brain matter? Check!
Goo? Check!
2. One major plot issue: The Special Ops team.
So Sully. Sully, Sully, Sully. What are we going to do with you? Are you good? Are you bad? Are you a just a jerk? Why did you
I just don't know what to make of his character. Was that intentional on the author's part?
Recommended to non-squeamish readers or if you are good at skipping gory paragraphs! XD
December 13, 2019
In all honesty I found this novel rather dull. I was able to push through and finish it, and I simply didn't enjoy any real part of it. The main things were:
- There's way to much attention to detail. I don't need the story to focuses on every ounce of blood in a 3 paragraph description. It takes away from the plot and slows the movement. As the narrator style is already slow paced(if you listen to the audibook like I did), I found myself wanting to bash my head into a table when the story stopped for the 100th time to talk about the gore they saw or the sits on the zombies faces.
- The characters are bland and stupid. No one is original, no one thinks like a human, the betrayals are obvious, there's hardly any cast, the main character is dull and has nothing going for him outside of wanting to find his wife, etc. You have special militarily elite guys with the IQ and tactical skills of 5 year olds, and the whole story the MC just kept crying about his wife. Nothing here to really relate to.
- Nothing new or special. There's no new concept here, no interesting characters or plot twist. The cast is wire thin and the only real plot twist has been used before. The only interesting part was what happens to the wife, but it takes 95% of the book to even meet her and by then I was already to drop this.
The whole story can be wrapped up in a few sentences with every plot point given. There's hardly anything to this book.
However, if you enjoy over attention to detail stories, over powered zombies, and a smooth narrator you should at least give it a shot to see if it's something you're interested in.
- There's way to much attention to detail. I don't need the story to focuses on every ounce of blood in a 3 paragraph description. It takes away from the plot and slows the movement. As the narrator style is already slow paced(if you listen to the audibook like I did), I found myself wanting to bash my head into a table when the story stopped for the 100th time to talk about the gore they saw or the sits on the zombies faces.
- The characters are bland and stupid. No one is original, no one thinks like a human, the betrayals are obvious, there's hardly any cast, the main character is dull and has nothing going for him outside of wanting to find his wife, etc. You have special militarily elite guys with the IQ and tactical skills of 5 year olds, and the whole story the MC just kept crying about his wife. Nothing here to really relate to.
- Nothing new or special. There's no new concept here, no interesting characters or plot twist. The cast is wire thin and the only real plot twist has been used before. The only interesting part was what happens to the wife, but it takes 95% of the book to even meet her and by then I was already to drop this.
The whole story can be wrapped up in a few sentences with every plot point given. There's hardly anything to this book.
However, if you enjoy over attention to detail stories, over powered zombies, and a smooth narrator you should at least give it a shot to see if it's something you're interested in.
August 31, 2019
Interesting story, I did not like the protagonist.
I enjoyed the story very much, what I did not like was the main protagonist Banon. He to me was just too weak a character. If it wasn’t for his sidekick he would’ve been dead plenty of times. I thought the book was just OK, you on the other hand may like it.
I enjoyed the story very much, what I did not like was the main protagonist Banon. He to me was just too weak a character. If it wasn’t for his sidekick he would’ve been dead plenty of times. I thought the book was just OK, you on the other hand may like it.
November 7, 2018
I'm halfway through this book and thoroughly enjoying the read. Nicholas Ryan has done a superb job of crafting this action-packed zombie tale and I'll certainly be reading more from this author. He brings a fresh twist to a favorite genre!
July 2, 2019
My third Nicholas Ryan book. I was hoping for a bit of improvement on the other two. I was so into the story, it was going so good, then the twist. That destroyed it for me, but I saw the poignancy in the ending. I am going to try one more book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2022
Fast, well-written
One of the best series. Fast moving and eloquent. Twists and turns. Sorry to reach the end of series. So descriptive.
One of the best series. Fast moving and eloquent. Twists and turns. Sorry to reach the end of series. So descriptive.
March 10, 2024
A quick and worthwhile read!
A little hard to follow at times - I found myself going back and rereading. I enjoyed the ending.
A little hard to follow at times - I found myself going back and rereading. I enjoyed the ending.
November 18, 2024
Every character in this was a shite bag with no development or real personality & the ending was unsatisfying and felt rushed.
December 11, 2014
"Dead Rage" by Nicholas Ryan is the first book I've read from this author. It starts out slow - five crew members on a fishing trawler are heading back to their home harbor filled with tons of fish to sell. The seas are incredibly rough, crew members anxious and arguing over trivial things; Captain Steve Bannon tries to keep the piece while navigating through the heavy seas. All communications ceased a couple of days ago leaving everyone to surmise about the reasons and length of time before everything is restored. Something wasn't quite right! When they are able to see land, they find their entire town destroyed and in flames.
The action picks up when the ship docks at the main pier, crew disembarking quickly to seek out family and loved ones. It is here that they encounter the first zombies - uncertain as to what happened to these people, the crew members learn quickly that these former living beings are extremely dangerous. They soon learn how to kill these creatures, but at the expense of losing two of their own mates.
Capt. Bannon is intent on finding his wife and sets out toward home; Sully accompanies him and together they fight their way across town. These zombies are relentless in their pursuit - untiring, hungry, strong and fast - intently focused on capturing their elusive prey. Mr. Ryan has a gift in his ability to use words to flesh out clear and concise mental pictures for his readers, almost as if he had lived through this experience and is writing from first hand experience. Readers will encounter twists and turns throughout the story - at times leaving us with mouths agape.
Dead Rage is a story of hope, betrayal and revenge - the ending will be satisfying to all! My only criticism of this story is the authors' overuse of both "corruption" and "Incredulously" - resulting in a slight hesitation on my part until I climbed over these obstacles.. I look forward to reading "Ground Zero" and "Die Trying" as other reviewers have praised them.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
The action picks up when the ship docks at the main pier, crew disembarking quickly to seek out family and loved ones. It is here that they encounter the first zombies - uncertain as to what happened to these people, the crew members learn quickly that these former living beings are extremely dangerous. They soon learn how to kill these creatures, but at the expense of losing two of their own mates.
Capt. Bannon is intent on finding his wife and sets out toward home; Sully accompanies him and together they fight their way across town. These zombies are relentless in their pursuit - untiring, hungry, strong and fast - intently focused on capturing their elusive prey. Mr. Ryan has a gift in his ability to use words to flesh out clear and concise mental pictures for his readers, almost as if he had lived through this experience and is writing from first hand experience. Readers will encounter twists and turns throughout the story - at times leaving us with mouths agape.
Dead Rage is a story of hope, betrayal and revenge - the ending will be satisfying to all! My only criticism of this story is the authors' overuse of both "corruption" and "Incredulously" - resulting in a slight hesitation on my part until I climbed over these obstacles.. I look forward to reading "Ground Zero" and "Die Trying" as other reviewers have praised them.
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
September 25, 2014
*I was given an ARC of this book and this review is my true and honest opinion*
I never thought I would enjoy a zombie novel in my life until I opened Dead Rage. From the minute I started reading I knew the storyline was going to be spectacular and of course scary. Nicholas Ryan takes you through the life of the main character Steve Bannon, skipper of a fishing boat and worried husband searching for his wife in his hometown that has been infected with Zombies. Of course, there also has to be a sub-character that you just have to hate or just wished would be bitten by a zombie just to shut him up, and that was John Sully. The character flow and interaction throughout the book was consistent and worked perfectly. You were taken from one scene to the next smoothly, never questioning "what just happened?". The amount of details that was written, personally had me feeling as if I was living in the moment, as if I was Bannon himself. Dead Rage was and is real in the sense that you can see each and every zombie as if they were in front of you. All the gross, gory, horrible and scary details you could every imagine are in this book, and I must say had me looking over my shoulders. Don't get me wrong, this book is not your typical zombie novel because when you least expect it Mr. Ryan throws you a curve ball that has you in that state of Awe and Wow. I enjoyed every unpredictable twist and turn that was written, and it kept you wanting more. As a person never really into the Zombie/Horror genre but reading Dead Rage, Mr. Nicholas Ryan has completely turned me into the biggest fan this genre could have. If you like other zombie books like World War Z by Max Brooks or The Remaining series by D.J. Molles, then Dead Rage is a must read and has earned a 5star rating from me.
I never thought I would enjoy a zombie novel in my life until I opened Dead Rage. From the minute I started reading I knew the storyline was going to be spectacular and of course scary. Nicholas Ryan takes you through the life of the main character Steve Bannon, skipper of a fishing boat and worried husband searching for his wife in his hometown that has been infected with Zombies. Of course, there also has to be a sub-character that you just have to hate or just wished would be bitten by a zombie just to shut him up, and that was John Sully. The character flow and interaction throughout the book was consistent and worked perfectly. You were taken from one scene to the next smoothly, never questioning "what just happened?". The amount of details that was written, personally had me feeling as if I was living in the moment, as if I was Bannon himself. Dead Rage was and is real in the sense that you can see each and every zombie as if they were in front of you. All the gross, gory, horrible and scary details you could every imagine are in this book, and I must say had me looking over my shoulders. Don't get me wrong, this book is not your typical zombie novel because when you least expect it Mr. Ryan throws you a curve ball that has you in that state of Awe and Wow. I enjoyed every unpredictable twist and turn that was written, and it kept you wanting more. As a person never really into the Zombie/Horror genre but reading Dead Rage, Mr. Nicholas Ryan has completely turned me into the biggest fan this genre could have. If you like other zombie books like World War Z by Max Brooks or The Remaining series by D.J. Molles, then Dead Rage is a must read and has earned a 5star rating from me.
November 4, 2014
The zombie apocalypse genre is an (over)saturated marketplace and would likely survive just fine without Nicholas Ryan...but there is no denying the literary world of the walking dead is significantly improved by his talented presence. He is quickly--and deservedly--becoming one of the go-to guys for gory, gruesome zombie goodness.
Sift through the "shelves" of e-book retailers and you'll encounter a veritable tsunami of zombie-themed titles, but what countless authors in this crowded genre fail to grasp is that zombies themselves are rarely interesting enough to hold readers' attention. Strange as it may sound, zombie stories should not be about zombies, but about human drama in the midst of a zombie outbreak. Nicholas Ryan understands this concept far better than most of his contemporaries. In "Dead Rage," we are bombarded with savagely violent scenes of grisly zombie action, but the story is really about a man who will risk anything to rescue the woman he loves. It is this anchor of human emotion that transforms a solid zombie thriller into an excellent one, a formula that Mr. Ryan is rapidly mastering.
But fear not, gore-fiends, this is scarcely a 3-tissue Harlequin Romance. Zombies are brutally blasted with breath-taking regularity, making this an extremely action-packed novel, and if you go berserk for blood, you'll find yourself whipped into a joyous rage here. (My personal favorite was the zombie-meets-boat-propeller sequence.)
Bottom line, what you get with "Dead Rage" is a high-quality concoction of decay, emotion, gore, tension, action, thrills, conspiracy, twists ... and yes, zombies. Lots of 'em. You'll be hooked.
Sift through the "shelves" of e-book retailers and you'll encounter a veritable tsunami of zombie-themed titles, but what countless authors in this crowded genre fail to grasp is that zombies themselves are rarely interesting enough to hold readers' attention. Strange as it may sound, zombie stories should not be about zombies, but about human drama in the midst of a zombie outbreak. Nicholas Ryan understands this concept far better than most of his contemporaries. In "Dead Rage," we are bombarded with savagely violent scenes of grisly zombie action, but the story is really about a man who will risk anything to rescue the woman he loves. It is this anchor of human emotion that transforms a solid zombie thriller into an excellent one, a formula that Mr. Ryan is rapidly mastering.
But fear not, gore-fiends, this is scarcely a 3-tissue Harlequin Romance. Zombies are brutally blasted with breath-taking regularity, making this an extremely action-packed novel, and if you go berserk for blood, you'll find yourself whipped into a joyous rage here. (My personal favorite was the zombie-meets-boat-propeller sequence.)
Bottom line, what you get with "Dead Rage" is a high-quality concoction of decay, emotion, gore, tension, action, thrills, conspiracy, twists ... and yes, zombies. Lots of 'em. You'll be hooked.
March 13, 2016
What you will find in each book by Nicholas Ryan - suspense, gore, shocking turn of events, heart-pounding action, attention to detail, and a book that does not disappoint. He does all of what is listed and plenty more in Dead Rage.
Ryan has the ability to bring you in from the very beginning. The sensory detail that Ryan creates to engage the reader from page one literally hooks you in, and you won't be able to put the book down. His ability to paint such a clear picture for the reader is brilliant and will terrify you at the same time.
Characterization is a crucial component of how Nicholas Ryan produces a compelling book. Rather than tell the reader directly, Ryan often indirectly shows what a character is like through action, mannerism, thought, behavior, and way of speaking. His dialogue throughout Dead Rage was true to a fisherman's lifestyle. In addition, he creates good vs evil characters. Characters that you are rooting for and those that you despise. He creates complex characters that are alive and believable.
Ryan challenged himself with Dead Rage and since I have read all of Ryan's books, I appreciate that as a reader. I don't want to read the same formulated book over and over. I look forward to the next action-packed novel that Nicholas Ryan creates. I know it will be a guaranteed great read!
Ryan has the ability to bring you in from the very beginning. The sensory detail that Ryan creates to engage the reader from page one literally hooks you in, and you won't be able to put the book down. His ability to paint such a clear picture for the reader is brilliant and will terrify you at the same time.
Characterization is a crucial component of how Nicholas Ryan produces a compelling book. Rather than tell the reader directly, Ryan often indirectly shows what a character is like through action, mannerism, thought, behavior, and way of speaking. His dialogue throughout Dead Rage was true to a fisherman's lifestyle. In addition, he creates good vs evil characters. Characters that you are rooting for and those that you despise. He creates complex characters that are alive and believable.
Ryan challenged himself with Dead Rage and since I have read all of Ryan's books, I appreciate that as a reader. I don't want to read the same formulated book over and over. I look forward to the next action-packed novel that Nicholas Ryan creates. I know it will be a guaranteed great read!
September 25, 2014
Nicholas Ryan knows how to deliver the most frightening and horrific roller coaster ride with his amazing ability to pull the reader into his books with just his words. Dead Rage was the wildest, scariest, and most heart-pounding roller coaster I have been on in quite some time! Throughout the entire book I felt as if I was sitting in the front car with a zombie right beside me! From the very beginning of the book I found myself on the edge of my seat, gripping the pillows with one hand, and holding onto my tablet with the other.
After reading the book and thinking about what I was going to say for my review, the one thing that kept sticking out to me was the way the story was written. Yes, this book is scary. Yes, the story has all the elements of a great zombie book… better yet a great zombie movie!! But what really amazes me about his writing is that even though he is extremely descriptive, his writing is very fluid and you find yourself moving through the story as if you were there living every moment described.
When you first meet Bannon and his crew you will have this overwhelming feeling that things are never going to be the same! And they won’t be! You will live what they lived, feel what they felt, and then question yourself if you will get out alive! I did… will you?
After reading the book and thinking about what I was going to say for my review, the one thing that kept sticking out to me was the way the story was written. Yes, this book is scary. Yes, the story has all the elements of a great zombie book… better yet a great zombie movie!! But what really amazes me about his writing is that even though he is extremely descriptive, his writing is very fluid and you find yourself moving through the story as if you were there living every moment described.
When you first meet Bannon and his crew you will have this overwhelming feeling that things are never going to be the same! And they won’t be! You will live what they lived, feel what they felt, and then question yourself if you will get out alive! I did… will you?
September 26, 2014
I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book. After all this is not a genre I would normally read. However, I have watched EVERY zombie related tv show and or movie so I figure it cant be much different.
I was wrong!!
The story starts off with Steve Bannon and his crew are on the way back from a fishing trip and sees the whole town is on fire! While trying to make sense of what could have happened Steve and his crew comes face to face with something none of them has ever seen before.
"She can't be alive.... well how the fuck do you explain that?"
this book deserves a standing ovation!!... I found myself biting my nails at the mere anxiety of what was going to happen next if im begin completely honest I just might have nightmares after reading this book... and i welcome them!!
Mr Nicholas Ryan, you have made a believer out of me.. An i can't wait to read what ever else you come up with!!
Reading this book was like something straight out a movie!
I was wrong!!
The story starts off with Steve Bannon and his crew are on the way back from a fishing trip and sees the whole town is on fire! While trying to make sense of what could have happened Steve and his crew comes face to face with something none of them has ever seen before.
"She can't be alive.... well how the fuck do you explain that?"
this book deserves a standing ovation!!... I found myself biting my nails at the mere anxiety of what was going to happen next if im begin completely honest I just might have nightmares after reading this book... and i welcome them!!
Mr Nicholas Ryan, you have made a believer out of me.. An i can't wait to read what ever else you come up with!!
Reading this book was like something straight out a movie!
November 2, 2014
The new master of zombie horror has done it again with another exciting read filled with suspense, gore and plenty of heart.
I can only imagine the feeling of coming back after a long trip at sea to the chaos and destruction that Steve and his men faced. The terror and confusion of the unknown, the fear for the safety of those they held dear. It was heart-breaking.
This was a fast, but well-paced read that saw the final two men fight for their lives to get out of the hell they found themselves in, only for them to be tossed into a darker more personal hell, where secrets and lies could no longer be contained.
As I read this book I found myself glancing over my shoulder every now and then. There were some really eerie moments throughout this book – moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, as the tension built and all hope dwindled. This book had a few surprises, but the biggest came at the end with a brilliant manoeuvre that would ultimately save the world, but also serve revenge on a golden platter.
I can only imagine the feeling of coming back after a long trip at sea to the chaos and destruction that Steve and his men faced. The terror and confusion of the unknown, the fear for the safety of those they held dear. It was heart-breaking.
This was a fast, but well-paced read that saw the final two men fight for their lives to get out of the hell they found themselves in, only for them to be tossed into a darker more personal hell, where secrets and lies could no longer be contained.
As I read this book I found myself glancing over my shoulder every now and then. There were some really eerie moments throughout this book – moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, as the tension built and all hope dwindled. This book had a few surprises, but the biggest came at the end with a brilliant manoeuvre that would ultimately save the world, but also serve revenge on a golden platter.
September 25, 2014
Brilliant read!! You want an 'on the edge' book, a book with raw Grit, scenes that will suck you in, writing that makes you feel the story is more real to life than anything? Dead Rage is the book for you! Jeremy Robinson and Nicholas Ryan are the ULTIMATE zombie/horror writers for me, Nicholas has me gripped for a white knuckle roller coaster ride from page one. His writing style is more descriptive with each scene, and brings the story more to life.
With Bannon and the crew heading back from a fishing trip what they stumble upon changes everything, with the town and there families gone it leaves them fighting for there lives, with plots, twists and turns this book is worth each 5 star. This book is NOT for the faint hearted.
Sit back, turn the lights out grab a pillow and enjoy the fright feast!!!!!!
With Bannon and the crew heading back from a fishing trip what they stumble upon changes everything, with the town and there families gone it leaves them fighting for there lives, with plots, twists and turns this book is worth each 5 star. This book is NOT for the faint hearted.
Sit back, turn the lights out grab a pillow and enjoy the fright feast!!!!!!
September 25, 2014
I received a copy of this for an honest review. I have to be honest and say i never thought that I'd read books like these, let alone enjoy them, but this is the second one of Nicholas's that I have read and I really enjoyed it!
I am quite a wimp with the more descriptive scenes and may have had to skim a little bit over these lol But I really liked the story! It definitely has you on the edge, wondering what's going to happen next and then there's parts that you just don't expect either!
This is so well written, really hooks you into the story, following Bannon as he takes on everything that's happened to his town, as well as a personal betrayal to deal with!
Several scenes had me saying 'UGH' and 'YUK' to myself lol But that just shows how real the descriptions are!
Great book, if you love the zombie, horror and gore I highly recommend this book!
I am quite a wimp with the more descriptive scenes and may have had to skim a little bit over these lol But I really liked the story! It definitely has you on the edge, wondering what's going to happen next and then there's parts that you just don't expect either!
This is so well written, really hooks you into the story, following Bannon as he takes on everything that's happened to his town, as well as a personal betrayal to deal with!
Several scenes had me saying 'UGH' and 'YUK' to myself lol But that just shows how real the descriptions are!
Great book, if you love the zombie, horror and gore I highly recommend this book!
September 25, 2014
Nicholas Ryan has done it again! He's written a book so enthralling that I forget to be terrified despite his amazingly descriptive style. The key to enjoying a horror book for me is to almost forget the horror with the story and then, to suddenly be up to my eyeballs in ugly, scary nastiness. Nicholas Ryan has done just that with this story of a horrifying epidemic that hits on the east coast while local fisherman are miles out to sea. The story does so much more than just show you the horror. He takes you on a ride with more twists and turns then I ever expected. If you've enjoyed the ride Max Brooks takes his readers on, you better buckle in for this one as well!
November 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If 28 Days Later and World War Z had an illegitimate love child, Dead Rage would be that child. When longline fishing skipper Steve Bannon loses contact with shore he heads back to the sleepy fishing town of Grey Stone. Little did he know the hell he and his crew would be heading towards.
This book was a great fun read with an overwhelming amount of undead gore and violence! Some interesting twists continued to take things into new directions. And what I thought was going to be a straightforward actionfest might have some long reaching ramifications for the series as a whole. Can’t wait for the next one!
If 28 Days Later and World War Z had an illegitimate love child, Dead Rage would be that child. When longline fishing skipper Steve Bannon loses contact with shore he heads back to the sleepy fishing town of Grey Stone. Little did he know the hell he and his crew would be heading towards.
This book was a great fun read with an overwhelming amount of undead gore and violence! Some interesting twists continued to take things into new directions. And what I thought was going to be a straightforward actionfest might have some long reaching ramifications for the series as a whole. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 8, 2014
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nicholas Ryan paints us a detail filled picture in this installment of his zombie series. Dead Rage is very well written and a good addition to the series. I found myself constantly picking the book up to see what would happen with Steve! The only thing I am left wanting is closure after the slight cliffhanger we are given at the end! I for sure am looking forward to the next book!
I recommend this book if you are looking for a carefree read in this genre.
Nicholas Ryan paints us a detail filled picture in this installment of his zombie series. Dead Rage is very well written and a good addition to the series. I found myself constantly picking the book up to see what would happen with Steve! The only thing I am left wanting is closure after the slight cliffhanger we are given at the end! I for sure am looking forward to the next book!
I recommend this book if you are looking for a carefree read in this genre.
August 24, 2015
Perhaps the weakest of the three stories so far as well it didn't really add anything to the overall story.
Set right at the start of the outbreak the book introduces us to one character after another that were well .....unpleasant.
I honestly did not care for any of them and cared not whether they lived or died.
The story itself was ok but yet again I wondered where we were going with the overall story arc as there doesn't seem to be one.
Set right at the start of the outbreak the book introduces us to one character after another that were well .....unpleasant.
I honestly did not care for any of them and cared not whether they lived or died.
The story itself was ok but yet again I wondered where we were going with the overall story arc as there doesn't seem to be one.
September 7, 2015
This was a pretty horrible book. This is the second book by Ryan that I have read, and I can honestly say I am not a fan. I would not recommend this book to anyone. The story started out slow, kinda meandered along a bit, and then fizzled out. And comparing this book to the last book of his that I read (which was so awful I forgot the title), I can honestly say that Ryan hates and misunderstands women.
Two stars for the zombies. That is all.
Two stars for the zombies. That is all.
October 7, 2014
Loved it yet again
well all I can say is that I loved it yet again. the author, Nicholas Ryan, wrote another heartstopping terrifying zombie book! and of course I don't like blood stories but the author has a special way to write this kind of books that just hook you into it. I couldn't stop reading :-) Nicholas Ryan never dissapoints!
well all I can say is that I loved it yet again. the author, Nicholas Ryan, wrote another heartstopping terrifying zombie book! and of course I don't like blood stories but the author has a special way to write this kind of books that just hook you into it. I couldn't stop reading :-) Nicholas Ryan never dissapoints!
October 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you like your zombie books gory and gritty, this one is for you. Nicholas Ryan creates a very believable scenario with well-developed characters. This book is about survival, betrayal and revenge.
I loved this book and recommend it to zombie fans.
If you like your zombie books gory and gritty, this one is for you. Nicholas Ryan creates a very believable scenario with well-developed characters. This book is about survival, betrayal and revenge.
I loved this book and recommend it to zombie fans.
January 16, 2015
For some reason I couldn't put this one down.
Really good read! I loved getting to know the perspective of someone who was infected. There were lots of twists and turns in this book and I really had a hard time putting it down.
There were some editing errors that really didn't make sense to me hence the 4 star rating.
Really good read! I loved getting to know the perspective of someone who was infected. There were lots of twists and turns in this book and I really had a hard time putting it down.
There were some editing errors that really didn't make sense to me hence the 4 star rating.
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