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

by Olin Lester

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

Reviews

[Kirsten]

so so

Much like book 1, this book is riddled with errors and needs serious editing. Unlike book one, there’s minimal action in this book and it’s much shorter.

This book wasn’t nearly as engrossing as book one, which is a shame, because it really needed to be to make up for the thousands of errors. I sort of wanted to know what happens next, but I’m also not that invested, so I’ll likely break away from this series, at least for now.

[Joseph J]

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.

[jon Sanford]

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

[Terry]

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.

[Jarryd Kalideen]

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.

[Kathy]

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.

[Robin Perryman]

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.

[Darlene]

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.

[Jim DeVinney]

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.

[Chelsea King]

Non-Stop Action

The first book sunk the hooks in and this book drove those hooks even deeper. If you love post-apocalyptic thrillers, then this is the book for you! Def worth the read!

[Anthonette L]

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!

[Phil]

Not a good stand-alone novel, character development and world building suffer. DNF 35%.

[Patricia U]

Loved it, and I know little or nothing about military processes or equipment

[Jeffrey Nelson Reiland]

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.

[Gina Holland]

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.

[David PICKERING]

Gritty believable thriller, well except for the zombies

If you loved wwz then you will love this series, great characters and dialog, the whole series is a cliffhanger