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United States of Z - Book 2: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

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One nation. Millions of dead.


When a viral outbreak turns most of the population into violent, animalistic predators, the agents are activated. Their to navigate the chaos, stop the enemy behind the virus, and save humanity before there’s no one left to save.

One month after the outbreak, Protocol Agent Mark Moon wakes to a nightmare—his men lost and left behind in a city overrun by the infected. Driven by loyalty and haunted by guilt, Moon must return to the very place where the Ares plague first consumed the nation.

Every step brings him closer to the truth—and closer to death. Can he find his men before the virus claims him, too?

Meanwhile, virologist Dr. Ava Carter races against time as the Ares plague spreads like wildfire. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance of a cure that may never come.

Protocol 9: Where loyalty is tested, and survival comes at the highest price.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2025

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About the author

Olin Lester

30 books36 followers

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5 stars
123 (58%)
4 stars
64 (30%)
3 stars
15 (7%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Jarryd Kalideen.
422 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2026
Mediocre. Neither here nor there. Frankly, the storytelling isn't the best here. Leaving aside a few inconsistencies.

This continues 3 weeks after the end of the previous book. The doctor & Moon are suddenly "close friends" yet she really only knew him less than a day.

Once Moon is recovered, his only goal is to reach the museum, although he full well knows that it has been searched by other teams. Even when he comes across the young lady who was with Allman, he insists only going to the museum first instead of reaching Allman. Doesn't make sense whatsoever. Additionally, he knows how the infection is transmitted yet nobody batted an eye when the medic was scratched by the infected kid.

Something else that doesn't make sense is his obsession with going to Brian's house, he was the one who shot the infected kid. So why would he want to come here, and why would Ryan and Co go there & leave a message?

Moving onto book 3 because I want to see if he finds his men before I stop this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathy.
441 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Well, thanks to Mr. Lester I was a bawling, blubbering mess last night reading this book. But, oh my goodness, it is so good. I was up way too late reading while sick ( no regrets ) as I kept saying just one more page. I one more paged till 2 am. This is the second book and it is just as good as first one. If not a bit more in depth with the characters. Moon is my favorite character. I’d want him to lead any military, period!! I truly can’t recommend this book enough. Beautifully written, beautifully edited. I didn’t have to read and read the same paragraph over and over to understand it. If you don’t grab any books, grab this and first one and begin. You won’t be sorry.
915 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2026
This story just keeps getting better. It was scary, exciting and sad. I’m glad that after Moon woke up his focus was on going back for his bros. (Dead or alive) we need to know what happened to them. I like his dedication and loyalty. Just like he was sworn to do, he was able to get others to safety while searching. Everybody won’t make it but he’s not leaving anybody behind. I have a feeling him and the others will run into Vargas again. I also like that the book has a glossary so the readers can have a better understanding. I’m looking forward to Book 3. It’s a good series.
49 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2026
this series is awesome

I read book 1 and 2. Starting on 3. Great writing bringing characters and story alive. If I’m not interested in a book within a few pages then I stop. This one had me from first few pages. Great zombie apocalypse.
39 reviews
March 25, 2026
Young Adult(?)

It's either YA or really bad writing. For ZA/Military is short on tatics, and long on "LOVE You Brother." Arisen Book 4 downloaded yesterday. I should have yeeted this into the sun and finished that book.
13 reviews
December 13, 2025
fast paced and hard to put down!

Excellent reading! Can’t wait to start book3!! You get emotionally connected to these characters and just can’t let them go!
Profile Image for Phil.
570 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2026
Not a good stand-alone novel, character development and world building suffer. DNF 35%.
Profile Image for Joseph J.
10 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
A brilliant followup

This was a fabulous continuation of book one. I still love the characters and the author did a great job helping us learn more about each man.
6 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
Loved it, and I know little or nothing about military processes or equipment
Profile Image for Jeffrey Nelson Reiland.
80 reviews
April 21, 2026
Yowza.

Things are getting interesting, the action is really ramping up. Can’t wait to read book 3 and see if everyone gets back together.
Profile Image for Gina Holland.
2 reviews
April 30, 2026
Loved it!

It is fast paced and really brings you into this world. The characters are likeable and relatable. I would definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for jonathan sanford.
229 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2026
It’s good

This is a good second book in the series. It’s relatively fast paced and keeps the reader engaged. Well worth a read
1 review
May 11, 2026
A "I can't put it down" kind of book and series.

Intense. I am starting book 3 and can't wait to see how this story continues. A good read and storyline.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews