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The Infected #1
Jim's First Day
On a day like any other, Jim Blackmore finds himself at ground zero of the zombie apocalypse. He is forced
to run a blood-soaked gauntlet through a city overrun by an insurmountable horde of the dead in a desperate attempt to reach his wife and two small children. As he fights to get home he discovers that the living are just as dangerous as the dead. But does Jim have the strength of will to survive the perilous journey?
New sneak peek of Joseph Zuko's up coming novel.A few chapters from Sweet Home has been added to the end of this book. Read on to check out the next level of horror in the Zuko catalog.
tags: Zombie Apocalypse, zombie, zombies, Zombie Camp 17, zombie novel, zombie fiction, zombie books, horror, horror books, horror fiction
to run a blood-soaked gauntlet through a city overrun by an insurmountable horde of the dead in a desperate attempt to reach his wife and two small children. As he fights to get home he discovers that the living are just as dangerous as the dead. But does Jim have the strength of will to survive the perilous journey?
New sneak peek of Joseph Zuko's up coming novel.A few chapters from Sweet Home has been added to the end of this book. Read on to check out the next level of horror in the Zuko catalog.
tags: Zombie Apocalypse, zombie, zombies, Zombie Camp 17, zombie novel, zombie fiction, zombie books, horror, horror books, horror fiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2015
306 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Zuko
16 books60 followersJoseph Zuko lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and daughters. The Infected: Jim's First Day was his first novel. He recently released the final chapter in The Infected Series. When he is not writing horror fiction he spends his free time with his family, playing barbies with his girls and getting ready for the next Spartan Race.
Joseph now has 8 books in The Infected series and one stand-alone horror fiction novel, Sweet Home. Sweet Home is a break from zombies to pursue a few serial killers. Make sure to find Zuko on Facebook and stay in the loop.
https://www.facebook.com/JosephZombie...
Joseph now has 8 books in The Infected series and one stand-alone horror fiction novel, Sweet Home. Sweet Home is a break from zombies to pursue a few serial killers. Make sure to find Zuko on Facebook and stay in the loop.
https://www.facebook.com/JosephZombie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 4, 2019
I wasn't a great fan of Jim to be honest. He was a bit childish and behaves more like a teenager than a father. His insistance that hi-fives are superior to fist bumps and the fact he does a H5 after sex is something I don't need to know when zombies are attacking! He then gets turned on during the crisis by messing about with a fire extinguisher after telling the reader it has sexual connotations, zones out on the phone while customers are talking to him yet moans that his friend Sam gets more sales, inappropriate comments about strippers and breasts constantly, talking down to his new friend Devon. I get he is supposed to be funny but I just found him really irritating. Devon was a much more interesting character as was Sam but instead Jim gets the starring role. Still, I didn't hate him and it didn't stop me reading, which is a positive.
Putting aside Jim's stupidity, it's not a bad zombie book overall. The real problem with the book is that there is too much action crammed into the journey and every minute Jim meets a new disaster. Helicopter crash, fire at his work, escape from work, zombies kill his friends, multiple car crashes, mugged, held up at gunpoint, captured by religious zealots, chased by countless strippers/kids/old people, attacked by zombie cows, exploding bridges, trapped in various buildings, boat crash, car shot at, mad rapists, Jim's multiple injuries...all in the space of a couple of hours. I felt that too much was being crammed in with one crisis after another on every page, leaving the reader no chance to take it all in. I like action packed zombie books but even this was too much for me. It would've been nice to have a few tension build ups between each thing happening instead of a mad rollercoaster that is jammed on full speed. I lost count of how many car crashes there were. Maybe Jim should let someone else drive! I felt that character development was sacrificed for action but just went a bit too far. Had these events been spaced over days, it might work better. It's a decent enough book, inventive situations, some good zombie moments, good supporting characters. It just lacks a bit of tension and pacing. It was a decent read but not enough for me to read on with the series.
Putting aside Jim's stupidity, it's not a bad zombie book overall. The real problem with the book is that there is too much action crammed into the journey and every minute Jim meets a new disaster. Helicopter crash, fire at his work, escape from work, zombies kill his friends, multiple car crashes, mugged, held up at gunpoint, captured by religious zealots, chased by countless strippers/kids/old people, attacked by zombie cows, exploding bridges, trapped in various buildings, boat crash, car shot at, mad rapists, Jim's multiple injuries...all in the space of a couple of hours. I felt that too much was being crammed in with one crisis after another on every page, leaving the reader no chance to take it all in. I like action packed zombie books but even this was too much for me. It would've been nice to have a few tension build ups between each thing happening instead of a mad rollercoaster that is jammed on full speed. I lost count of how many car crashes there were. Maybe Jim should let someone else drive! I felt that character development was sacrificed for action but just went a bit too far. Had these events been spaced over days, it might work better. It's a decent enough book, inventive situations, some good zombie moments, good supporting characters. It just lacks a bit of tension and pacing. It was a decent read but not enough for me to read on with the series.
July 30, 2015
Very funny zombie story, the plot was good but too much action for my taste....
March 9, 2015
This book is the very definition of non-stop action. There's hardly a spot for the reader to catch their breath. My only complaint would be that it ended in an unwelcome spot. But it could be that each book in the series will cover a single day in the zombie apocalypse?
March 5, 2015
Kept me on the edge of my seat.. Really enjoyed it. The end is a cliffhanger of course since this is book one. This is the first zombie book I've read in awhile that I had a hard time putting down.
June 3, 2020
What a day for Jim
Boy what a day it has been for Jim. Never ending action with the infected all around Jim and his group. I sit here rooting for Jim to get to his final destination, only to scream because his journey is not over. If you love action and zombies and rooting for the average Jim, you'll enjoy this series.
Boy what a day it has been for Jim. Never ending action with the infected all around Jim and his group. I sit here rooting for Jim to get to his final destination, only to scream because his journey is not over. If you love action and zombies and rooting for the average Jim, you'll enjoy this series.
July 20, 2019
Great zompoc story. Couldn’t put it down. Very well written, fast paced, great character development.
April 12, 2020
I read 75% of this book a couple weeks ago and kept reminding myself to leave a review that I didn't even finish the book and now that I'm here I can't remember why I didn't like the book. I guess maybe that's why, I don't really remember anything about it... I remember not liking Jim. He was immature and annoying. I eventually grew bored and didn't even bother finishing the book. I read a lot of zompoc and this one just didn't measure up.
March 29, 2018
Action packed thrill ride
Action-packed through right now. The zombie apocalypse that starts a bit mild manner but within minutes turns into an all out sprint to escape. The world is imploding and zombies are coming. A group of people try to escape and make it to safety. Some will make it some won’t others will join The group but the action never stops. Join in on the experience and find out what happens
Action-packed through right now. The zombie apocalypse that starts a bit mild manner but within minutes turns into an all out sprint to escape. The world is imploding and zombies are coming. A group of people try to escape and make it to safety. Some will make it some won’t others will join The group but the action never stops. Join in on the experience and find out what happens
February 22, 2015
Very good beginning...
Enjoyed this book...when will there be another? I don't like serials much because it takes so long for the next one to come out...but I'm interested enough in this story to look for it...
Enjoyed this book...when will there be another? I don't like serials much because it takes so long for the next one to come out...but I'm interested enough in this story to look for it...
December 9, 2019
Non Stop
This book is a rush. Non stop action. Great characters and scene development throughout. Don't start before you go to bed or you will lose sleep.
This book is a rush. Non stop action. Great characters and scene development throughout. Don't start before you go to bed or you will lose sleep.
October 18, 2018
So, my husband is always purchasing audiobooks and his list was growing and growing. Unfortunately, my audiobook list was nil. After perusing his list, I came across this story. Who doesn’t love anything zombie related? I mean seriously! Needless to say, this was a fast-paced, entertaining zombie story. Please tell there will be a part 2?!
My biggest issue with this story was the repetition when it came to certain scenes. By repetition, I mean the author used certain words…repeatedly. When a word is used multiple times in a small area (as the examples below show), it stands out to me like a sore thumb.
For example:
“Slide down next to me, I signal to Evan (was it Evan or Devin?). Frank and Sarah help him move slowly down to me. I help prop him up next to me.”
Or this one:
“Evan lifts up the door. A set of busted up arms reaches under the door and grabs Evan by the shins. He squeals and let’s go of the door. It crashes down on the arms. Another set of fingers reaches under the door. They lift up the door, and it comes to a stop at the wrench.”
Regarding the above example, it also shows redundancy as well as repetition. Redundancy is when you use two or more words (usually two words meaning the same thing). In this case, it’s “lifts” and “up.” Both words basically mean up, so there was no reason to include the “up” part. “Evan lifts the door.” Just saying.
On a side note, I didn’t know that this was the author’s first book, so kudos for writing as well as you did, overall! To me, it’s usually pretty obvious when it’s an author’s first book, but not so in this case.
I was a big fan of Frank. For an older guy, he was definitely bad-ass! I also liked the little backstories that Jim provided.
The narrator did a good job. This was the first book I’ve heard him read and I’d definitely be interested in hearing more from him. He provided a variety of voices, so it was easy to tell which character was speaking, and he had that natural talking-voice that I feel should be required when narrating.
Questions/Comments:
I couldn’t help but notice how long it seemed to take the dead sporting goods employees to come back to life when for everyone else it seemed to be pretty much within seconds of death.
I forgot the lady’s name, but she ended up joining the Jim and the gang for a bit before she ended up changing into a zombie herself. Now…neither her nor her husband owned a car. 1. When did her husband get bitten by a zombie? 2. Where did her husband get the car he crashed in? 3. How did she not know something was going on—zombies?
Jim ends up injuring his calf after he falls out the farmhouse window. For whatever reason, his calf is only mentioned that first time; afterward, everyone refers to it as his ankle. Strange. Anyways,
Jim has a sore…leg that ended up needing stitches and obviously hurts since he has mentioned it hurting, being sore, multiple times. So…why does he think it a good idea to kick the apartment door down? That just seemed stupid to me.
Lastly, when climbing up to Jim’s neighbor’s apartment, why in the world did everyone leave Evan for last? I mean, he’s the most injured!
In the end, this was a good story, and I hope the author writes more.
My biggest issue with this story was the repetition when it came to certain scenes. By repetition, I mean the author used certain words…repeatedly. When a word is used multiple times in a small area (as the examples below show), it stands out to me like a sore thumb.
For example:
“Slide down next to me, I signal to Evan (was it Evan or Devin?). Frank and Sarah help him move slowly down to me. I help prop him up next to me.”
Or this one:
“Evan lifts up the door. A set of busted up arms reaches under the door and grabs Evan by the shins. He squeals and let’s go of the door. It crashes down on the arms. Another set of fingers reaches under the door. They lift up the door, and it comes to a stop at the wrench.”
Regarding the above example, it also shows redundancy as well as repetition. Redundancy is when you use two or more words (usually two words meaning the same thing). In this case, it’s “lifts” and “up.” Both words basically mean up, so there was no reason to include the “up” part. “Evan lifts the door.” Just saying.
On a side note, I didn’t know that this was the author’s first book, so kudos for writing as well as you did, overall! To me, it’s usually pretty obvious when it’s an author’s first book, but not so in this case.
I was a big fan of Frank. For an older guy, he was definitely bad-ass! I also liked the little backstories that Jim provided.
The narrator did a good job. This was the first book I’ve heard him read and I’d definitely be interested in hearing more from him. He provided a variety of voices, so it was easy to tell which character was speaking, and he had that natural talking-voice that I feel should be required when narrating.
Questions/Comments:
I couldn’t help but notice how long it seemed to take the dead sporting goods employees to come back to life when for everyone else it seemed to be pretty much within seconds of death.
I forgot the lady’s name, but she ended up joining the Jim and the gang for a bit before she ended up changing into a zombie herself. Now…neither her nor her husband owned a car. 1. When did her husband get bitten by a zombie? 2. Where did her husband get the car he crashed in? 3. How did she not know something was going on—zombies?
Jim ends up injuring his calf after he falls out the farmhouse window. For whatever reason, his calf is only mentioned that first time; afterward, everyone refers to it as his ankle. Strange. Anyways,
Jim has a sore…leg that ended up needing stitches and obviously hurts since he has mentioned it hurting, being sore, multiple times. So…why does he think it a good idea to kick the apartment door down? That just seemed stupid to me.
Lastly, when climbing up to Jim’s neighbor’s apartment, why in the world did everyone leave Evan for last? I mean, he’s the most injured!
In the end, this was a good story, and I hope the author writes more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2019
I got this book for free from a Bookbub deal. I feel this book reads better than World War Z!
For starters, I get so many emails of Bookbub deals (which I subscribed to willingly) and now have dozens of ebooks to read. Often, free books sucker me in, and they sit on my shelf, waiting, unopened. I feel like I assign each book subconscious value based on how much I originally pay for it.
So for once, I feel like this was a book of tremendous value.
Yes, the first two chapters are really slow, and cover the main character Jim's ordinary life as some sort of clerk in an office job. I kind of skimmed through Chapter 2. But at the end, boom! The action begins.
Chapter 3 was decent, but it wasn't until Jim started running all over the city trying to reach his wife, crashing multiple cars, while fighting through hordes of zombie humans of different occupations and ages, as well as zombie animals, that I really began to appreciate Joseph Zuko's writing style.
To be clear, there are many typos in this book. I counted between 30-50 typos. But since this was Joseph Zuko's first book, and the combat and characters were so gripping, I easily ignored the typos. They didn't really detract from the story. The pacing after Chapter 2 was actually great. The action and dialogue moved along very quickly yet didn't feel rushed.
Many zombie books that I've read had really slow pacing. Other zombie series, like The Walking Dead, only showed life after the zombie apocalypse started. This, however, is different. You get to see the zombie apocalypse unfold on day one.
And it's every bit as gruesome and sad as you'd expect it to be. If you don't like a realistic zombie book, then this book isn't for you.
The main character, Jim (I keep getting Jim Dattilo, author of Zombie Exodus, and Jim, the MC of this story, as well as Joseph Zuko, the author, mixed up, since their names all start with "J", haha), is a good hero. He really tries to help other people, even though there were times when he couldn't do so. As I'm reading, I can really get a sense of how chaotic the city has become.
I will note it seems there's a religious villain in this series, and I find that a little cliche. Still, if you can ignore that and liked The Walking Dead or books with good action, story, and characters, then this book is for you.
For starters, I get so many emails of Bookbub deals (which I subscribed to willingly) and now have dozens of ebooks to read. Often, free books sucker me in, and they sit on my shelf, waiting, unopened. I feel like I assign each book subconscious value based on how much I originally pay for it.
So for once, I feel like this was a book of tremendous value.
Yes, the first two chapters are really slow, and cover the main character Jim's ordinary life as some sort of clerk in an office job. I kind of skimmed through Chapter 2. But at the end, boom! The action begins.
Chapter 3 was decent, but it wasn't until Jim started running all over the city trying to reach his wife, crashing multiple cars, while fighting through hordes of zombie humans of different occupations and ages, as well as zombie animals, that I really began to appreciate Joseph Zuko's writing style.
To be clear, there are many typos in this book. I counted between 30-50 typos. But since this was Joseph Zuko's first book, and the combat and characters were so gripping, I easily ignored the typos. They didn't really detract from the story. The pacing after Chapter 2 was actually great. The action and dialogue moved along very quickly yet didn't feel rushed.
Many zombie books that I've read had really slow pacing. Other zombie series, like The Walking Dead, only showed life after the zombie apocalypse started. This, however, is different. You get to see the zombie apocalypse unfold on day one.
And it's every bit as gruesome and sad as you'd expect it to be. If you don't like a realistic zombie book, then this book isn't for you.
The main character, Jim (I keep getting Jim Dattilo, author of Zombie Exodus, and Jim, the MC of this story, as well as Joseph Zuko, the author, mixed up, since their names all start with "J", haha), is a good hero. He really tries to help other people, even though there were times when he couldn't do so. As I'm reading, I can really get a sense of how chaotic the city has become.
I will note it seems there's a religious villain in this series, and I find that a little cliche. Still, if you can ignore that and liked The Walking Dead or books with good action, story, and characters, then this book is for you.
February 27, 2020
A very entertaining read. The story follows everyman, Jim Blackmore, on the first day of the end of times. Jim is at work, selling domestic appliances, surrounded by high-achieving salesmen, chaps who never gain weight and a young fella who continually calls him ‘dude’, an endearment he’s hardly attached to. Jim has the usual gripes in his life. However, the work day is brought to an abrupt end when a helicopter crashes into a building, signalling the beginning of the zombie apocalypse.
So ensues Jim’s desperate journey, with a small ragtag collection of strangers, across Portland and into Vancouver, to locate and rescue his wife and two small children. There are zombies at every turn and, with the authorities unable to cope, even the healthy are becoming dangerous. It’s not that people are inherently bad, it’s just that the normal rules don’t seem to apply.
This was my first encounter with Joseph Zuko’s writing. The story is action-packed, grizzly and humorous and I really enjoyed it. As a zombie story, there are plenty of descriptions of goo and gore, which he conveys really well.
If you’re not a fan of the ick factor, now’s the time to stop reading.
“A dark figure moved within the fire. It stepped from the wreckage. Skin dripped from its body as it shuffled from the flames."
Chapter Three, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko
“The bulk of the infected man crushed Jim against the hood of the car. The thing’s flannel shirt was torn, exposing a tremendous wound to its chest. Stomach fat dripped from the slashed skin and oozed to the asphalt.”
Chapter Twelve, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko
The only downside, for me, were the changes from past to present tense, clearly accidental, but I found them rather distracting. For example, “The trunk was crushed shut. Jim drove the tips of his fingers into the folded metal and pulled, but it is stuck.”
Chapter Five, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko.
There were a fair few instances of this kind of tense-shift. However, the story and the characters were well-drawn and exciting, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
If you like zombie stories, this is for you.
So ensues Jim’s desperate journey, with a small ragtag collection of strangers, across Portland and into Vancouver, to locate and rescue his wife and two small children. There are zombies at every turn and, with the authorities unable to cope, even the healthy are becoming dangerous. It’s not that people are inherently bad, it’s just that the normal rules don’t seem to apply.
This was my first encounter with Joseph Zuko’s writing. The story is action-packed, grizzly and humorous and I really enjoyed it. As a zombie story, there are plenty of descriptions of goo and gore, which he conveys really well.
If you’re not a fan of the ick factor, now’s the time to stop reading.
“A dark figure moved within the fire. It stepped from the wreckage. Skin dripped from its body as it shuffled from the flames."
Chapter Three, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko
“The bulk of the infected man crushed Jim against the hood of the car. The thing’s flannel shirt was torn, exposing a tremendous wound to its chest. Stomach fat dripped from the slashed skin and oozed to the asphalt.”
Chapter Twelve, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko
The only downside, for me, were the changes from past to present tense, clearly accidental, but I found them rather distracting. For example, “The trunk was crushed shut. Jim drove the tips of his fingers into the folded metal and pulled, but it is stuck.”
Chapter Five, Jim’s First Day (The Infected #1) by Joseph Zuko.
There were a fair few instances of this kind of tense-shift. However, the story and the characters were well-drawn and exciting, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
If you like zombie stories, this is for you.
December 20, 2019
I found this book enjoyable and actually without any flaws. Readers should be aware that the author pulls no punches and descriptions of the events taking place leave nothing to the imagination; many are morbid depictions. I also found situations unique within this book as hordes of "old folks" and "school children" joined the ranks as zombies, relentlessly attacking the protagonist and his group. Any hesitation on their parts to destroy them would cause the survivors to be overrun.
Jim is at work across town when the zombie infection begins. He immediately thinks about his wife and two kids and sets out to rejoin his family. Coworkers join him on his quest and all but one survives the initial hour. Other characters join the two men en route - some die at the hands of zombies - others survive and continue on with Jim. There are no breathers and the action is non-stop.
The entire book covers Jim's first day and he eventually reaches his home - they are all wounded and have barely survived the trek. They find that one of the apartment tenants has blockaded the building to protect his family - they rescue Jim and his motley crew - just barely, from the outreached hands of zombies. Is his family safe? Did they reach them in time? You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
Jim is at work across town when the zombie infection begins. He immediately thinks about his wife and two kids and sets out to rejoin his family. Coworkers join him on his quest and all but one survives the initial hour. Other characters join the two men en route - some die at the hands of zombies - others survive and continue on with Jim. There are no breathers and the action is non-stop.
The entire book covers Jim's first day and he eventually reaches his home - they are all wounded and have barely survived the trek. They find that one of the apartment tenants has blockaded the building to protect his family - they rescue Jim and his motley crew - just barely, from the outreached hands of zombies. Is his family safe? Did they reach them in time? You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
September 1, 2019
I totally fell in love with this series on book #1. I spent a lot of time vacillating between snort-giggles and EWWW. This is a very fast paced book with plenty of action and humor.
Comedic thoughts, that Jim had, kept me entertained, as I have the same dark sense of humor and would also suffer from trying to frantically make hard decisions in impossible situations. All this guy wants is to make it home to his wife and daughters as the world goes to hell around him.
Along the way he meets up with several other individuals who also bring light laughter and dark moments.
Meet the everyday guy who wants to help everyone he sees and who can't help his wayward what the "F" thoughts.
This story is told in multiple POV, which I enjoyed. But is primarily from Jim's POV. For the most part l thought these POV changes were clearly defined, but there were a few times I had to go back and reread the previous page, in order to get on the "same page". Ha! There were just a few errors requiring some editing, but not enough time really throw me out of the story. I look forward to reading the rest of the 7 book series.
Comedic thoughts, that Jim had, kept me entertained, as I have the same dark sense of humor and would also suffer from trying to frantically make hard decisions in impossible situations. All this guy wants is to make it home to his wife and daughters as the world goes to hell around him.
Along the way he meets up with several other individuals who also bring light laughter and dark moments.
Meet the everyday guy who wants to help everyone he sees and who can't help his wayward what the "F" thoughts.
This story is told in multiple POV, which I enjoyed. But is primarily from Jim's POV. For the most part l thought these POV changes were clearly defined, but there were a few times I had to go back and reread the previous page, in order to get on the "same page". Ha! There were just a few errors requiring some editing, but not enough time really throw me out of the story. I look forward to reading the rest of the 7 book series.
September 26, 2021
Wow! I just finished this book and I'm kind of numb. I've watched zombie moves before, but this was my first zombie novel and I have to say it was very hard to put down. In fact, I read it in one day, which is very unusual for me. As a note, however, it was shorter than my usual books as well -- which was a mercy since the bloody action and tension was so unrelenting. After the first chapter which sets up the normal lives of Jim, his wife Karen and their two very young daughters, and also meeting Jim's co-workers at the appliance store where he worked, the action was non-stop. Another note, even though the story ended at a fairly good place, the book is #1 in a series and you don't find out all about everything until you continue reading - something I have not done and I'm not sure if I will. The unrelenting tension (and gory details) is a bit draining and I'm not sure I want to put myself through that anytime soon. Even so, I would say, the book is very good for the zombie genre. There is some bad language in the book.
June 21, 2020
TW: LOTS of child death in this book.
I wish I had known about all the child death, I felt like it was every chapter. As a fan of horror and zombie movies I understand that children would be affected by the fail of society, but address it and move on at some point, you know? Otherwise, this book was one of the best freebies I've gotten that has zombies as the main protagonist. This books lays out a lot of ground work for more books and you really root for the main characters to get to their destination throughout the book. A lot of it seemed realistic while some of it was hard to follow and visualize. 4 stars seems almost too high of a rating, but I think 3 stars would make people think it wasn't worth reading. I enjoyed this book and it was a quick and easy read. Perfect for summer or "escaping" when you're avoiding your own plague outside.
I wish I had known about all the child death, I felt like it was every chapter. As a fan of horror and zombie movies I understand that children would be affected by the fail of society, but address it and move on at some point, you know? Otherwise, this book was one of the best freebies I've gotten that has zombies as the main protagonist. This books lays out a lot of ground work for more books and you really root for the main characters to get to their destination throughout the book. A lot of it seemed realistic while some of it was hard to follow and visualize. 4 stars seems almost too high of a rating, but I think 3 stars would make people think it wasn't worth reading. I enjoyed this book and it was a quick and easy read. Perfect for summer or "escaping" when you're avoiding your own plague outside.
March 18, 2018
Fast action fun read
I'm impressed that this is Joseph Zuko's first book. It had a great flow and good balance of zombie action and plot. This is a classic zombie novel, which is my favorite type. The only deviation is that animals can turn as well. At least mammals so far. Which I always think seems problematic and makes me wonder, can a zombie bird still fly? Jim is a slightly self-depreciating, funny character that is easy to like. The supporting characters are a good balance and not to cliche. This book reminds me of Mark Tufo's Zombie Fallout series. Although Jim is not quite as badass as Mike Talbot. I'm hoping to see the character develop more in that direction. I am looking forward to the next book! It is a quick read and definitely worth picking up.
I'm impressed that this is Joseph Zuko's first book. It had a great flow and good balance of zombie action and plot. This is a classic zombie novel, which is my favorite type. The only deviation is that animals can turn as well. At least mammals so far. Which I always think seems problematic and makes me wonder, can a zombie bird still fly? Jim is a slightly self-depreciating, funny character that is easy to like. The supporting characters are a good balance and not to cliche. This book reminds me of Mark Tufo's Zombie Fallout series. Although Jim is not quite as badass as Mike Talbot. I'm hoping to see the character develop more in that direction. I am looking forward to the next book! It is a quick read and definitely worth picking up.
February 12, 2020
What a day.
Wow. What a day. Jim is dealing with the first day of a zombie apocalypse. While trying to get from his job to his home (worrying about the safety of his wife & kids the whole time) he deals with a ton of zombies while also trying to avoid bad people & help friends he picks up along the way. This book takes off with craziness within the first few minutes of reading it & keeps you entertained until the end. This is my first book I’ve read from this author & I look forward to reading more from him. It’s a good book, but don’t take my word for it....READ IT!
Wow. What a day. Jim is dealing with the first day of a zombie apocalypse. While trying to get from his job to his home (worrying about the safety of his wife & kids the whole time) he deals with a ton of zombies while also trying to avoid bad people & help friends he picks up along the way. This book takes off with craziness within the first few minutes of reading it & keeps you entertained until the end. This is my first book I’ve read from this author & I look forward to reading more from him. It’s a good book, but don’t take my word for it....READ IT!
February 22, 2020
I was a First Read Winner of this book and it was nonstop action and suspense. The book grabbed my attention right from the beginning and I went along for a crazy ride. Even though it never really explained how the Infection started, it was an entertaining read. I would have liked to get to know some of the characters better, but I am sure that will probably happen in future books? It did end on a cliffhanger, something I am usually not to fond off, but somehow I did not mind so much since I want to know what will happen next.
October 23, 2020
Love this series. Writing this after listening to the first 5 books. Starting 6 today.
The characters are just your every day people. You get an almost minute by minute play out of the first day of the zombie outbreak. The action is nonstop. I wonder how these guys keep going! I would have collapsed from sheer exhaustion. The will to survive and get home to your family would be a huge reason to keep going. Jim proved this!
Steve Rausch did an amazing job narrating.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
The characters are just your every day people. You get an almost minute by minute play out of the first day of the zombie outbreak. The action is nonstop. I wonder how these guys keep going! I would have collapsed from sheer exhaustion. The will to survive and get home to your family would be a huge reason to keep going. Jim proved this!
Steve Rausch did an amazing job narrating.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
September 6, 2023
This was a fun start to a zombie apocalypse romp, made more fun for me since the setting is right in the region I live. I could visually identify all the locations quite easily. Zuko has created zombies that are fast and furious, and in this book he doesn’t worry about the why or wherefore - this just the experience of “Jim” as the crap hits the fan as a ZA breaks out. It’s intense, stressful, and dangerous - but even in the midst of that, we get to know and value Jim and his companions. Though, maybe don’t get too attached - people seem to have a penchant for dying…
September 8, 2017
Omg, crazy good!
I don't really like zombie books, movies, or shows, but this was just awesome! Jim is a fairly ordinary guy that does some incredible things. The book is oddly funny, creeptastic and at times gruesome. It also shows what humans will do to stay alive. I felt so, so sorry for Calvin. You meet a whole host of characters, though many are short lived (ha ha). Some are scary and some are just weird. I highly recommend this book. I have to get Karen's book next!
I don't really like zombie books, movies, or shows, but this was just awesome! Jim is a fairly ordinary guy that does some incredible things. The book is oddly funny, creeptastic and at times gruesome. It also shows what humans will do to stay alive. I felt so, so sorry for Calvin. You meet a whole host of characters, though many are short lived (ha ha). Some are scary and some are just weird. I highly recommend this book. I have to get Karen's book next!
January 1, 2019
Good read
It was great story. We follow jim and few other people who joined up with jim to get back home. This infection outbreak has me a little confused because people was turning without being bite or anything. I hope we get more clear picture on how and why about the infection later on about it. But other than that it's packed full of action with zombie killing and problems at every turn they make.
It was great story. We follow jim and few other people who joined up with jim to get back home. This infection outbreak has me a little confused because people was turning without being bite or anything. I hope we get more clear picture on how and why about the infection later on about it. But other than that it's packed full of action with zombie killing and problems at every turn they make.
June 3, 2020
I won this book (Kindle version) for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, it moved quickly, the characters were interesting and well thought out, the scenery was appropriate and added depth to the story. This book just made me want to read more from this author. I will be picking up the next in the series very soon. If you are a zombie fan, or just enjoy a good study of humanity then this is one for you.
I really enjoyed this book, it moved quickly, the characters were interesting and well thought out, the scenery was appropriate and added depth to the story. This book just made me want to read more from this author. I will be picking up the next in the series very soon. If you are a zombie fan, or just enjoy a good study of humanity then this is one for you.
April 2, 2019
Never ending Carnage
This is a very fast paced book from the first chapter to the last it never gives you time to breathe,the characters are engaging and interesting and by the end of the book you care for them,everything bad that can happen does,this is a Zombie Horror thrill ride not to be missed
This is a very fast paced book from the first chapter to the last it never gives you time to breathe,the characters are engaging and interesting and by the end of the book you care for them,everything bad that can happen does,this is a Zombie Horror thrill ride not to be missed
January 25, 2020
Bloody
I thought the book was halfway decent. A lot of drawn out stuff which could have been shortened but then I guess it wouldn't have made from what you've read. Jim and his buddies sure did go through hell. Why they made it to his house unfortunately the wife and two kids were already gone and now I got to wait to find out what happened LOL
I thought the book was halfway decent. A lot of drawn out stuff which could have been shortened but then I guess it wouldn't have made from what you've read. Jim and his buddies sure did go through hell. Why they made it to his house unfortunately the wife and two kids were already gone and now I got to wait to find out what happened LOL
May 28, 2017
Zombies, Zombies and more Zombies. The walking dead meets Day of the Dead. This was a short story about a guy named Jim that wants to make it home to his family on the day the world turned to shit. If you like zombie type stories than this would be for you.
May 6, 2018
A little humor with your bloodbath?
I like it,alot ,mixing the humor helped take some of the edge off and believe me it gets edgy,,,.the story is a man trying to make it home to his family,, you wont be wasting your time on this STORY,and you just may learn a few things!!!
I like it,alot ,mixing the humor helped take some of the edge off and believe me it gets edgy,,,.the story is a man trying to make it home to his family,, you wont be wasting your time on this STORY,and you just may learn a few things!!!
June 26, 2018
WOW
With the sexual stuff at the beginning I almost didn’t read this. But I keep reading and it was awesome. I highly recommend this for the humor alone, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series. I am hooked!!
With the sexual stuff at the beginning I almost didn’t read this. But I keep reading and it was awesome. I highly recommend this for the humor alone, but it kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series. I am hooked!!
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