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The Forever Man #2
Axeman
The world, as we know it, has ended.
One man stands resolute. A man who has been trained in the savage arts of war. A man who lives his life according to a creed. A simple man who wants none of the power thrust upon him. This man is Marine Sergeant Nathaniel Hogan, seconded to the American Embassy in London and, although he does not know it, he is – The Forever Man.
The first pulse occurred in the old calendar year of 2022. A sequence of gigantic solar flares created a series of massive electromagnetic pulses that stopped the heart of our modern world and returned us to the DARK AGES.
Tens of thousands died within the first few hours as airplanes fell from the skies, hospitals ceased to work and every form of modern transportation ground to a halt.
Within days the death toll had reached the hundreds of thousands. Fires raged unchecked through the cities, water supplies ran out and survivors turn on each other as mob rule surpassed all else.
And Nathaniel finds that he has been changed by the huge amounts of Gamma radiation in the solar flares. They have enhanced his natural abilities, giving him increased speed, strength and healing. Indefinitely extended his life span and enabling him to be able to draw on the power of the solar flares to create magik.
But even The Forever Man was not prepared for what happened next, as the ongoing flares tore a hole in time and space, creating a gateway through which ‘they’ appeared. From the realms of fantasy came the orcs, the goblins and, leading them all – the Fair Folk.
Were they here to help – or to conquer?
One man stands resolute. A man who has been trained in the savage arts of war. A man who lives his life according to a creed. A simple man who wants none of the power thrust upon him. This man is Marine Sergeant Nathaniel Hogan, seconded to the American Embassy in London and, although he does not know it, he is – The Forever Man.
The first pulse occurred in the old calendar year of 2022. A sequence of gigantic solar flares created a series of massive electromagnetic pulses that stopped the heart of our modern world and returned us to the DARK AGES.
Tens of thousands died within the first few hours as airplanes fell from the skies, hospitals ceased to work and every form of modern transportation ground to a halt.
Within days the death toll had reached the hundreds of thousands. Fires raged unchecked through the cities, water supplies ran out and survivors turn on each other as mob rule surpassed all else.
And Nathaniel finds that he has been changed by the huge amounts of Gamma radiation in the solar flares. They have enhanced his natural abilities, giving him increased speed, strength and healing. Indefinitely extended his life span and enabling him to be able to draw on the power of the solar flares to create magik.
But even The Forever Man was not prepared for what happened next, as the ongoing flares tore a hole in time and space, creating a gateway through which ‘they’ appeared. From the realms of fantasy came the orcs, the goblins and, leading them all – the Fair Folk.
Were they here to help – or to conquer?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2014
249 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Craig Zerf
193 books117 followersCraig Zerf is a full-time writer who has been awarded the Golganooza Gold medal for Fantasy as well as being voted 'Best Read' by radio BBC United Kingdom.
His novels have been translated into French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German.
Craig has lived in America, Africa and Europe and now resides in England with his wife and two imaginary cats.
His books have reached the number one Best Seller spot in both the United Kingdom and Germany and he reckons that writing is about the most fun that you can have without actually blowing things up!
His novels have been translated into French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German.
Craig has lived in America, Africa and Europe and now resides in England with his wife and two imaginary cats.
His books have reached the number one Best Seller spot in both the United Kingdom and Germany and he reckons that writing is about the most fun that you can have without actually blowing things up!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 29, 2017
Great book
In this book we see Nathaniel still moving northward toward what he feels is his destiny. As he travels he encounters many new people trying to survive and some people trying to kill him. A lively story. Can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
In this book we see Nathaniel still moving northward toward what he feels is his destiny. As he travels he encounters many new people trying to survive and some people trying to kill him. A lively story. Can’t wait to get the next book in the series.
October 5, 2017
Vastly overpriced
Wanting 4$ per book when it is under 200 pages of actual story.
The first book was a great read, the follow on books are a ripoff due to length, or lack of.
I feel like I'm reading short stories now and will not be getting any more of these.
I only recommend the rest of this series if you have money to burn. If you're on a budget, find something longer or cheaper.
Wanting 4$ per book when it is under 200 pages of actual story.
The first book was a great read, the follow on books are a ripoff due to length, or lack of.
I feel like I'm reading short stories now and will not be getting any more of these.
I only recommend the rest of this series if you have money to burn. If you're on a budget, find something longer or cheaper.
January 3, 2019
There's less going on in this one, but I'm still enjoying the series.
August 7, 2017
Great Second Act Takes Readers Two Years After "TEOW"
Zerf continues from the first book to the second as smoothly as if they were merely chapters. The protagonist meets and battles enemies, meets and appreciates a few friends, but continues north from London.
The relatively few survivor communities tend towards different local flavors. Our protagonist encounters several communities, each suffering from different problems. At these points in the narrative, I was reminded of both "Gulliver " and "Pilgrim's Progress". (Not bad to be reminded of, or compared to, the classics!)
The first two volumes seem a little short, but that may be an illusion created by the fast tempo of activity. RECOMMENDED
Zerf continues from the first book to the second as smoothly as if they were merely chapters. The protagonist meets and battles enemies, meets and appreciates a few friends, but continues north from London.
The relatively few survivor communities tend towards different local flavors. Our protagonist encounters several communities, each suffering from different problems. At these points in the narrative, I was reminded of both "Gulliver " and "Pilgrim's Progress". (Not bad to be reminded of, or compared to, the classics!)
The first two volumes seem a little short, but that may be an illusion created by the fast tempo of activity. RECOMMENDED
October 24, 2018
Will read the 3rd installment
I understand some reviewers who have trouble with the mashup of genres in this series. So far I have found myself skipping the Fair Folk/fantasy sections without doing too much harm to the post-apocalyptic narrative. I continue to find the protagonist interesting as well as some of the new characters. The story is punctuated with stand-alone episodes that vary in effectiveness and can feel repetitive, but all seem more or less to progress the plot.
I understand some reviewers who have trouble with the mashup of genres in this series. So far I have found myself skipping the Fair Folk/fantasy sections without doing too much harm to the post-apocalyptic narrative. I continue to find the protagonist interesting as well as some of the new characters. The story is punctuated with stand-alone episodes that vary in effectiveness and can feel repetitive, but all seem more or less to progress the plot.
May 20, 2019
I am reviewing each book as I read it, even though I am reading them in one volume. Fantastic series. Nathanial is a marine and throughout the story "Hoorah" is yelled in the most odd circumstances, like in the distant past! And Nate even calls the Druid who guides him in the living dreams "Dude" Love it! As the invasion of the planet by the Fair folk begins to become common knowledge, Nate knows there will be a reckoning at some point. Humans as are rule, always have a component of resistance to domination, even in the name of food and shelter.
September 30, 2019
Amazon reviews = author perks.
Can't come up with anything more than what's already been said in the other good reviews. But with author perks dependent on Amazon reviews (Goodreads doesn't count?), I want to support the good Indie authors. Is there a reason authors don't just state this bluntly instead of hinting and asking politely?
I will say that I really enjoyed some of the outright and underlying humor. Ancient tribes doing "OORAH"? And "OO-REE" horn blasts. Came close to outright guffaws at that one.
Can't come up with anything more than what's already been said in the other good reviews. But with author perks dependent on Amazon reviews (Goodreads doesn't count?), I want to support the good Indie authors. Is there a reason authors don't just state this bluntly instead of hinting and asking politely?
I will say that I really enjoyed some of the outright and underlying humor. Ancient tribes doing "OORAH"? And "OO-REE" horn blasts. Came close to outright guffaws at that one.
January 12, 2021
5 Stars
Book 2 has Nathaniel Hogan aka The Forever Man heading north, along the way he stops at an Insane asylum (not to wild about the stew he ate there) neither was he. Later he rescues a young girl who he takes with him meets more people along the way and finally arrives at a farm where he and Tad dispatch the bullies who have taken over. He also finds out why he's called The Forever Man.
Book 2 has Nathaniel Hogan aka The Forever Man heading north, along the way he stops at an Insane asylum (not to wild about the stew he ate there) neither was he. Later he rescues a young girl who he takes with him meets more people along the way and finally arrives at a farm where he and Tad dispatch the bullies who have taken over. He also finds out why he's called The Forever Man.
August 18, 2017
The Forever Man
This series reminds me of Micheal Moorcocks the Eternal Champion. I loved all the interaction between characters, a great storyline and very believable situation the the Forever Man finds himself in. Great blood and guts action, it worth downloading. The first book is a freebie. Fab
This series reminds me of Micheal Moorcocks the Eternal Champion. I loved all the interaction between characters, a great storyline and very believable situation the the Forever Man finds himself in. Great blood and guts action, it worth downloading. The first book is a freebie. Fab
July 23, 2018
The Lights in the Sky
This book two is so well written , that the story could have ended here and the reader would have closed the book and have been satisfied. However, there is more. Once again great writing. The flow is great and there are great twists and turns, and the story is told with the natural humor which life brings, on matter what the situation is.
This book two is so well written , that the story could have ended here and the reader would have closed the book and have been satisfied. However, there is more. Once again great writing. The flow is great and there are great twists and turns, and the story is told with the natural humor which life brings, on matter what the situation is.
August 24, 2017
Unique
Great follow-up to first book, which can the killer in a series. Love the unique mix of present day warriors and technology with with tried and true Tolkien imagery. Recommend to all hard core Science fiction readers. Downloading book three now.
Great follow-up to first book, which can the killer in a series. Love the unique mix of present day warriors and technology with with tried and true Tolkien imagery. Recommend to all hard core Science fiction readers. Downloading book three now.
March 9, 2017
Great read!!
I couldn't wait to read this! It was great! I've spent several lunch hours reading this book, I loved it!
I couldn't wait to read this! It was great! I've spent several lunch hours reading this book, I loved it!
July 19, 2017
Forever
It has kept my attention so far ,but I would think there should be at least 3-4more people with the same or gifted to help the forever man save his world.
It has kept my attention so far ,but I would think there should be at least 3-4more people with the same or gifted to help the forever man save his world.
July 31, 2017
Great stories. Hate that their not all one book though.
August 2, 2017
Great read
I am really enjoying this story very much. I like the Marine and how he views everything. That is what keeps me reading. Ready for The Forever Man 3.
I am really enjoying this story very much. I like the Marine and how he views everything. That is what keeps me reading. Ready for The Forever Man 3.
September 3, 2017
Forever Man
I usually don't read this kind of book, but I find myself enjoying this series very much. Fun to read
I usually don't read this kind of book, but I find myself enjoying this series very much. Fun to read
October 15, 2018
A great tour of upper England and Scotland with fair , ogres goblins and trolls with a few human villains thrown in loved it
November 26, 2018
Interesting story. Unfortunately, suffers from quite a few typos.
February 25, 2019
Entertaining!
Very Interesting and quick lots going on thought out the story a immortal taking adgventation of non-mortals although he's the Hero?
Very Interesting and quick lots going on thought out the story a immortal taking adgventation of non-mortals although he's the Hero?
September 2, 2019
Stop announcing your F'ing rank nobody cares. It's painful.
The book was good except every other page the protagonist had to announce his his rank in he Corp. LAME.
The book was good except every other page the protagonist had to announce his his rank in he Corp. LAME.
October 16, 2019
Really enjoying this series! Glad I found it. Good character development and unique take on the plot.
October 28, 2020
Fun
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
August 11, 2021
3.5 Stars, similar to the first book, if you liked that one, you should like this one.
March 15, 2022
Love this book and series
September 5, 2022
thoroughly enjoyable and action packed
June 12, 2016
Enjoyable book two.
More of an episode than a more traditional story with a beginning, middle, and end. Nathaniel is growing into his power. He travels like a knight errant, and deals with a number of different situations.
Still needs a more thorough proofreading.
If you enjoy the immortal wandering the post apocalyptic world you might like A Man Called Milo Morai. though no magic or alien elves.
More of an episode than a more traditional story with a beginning, middle, and end. Nathaniel is growing into his power. He travels like a knight errant, and deals with a number of different situations.
Still needs a more thorough proofreading.
If you enjoy the immortal wandering the post apocalyptic world you might like A Man Called Milo Morai. though no magic or alien elves.
June 14, 2016
Nice easy read, I finished it in a day. The continuing story of Nathaniel Hogan, after an EMP basically turns out the lights on planet Earth, it's a good mix of what might be, and some good old fashioned science-fantasy. The biggest drawback to the series is that the editing is very poor. I hate to be a 'Debbie Downer', but poor editing, in a day when self-publishing is so easy, has ruined many books for me. This one wasn't ruined, but it is distracting.
November 1, 2016
Fascinating series
A fascinating series. Interesting weaving together of multiple fictional universes with interesting historical events.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The writing can be choppy, and there are more than a few "sound-alike" words substituted for the ones intended. I hope these issues can be resolved in a future revision.
Even with those shortfalls, the plot and interweaving of universes makes this a worthwhile read.
A fascinating series. Interesting weaving together of multiple fictional universes with interesting historical events.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The writing can be choppy, and there are more than a few "sound-alike" words substituted for the ones intended. I hope these issues can be resolved in a future revision.
Even with those shortfalls, the plot and interweaving of universes makes this a worthwhile read.
June 24, 2016
Dystopia at it's finest. A continuing tale of Nat , a US Marine originally stationed in London when the fall out happened. This is his journey to a place that calls to him and his soul. Their is plenty of bad guys, survival and lets not for get the Far-folk, arcs, trolls and by golly there be goblins.
February 22, 2016
Addictive
Ready enjoying this series. Wasn't too sure about the orcs and goblins thing, but am pleased that they add to the story, not detract. Really like the hero. As to the post apocalyptic world, the writer makes it seem very real.
Ready enjoying this series. Wasn't too sure about the orcs and goblins thing, but am pleased that they add to the story, not detract. Really like the hero. As to the post apocalyptic world, the writer makes it seem very real.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews