The infected have a cycle—and it’s changing everything. Three months after Captain Dillion Hawkins and Roland Donovan secured the survivors in Tallahassee, the rules of survival are shifting. It was hard enough when the infected only wanted to tear you apart. Now they’re adapting—and with every mutation, the line between humanity and monstrosity grows thinner. But the sane are just as dangerous. A radical change on the planet is fanning the flames of fanaticism. Survivors are fleeing and falling victim to the fanatical demands. Survivors are being forced to choose sides, and whispers of rebellion are echoing through the ranks. With winter closing in and threats pressing from all directions, Dillion and Roland face impossible choices. Which battles are worth fighting—and which lives are worth the cost?
In a world that refuses to stop evolving, survival may no longer be enough.
Shaun S. Fitzgerald grew up in Carson City, Nevada, and served in the Army before settling in Tallahassee, Florida. He writes horror stories, thrillers, and science-fiction, grounding his works in reality with actual experiences from his travels, and stories he accumulated along the way. When he is not writing, he is researching, building terrifying costumes, at the range on some humid Florida range, or spending time with his wife and loyal Doberman.
"Why? Aren't we scared pissless?" why yes, yes I am. This is probably the most intense, graphic, disturbing, heart wrenching book yet in the series. If you pick up this book first you are in for a wild ride and will enjoy it, but you will be missing out so I do recommend reading the first and second books in this series. This series feels like a simulation of what would really go down in a zombie apocalypse, which can be stressful. I nicknamed this book the smelly book, because of some scenes (if you read it, you will know) The factions just keep growing! If it's not one group causing issues, it's another. This is an excellent book to read with friends to discuss theories especially with. . . trying not to give spoilers but you'll be like WTF!? a lot. If ****** dies, we riot! (Censored, you will know who I am talking about once you ready it ;) )
The series goes from strength to strength, with a third book that’s action packed and builds on the unique promise of the first book.
Fitzgerald continues to raise his hooting infected to new heights with developments in this book. Not only are the infected even more disturbing than before, but all those intriguing hints from the first book begin to be developed into something delightfully dark and devastating. It really is a new world our characters find themselves in.
Chris’ character growth is extraordinary. The poor kid is really put through the wringer in this book. I love the addition of his canine companion, Trigger. I had to laugh every time a Doberman was described as a little dog! I would consider them a big dog! Of course, there is the miniature pinscher, but I don’t think that describes Trigger.
There’s so much going on in this book, and all of it is so expertly handled. With so much action, new developments, and different missions, there was a danger that the pacing could be rushed or the character development could take a backseat, but Fitzgerald handles it like a pro. The story weaves through the various complex narratives, keeping the reader glued to each page.
I love the little nods to zombie stories that are sprinkled throughout this series, and this book is no different. If you are a veteran zombie fan, you will spot lots of things that will increase your enjoyment of the books.
My only disappointment is that I will have to wait until next year for the fourth book. It will be an exercise in patience.
If you haven’t started this series, I strong advise you to do so now.
Holy-you-know-what, is that true in the pages of Alone Together: Hostiles!!
The books picks up a few months (ish) from book 2. Roland's team uncovers and proves a horrifying discovery about the infected that the author teased up to this point.. Our survivors try upgrading their situation, and run smack dab into fanatics. This new faction isn't like other books of genre, not just a cult, there is a thing which I can't spoil spurring their success..
Evolution and concepts of rapid adaption are explore which really cements this in sci-fi/fantasy horror.. Humanity under duress stays constant.. I think Fitzgerald upped the ante exploring loss and resilience in this third installment.
I wanted to give this a comparison novel, and for awhile I thought The Remaining might be it, but with how the creatures change, I think The Passage by Cronin might be a better fit..
I appreciate how we learn the about the 'pathogen' with our characters.. There's a smart character that knows a lot, but he's making guesses through this series.. sometimes they get proven right, often they are wrong.. I loved this series before, but book 3 cemented Alone Together for me.
Still trying to piece myself back together after this insane, wild book.
This installment is titled Hostiles, and honestly, that’s an understatement.
Book 3 picks up almost exactly where Book 2 leaves off, easing readers back in with a few quieter moments before absolutely slamming its foot on the gas and never letting up.
The characters are in constant danger, facing one threat after another. In any other story, the pacing might feel relentless, but in the middle of the apocalypse, every quiet moment is just another chance to die.
I was already obsessed with these characters, but this book somehow made me love them even more. It even softened me toward some of the lesser-known characters… just to rip my heart out afterward. And if I thought the villains couldn’t get any more horrifying, well—welcome to Hostiles.
And the virus? Unlike anything I’ve ever read in this genre. No spoilers, but these infected are terrifying.
The action sequences are incredibly tight and well-written. At several points, I felt like I couldn’t breathe or turn the pages fast enough. Every time one conflict ends, another nightmare begins.
Of course, like the best series do, this one leaves so much unresolved. To say I’m desperate for Book 4 would be a massive understatement.
Another banger from Fitzgerald in this military zombie apocalypse book series.
I swear, these books stress me the hell out.
What I appreciate in this series, are the unique takes on the genre. The behaviour of the undead is horrendous and vile (which I'm a big fan of) and the way it's woven with nature is horrifying.
There are some real gems in this world. Good, kind people. Then there are crazy cult leaders, sociopaths and fiends.
All in all - if you're looking for a fun series that'll raise your blood pressure? Check out the Alone Together books.
Hostile doesn't even begin to cover what happens in this book! Fitzgerald's work is always really well written, and the way he writes his characters is very immersive. I feel as if I know all of his characters so well! I loved the plot twists, the ending was frustratingly good, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
In this continuation of the Alone Together saga, much is revealed, and much else remains either hidden or brings new predicaments. We begin to suffer losses here, and our disdain for some past characters is compounded. I'd characterize Hostiles as something akin to The Two Towers, an escalating segue into the continuing journey. Sometimes it is what it is. Other times it's not what we expected.