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Surviving the Dead #5
The Darkest Place
For Caleb Hicks, survival means hiding in plain sight.
Trained from a young age to be a super-soldier, he has worked hard to keep his abilities hidden. But after a disastrous mistake forces him into military service, hiding his skills becomes increasingly difficult. To maintain his cover, he isolates himself, rarely speaking and discussing his past with no one.
Until now.
After finding love in the wake of catastrophe, he will finally reveal the secrets of his childhood, his training, and the tragic events of his life following the Outbreak. Packed with intense action, thrills, and suspense, The Darkest Place is a harrowing tale of love, loss, and survival against all odds.
And ultimately, of the enduring power of hope.
Surviving the Dead series (in order):
No Easy Hope
This Shattered Land
Warrior Within
The Passenger
Fire In Winter
The Darkest Place
Trained from a young age to be a super-soldier, he has worked hard to keep his abilities hidden. But after a disastrous mistake forces him into military service, hiding his skills becomes increasingly difficult. To maintain his cover, he isolates himself, rarely speaking and discussing his past with no one.
Until now.
After finding love in the wake of catastrophe, he will finally reveal the secrets of his childhood, his training, and the tragic events of his life following the Outbreak. Packed with intense action, thrills, and suspense, The Darkest Place is a harrowing tale of love, loss, and survival against all odds.
And ultimately, of the enduring power of hope.
Surviving the Dead series (in order):
No Easy Hope
This Shattered Land
Warrior Within
The Passenger
Fire In Winter
The Darkest Place
591 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2015
187 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
James N. Cook
17 books255 followersJames N. Cook is a martial arts enthusiast, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former cubicle dweller, and the author of the Surviving the Dead series. He hikes, he goes camping, he travels a lot, and he has trouble staying in one spot for very long. He lives in North Carolina.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmLlKf
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 20, 2018
AWESOME!! Refreshing Twist! Soooo GREAT!! 10 STARS!
I cannot gush enough about this 5th book in the series. It has got to be the best one thus far. And —- giving high praise — one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve read in the whole genre. And I’ve been reading military zombie apocalypse books almost exclusively for about four years now!
At first, the twist of focusing on a different character gave me pause. I felt disappointed. Where were my two favorite guys?? Well, I figured, it’s a great series, I’ll just see where it goes...I’m sure Eric and Gabe will show up soon. But — no. The focus on Caleb’s story - WOW!!!!!!! It wasn’t just any story, it was amazing. So incredibly captivating. Action packed. Full of emotion. A whole range of history, from the start of the Outbreak until the current time. The characters— so alive, and I just loved them all. When the entire tale was told, no more to be said..... all I wanted was MORE!! So I hope Caleb can play a large part in upcoming books, and not fade into the background. Now that we know and love him (and Miranda), we’ll be constantly looking for them in the crowd in Hollow Rock, or in a line up of troops.
Don’t miss this read —— 10 STARS!!!! **********
I cannot gush enough about this 5th book in the series. It has got to be the best one thus far. And —- giving high praise — one of the most enjoyable stories I’ve read in the whole genre. And I’ve been reading military zombie apocalypse books almost exclusively for about four years now!
At first, the twist of focusing on a different character gave me pause. I felt disappointed. Where were my two favorite guys?? Well, I figured, it’s a great series, I’ll just see where it goes...I’m sure Eric and Gabe will show up soon. But — no. The focus on Caleb’s story - WOW!!!!!!! It wasn’t just any story, it was amazing. So incredibly captivating. Action packed. Full of emotion. A whole range of history, from the start of the Outbreak until the current time. The characters— so alive, and I just loved them all. When the entire tale was told, no more to be said..... all I wanted was MORE!! So I hope Caleb can play a large part in upcoming books, and not fade into the background. Now that we know and love him (and Miranda), we’ll be constantly looking for them in the crowd in Hollow Rock, or in a line up of troops.
Don’t miss this read —— 10 STARS!!!! **********
March 16, 2015
Another exciting book
I have really enjoyed the series. This isn't just another zombie book thrown together. Somebody actually proofreaders this. And the zombies aren't the story. Well thought out characters throughout the series.
I have really enjoyed the series. This isn't just another zombie book thrown together. Somebody actually proofreaders this. And the zombies aren't the story. Well thought out characters throughout the series.
June 30, 2020
Caleb
A Young soldier we have met, in the previous books, is sharing how he got to be where he is today. After all, more than once, we have seen he shows experience, knowledge on how to deal with the walkers.
Loved his back story. Brought out a lot of emotions and total understanding on who Caleb is and why he knows what he knows.
James N Cook delivers once again an adventure that the reader finds hard to put down until the very last page... only because it is the last page. Keeps having us wanting more.
Enjoy Caleb’s story.
A Young soldier we have met, in the previous books, is sharing how he got to be where he is today. After all, more than once, we have seen he shows experience, knowledge on how to deal with the walkers.
Loved his back story. Brought out a lot of emotions and total understanding on who Caleb is and why he knows what he knows.
James N Cook delivers once again an adventure that the reader finds hard to put down until the very last page... only because it is the last page. Keeps having us wanting more.
Enjoy Caleb’s story.
November 30, 2017
Another.........
...... great book in this James Cook series!!!! This book tells us all about the mysterious Caleb, and what a story it is!!!! I couldn't out it down!!! The action is unbelievable, but believable all the same!!! And it ends with an ending that makes you beg for more!!!! And more!!!! And more!!!! Now, on to 'Savages', the next instalment to this fantastic series!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England.
...... great book in this James Cook series!!!! This book tells us all about the mysterious Caleb, and what a story it is!!!! I couldn't out it down!!! The action is unbelievable, but believable all the same!!! And it ends with an ending that makes you beg for more!!!! And more!!!! And more!!!! Now, on to 'Savages', the next instalment to this fantastic series!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England.
May 23, 2021
As good a back story as any.
I admit that I had taken to hicks and his mystique and was curious. The story of his life flowed out on the pages and was as harrowing as could be expected from the end of the world. Seeing his back story come out and give this character a breath of life was good. I’ll look forward to him hopefully becoming a more center stage character in the story ahead.
I admit that I had taken to hicks and his mystique and was curious. The story of his life flowed out on the pages and was as harrowing as could be expected from the end of the world. Seeing his back story come out and give this character a breath of life was good. I’ll look forward to him hopefully becoming a more center stage character in the story ahead.
July 23, 2018
I enjoyed the story but didn't like the way it was told. If Caleb really was telling it to his girlfriend, he would not have gone into as much detail about certain things and he wouldn't have had to describe weapons and supplies to her like she had no idea what they were (she does run their store and knows the merchandise) That made things a bit awkward.
September 21, 2019
What just happened?
For the first time in this series I'm mad at the author. A few things I figured would happen, but I had hoped they wouldn't. Well written, sir. Well written. If you're just stepping into one of the books in this series, go back and read in order. Out of order shouldn't matter too much, but it helps in knowing the characters. You won't be disappointed.
For the first time in this series I'm mad at the author. A few things I figured would happen, but I had hoped they wouldn't. Well written, sir. Well written. If you're just stepping into one of the books in this series, go back and read in order. Out of order shouldn't matter too much, but it helps in knowing the characters. You won't be disappointed.
April 3, 2023
Excellent Series
This is my first ever post about a series… James Cook is a masterful storyteller, and weaves a storyline as good or better as anyone. Great character development, realistic plots, reasonable tactical scenes and descriptions. Even the sex scenes were good (just enough to know what was going on without resorting to porn). I hope he keeps the series going
This is my first ever post about a series… James Cook is a masterful storyteller, and weaves a storyline as good or better as anyone. Great character development, realistic plots, reasonable tactical scenes and descriptions. Even the sex scenes were good (just enough to know what was going on without resorting to porn). I hope he keeps the series going
January 12, 2018
Awesome series
I read a lot of post apocalyptic books. This series has something different. You really get close to the characters and you learn a few things along the way. Good series.
I read a lot of post apocalyptic books. This series has something different. You really get close to the characters and you learn a few things along the way. Good series.
March 1, 2018
The book is good, but a change in characters was a disappointment
It was great writing and very intertaining, but the change in main characters was a pretty big bummer. The book was slightly predictable. I am anxious to see how this wraps into the rest of the series.
It was great writing and very intertaining, but the change in main characters was a pretty big bummer. The book was slightly predictable. I am anxious to see how this wraps into the rest of the series.
March 30, 2019
Texas Strong
Enjoyed getting to know another new character. Enjoyed the view of the beginnings of the apocalypse from a bad area. Hicks will make a good new member of the team.
Enjoyed getting to know another new character. Enjoyed the view of the beginnings of the apocalypse from a bad area. Hicks will make a good new member of the team.
November 6, 2021
Great read
Highly recommended. Author keeps it fresh by introducing new characters and creating and entire new story line for each of them.
Highly recommended. Author keeps it fresh by introducing new characters and creating and entire new story line for each of them.
June 3, 2023
great Series!
Definitely an great zombie series, but it’s more than that! Their are so many awesome characters and storylines! Can’t wait for the next one!
Definitely an great zombie series, but it’s more than that! Their are so many awesome characters and storylines! Can’t wait for the next one!
October 25, 2024
Disappointed
Wanted to read more about Gabe and Eric's adventures. Not spend the whole novel in Caleb flashback mode. Very disappointing
Wanted to read more about Gabe and Eric's adventures. Not spend the whole novel in Caleb flashback mode. Very disappointing
August 30, 2019
The book is very fabolous.
March 9, 2015
Another really good book by James Cook. This is part of his Surviving the Dead novels. But it's more of a supplemental or side plot then the main plot line. It's expands on an emerging character in the series ; Caleb Hicks. It follows him from before the Outbreak through to the start of the Outbreak to before he ended up in the current plot line. It's provides some important background on things that went on in other parts of the country. And how the country reorganized in Colorado. It's a really well written and the author get's a little darker then in some of his other books. But it's appropriate for the situation. I highly recommend this series and this book
March 2, 2015
One of the best of the series this far
Jim takes a turn from his usual characters in this chapter of the 'Surviving the Dead' series (while some characters play minor parts). I love the fact he gives a different perspective and story from Pre to Post Outbreak, giving more depth to additional characters overall that inhabit Hollow Rock.
Looking forward to the next epic chapter in this fantastic series!
Jim takes a turn from his usual characters in this chapter of the 'Surviving the Dead' series (while some characters play minor parts). I love the fact he gives a different perspective and story from Pre to Post Outbreak, giving more depth to additional characters overall that inhabit Hollow Rock.
Looking forward to the next epic chapter in this fantastic series!
April 1, 2015
Might be the best one yet!
I have read each of the books in this series, always anxiously awaiting the next volume, and this might be the best one so far. Cook's writing was damn near poetic at times and I highlighted a few passages to ensure I remembered them.
The character of Caleb was finally revealed. It is an incredible story and it felt like Cook poured his heart into it. It was a great read! Thank you Jim Cook.
I have read each of the books in this series, always anxiously awaiting the next volume, and this might be the best one so far. Cook's writing was damn near poetic at times and I highlighted a few passages to ensure I remembered them.
The character of Caleb was finally revealed. It is an incredible story and it felt like Cook poured his heart into it. It was a great read! Thank you Jim Cook.
June 22, 2015
Wanted to go back a couple books to refresh memory on the characters and politics including what all was going on last time I was listening to this series.
The series switches from Gabe and Eric to Eric's friend Caleb Hicks and his father. A great extension to the series continuing the author's excellent cast of characters. According to epilog there is another book coming "Savages". I look forward to it.
The series switches from Gabe and Eric to Eric's friend Caleb Hicks and his father. A great extension to the series continuing the author's excellent cast of characters. According to epilog there is another book coming "Savages". I look forward to it.
February 24, 2015
Excellent story, and awesome look at the world after a life changing event,l
I often find it irritating when the author does back story telling. Mainly because it's so hard to do. But in this case, the writer does an amazing job! This is by far one of the best apocalypse survival stories I've ever read. Highly recommended!!
I often find it irritating when the author does back story telling. Mainly because it's so hard to do. But in this case, the writer does an amazing job! This is by far one of the best apocalypse survival stories I've ever read. Highly recommended!!
April 3, 2015
Worthy
First, this book is long like a novel, not a short e-book. Second, this book did not have a lot of action which is what I usually like in zombie novels. Third, what made this book good was the story about how Hicks becomes the man he is and winds up in Tennessee. The Darkest Place is a good character driven novel and worth your time.
First, this book is long like a novel, not a short e-book. Second, this book did not have a lot of action which is what I usually like in zombie novels. Third, what made this book good was the story about how Hicks becomes the man he is and winds up in Tennessee. The Darkest Place is a good character driven novel and worth your time.
May 27, 2015
Another awesome book by Mr. Jim (don't call me James) Cook!
This is one of my favorite series. Jim is just a darn good story teller. Although this book delves a little deeper into the dark side of human loss, the story still comes alive in your head, as you follow Caleb through the outbreak. Highly recommend this book and series.
This is one of my favorite series. Jim is just a darn good story teller. Although this book delves a little deeper into the dark side of human loss, the story still comes alive in your head, as you follow Caleb through the outbreak. Highly recommend this book and series.
June 21, 2015
Everything I look for
I read this book fast, I ignored all things I should have done. I loved it, it had all the parts I look for in an apocalypse/survival story. I have read a lot of this genre and this rates a top of the list for me. I am opening another to while away a rainy Sunday.
Get it, read it, well defined characters, edited beautifully, the story flows perfectly.
I read this book fast, I ignored all things I should have done. I loved it, it had all the parts I look for in an apocalypse/survival story. I have read a lot of this genre and this rates a top of the list for me. I am opening another to while away a rainy Sunday.
Get it, read it, well defined characters, edited beautifully, the story flows perfectly.
April 27, 2015
Awesome
I would recommend this book or the series to everyone. I loved it! I bought it awhile ago, don't know why I just got around to reading it but I stayed up 2 nights till 4 in the morning finishing it!! Buy them you won't be disappointed!!
I would recommend this book or the series to everyone. I loved it! I bought it awhile ago, don't know why I just got around to reading it but I stayed up 2 nights till 4 in the morning finishing it!! Buy them you won't be disappointed!!
May 19, 2015
Another survivor's experience in the STD universe
We get to experience the Outbreak from another person's point of view and a little understanding of life back in Colorado Springs. Not so rosy.
We get to experience the Outbreak from another person's point of view and a little understanding of life back in Colorado Springs. Not so rosy.
October 31, 2015
Back stories of survival
In this series are some back stories of personal survival. In this book it's Hicks turn, as he opens up to his friend and lover, recalling his struggle during the Zombie outbreak. The different perspectives bring new life to the series.
In this series are some back stories of personal survival. In this book it's Hicks turn, as he opens up to his friend and lover, recalling his struggle during the Zombie outbreak. The different perspectives bring new life to the series.
May 16, 2016
Something missing
I missed the characters of Gabriel and Eric in this book but as always, the story was both sad and thought provoking. I would highly recommend this series and the author.
I missed the characters of Gabriel and Eric in this book but as always, the story was both sad and thought provoking. I would highly recommend this series and the author.
May 25, 2016
This series is most definitely one of my top 5 zombie books. Oh no that ending has me biting my nails yelling at my computer. I loved finding out what happened with Caleb it was a very touching story and made me cry lots of times. I am really looking forward to listening to the next book.
July 21, 2016
Mr. Cook is a great storyteller! While this tale was not as riveting as the previous books in the series, it was still well crafted with interesting characters that the reader can care about and he gives enough detail to paint a vivid picture without boring the reader to tears.
June 7, 2015
Great catch up story
Great catch up story on how the rest of the world saw the apocalypse unfolding. Great lead into book 5.
Great catch up story on how the rest of the world saw the apocalypse unfolding. Great lead into book 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews