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Extinction Cycle #4
Extinction Evolution
Book 4 in Nicholas Sansbury Smith's bestselling & top-rated Extinction Cycle series
There's a storm on the horizon...
Central Command is gone, the military is fractured, and the surviving members of Team Ghost, led by Master Sergeant Reed Beckham, have been pushed to the breaking point. While the strong return to the battlefield, the wounded are forced to stay behind on Plum Island and fight their inner demons.
Betrayed by the country they swore to defend and surrounded by enemies on all sides, Team Ghost has one mission left: protect Dr. Kate Lovato and Dr. Pat Ellis while they develop a weapon to defeat the Variants once and for all. But after a grisly discovery in Atlanta, Kate and Ellis realize their weapon might not be able to stop the evolution of the monsters.
Joined by unexpected allies and facing a new threat none of them saw coming, the survivors are running out of time to save the human race from extinction.
There's a storm on the horizon...
Central Command is gone, the military is fractured, and the surviving members of Team Ghost, led by Master Sergeant Reed Beckham, have been pushed to the breaking point. While the strong return to the battlefield, the wounded are forced to stay behind on Plum Island and fight their inner demons.
Betrayed by the country they swore to defend and surrounded by enemies on all sides, Team Ghost has one mission left: protect Dr. Kate Lovato and Dr. Pat Ellis while they develop a weapon to defeat the Variants once and for all. But after a grisly discovery in Atlanta, Kate and Ellis realize their weapon might not be able to stop the evolution of the monsters.
Joined by unexpected allies and facing a new threat none of them saw coming, the survivors are running out of time to save the human race from extinction.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2015
460 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
124 books2,408 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
August 14, 2021
Gasp! May I Stop Holding My Breath?
With the Variants evolving and getting stronger, the country and the team are fractured into pieces.
The government is destroyed, soldiers are on the run. Is there any way that Drs. Ellis and Lovato, can come up with a solution to hold off the Variants and maybe cease the extinction of civilization?
And finally, a bit of good news to write about. The Team has run into old friends from their better days, so new members are added to Team Ghost.
So much action and activity in this episode. Holding my breath has become something normal.
With the Variants evolving and getting stronger, the country and the team are fractured into pieces.
The government is destroyed, soldiers are on the run. Is there any way that Drs. Ellis and Lovato, can come up with a solution to hold off the Variants and maybe cease the extinction of civilization?
And finally, a bit of good news to write about. The Team has run into old friends from their better days, so new members are added to Team Ghost.
So much action and activity in this episode. Holding my breath has become something normal.
September 1, 2016
As good as the previous books in the Extinction Cycle series - though this one was a lot more emotional; especially the ending. New characters are introduced at the beginning of the book: Marine Staff Sergeant Jose Garcia, Tank and four other members of a Marine Force Recon Team; known as the Variant Hunters. Their primary objective is to scope out Key West, Smathers Beach, as recent intel suggests the Variants may be changing faster than previously thought - and that proves to be true when they find two small bodies wrapped around sea-weed on the shore: with gills behind their ears. As they move away from the beach - they hear a woman crying out for help; this is the Variants use of a strategy.
The Variants have located Cheyenne Mountain where President Nate Mitchell and Vice President Josh Black are currently situated. No place on earth is really beyond the Variants grasp.
Kate and Ellis are continuing to develop their new bioweapon. They also watch a few video feeds and learn more about other Variants, and how they've adapted to their respective environments.The Variants seem to be going through some kind of metamorphosis - and the changes they exhibit are extraordinary. Elsewhere, a Marine team doing reconnaissance, not far from the North-Western-Memorial-Hospital; which was the epicentre of the Haemorrhage Virus, watch as Variants breed. They just continue to evolve - even the gestation period is weeks; not months. The Variants also have offspring; and these are blessed with armour plating covering their bodies. How the remnants of the human race is supposed to win against a formidable foe is anyone's guess. On a more positive note a few mysteries are solved: how the human prisoners are stuck to the sewer walls and how they last so long with their limbs missing.
After what happened at the end of the previous book: Beckham and the rest of Team Ghost are on high alert.
I liked how we learn more about Fitz's past, that was interesting, though that was when he was having unwelcome flashbacks - whilst having a snooze. I also liked the interaction between the characters - and Apollo (the dog).
Anyway, I really liked it.
The Variants have located Cheyenne Mountain where President Nate Mitchell and Vice President Josh Black are currently situated. No place on earth is really beyond the Variants grasp.
Kate and Ellis are continuing to develop their new bioweapon. They also watch a few video feeds and learn more about other Variants, and how they've adapted to their respective environments.The Variants seem to be going through some kind of metamorphosis - and the changes they exhibit are extraordinary. Elsewhere, a Marine team doing reconnaissance, not far from the North-Western-Memorial-Hospital; which was the epicentre of the Haemorrhage Virus, watch as Variants breed. They just continue to evolve - even the gestation period is weeks; not months. The Variants also have offspring; and these are blessed with armour plating covering their bodies. How the remnants of the human race is supposed to win against a formidable foe is anyone's guess. On a more positive note a few mysteries are solved: how the human prisoners are stuck to the sewer walls and how they last so long with their limbs missing.
After what happened at the end of the previous book: Beckham and the rest of Team Ghost are on high alert.
I liked how we learn more about Fitz's past, that was interesting, though that was when he was having unwelcome flashbacks - whilst having a snooze. I also liked the interaction between the characters - and Apollo (the dog).
Anyway, I really liked it.
February 25, 2019
Did not seem as frenzied and fraught as the previous 3 episodes. Ramped up for the ending.
November 1, 2015
Here's the deal: Extinction Evolution is now the fourth (out of five) books in Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Extinction Cycle series. If you've read the previous three, then you know what to expect here - vicious Variant violence, great military action, and human scientists continuing their quest for a biological weapon that will eradicate the threat decimating mankind. If you have not read the previous three, then you need to start back at the beginning with Extinction Horizon pronto.
As this is book number four and the final novel is a short ways off in the distance, Smith picks a fine time to shake up the series formula a little bit and introduce a few new wrinkles. What, exactly, the main wrinkle is can be easily discerned from the title. The Variants (think along the lines of zombies with a dash of parasite DNA weaved in, but supremely aggressive pale-skinned people eaters), already a massive threat in this apocalyptic series scenario, have upped their game and developed a few new unusual characteristics. They seem to be getting smarter, and are starting to adapt to their environments. In a cool little check-in with military bases around the world, we find out that Arctic Variants are a thing, and the nasty critters wreaking havoc in the Middle East are making like camels and growing humps to store water. These are neat bits of escalation, but Smith doesn't stop there and I won't ruin the surprises.
The main thrust of the narrative stems from a crucial point of evolution for these monsters, while the human element revolves around scientist Kate and Ghost Team operator Reed Beckham's deepening relationship as she continues to search for ways to develop and engineer the means to end the threat of the Variants once and for all. Along the way, we're introduced to a new team of military commandos dubbed Variant Hunters and headed up by a man name Garcia. Their story meshes well with that of Ghost Team's, leading up to a propulsive and firey finish.
Smith is really good at crafting suspenseful action scenes, and with Extinction Evolution he's at the top of his game. The finale is brutal in both execution and the emotions it provokes given how long we've been spending with these characters. It also ends on one heck of a maddening cliff-hanger!
From a sheer action standpoint, Smith rock and rolls with the best of them, crafting an excellent cross-genre work of military sci-fi horror. This entry might be the best book of the series thus far, but I have a gut feeling Nick's going to top himself in the finale.
December 28, 2020
Despite the whole series remain decent, this particular book fell below my expectations. Lots of illogical decisions by the author and a few general unlikely events, bordering on deus ex machina, prompts me to rate this book 5/10 at best, and it makes me feel generous.
October 16, 2015
Gosh! Definitely the best one so far. I'm a mess right now, I'm going to go to sleep and post my review tomorrow because I just can't right now... too many emotions.
Edited to post actual review:
OK, here we go...
First of all I think I held my breath for most of the book, it was very intense and I do that when I'm expecting something bad to happen.
I also cried, I knew not everyone was going to make it, I mean, it is very obvious from the kind of book that we are reading but one of my favorite characters of the series didn't make it and I am devastated. I guess I was kinda hoping that he would make it even if the odds were against him and to be honest I'm still holding on, I think the author could bring him back if he really wants because Reed didn't really see his body. I think the characters that saw him on the ground were thinking he is dead but maybe not? I hope so. Crossing my fingers...
I have to say some of the most intense scenes I have ever read in a book are in this one. Specially the scene with Fitz and Apollo, gosh, I was biting my nails.
The story as usual was packed full of action, you won't be bored for a second. And that ending, JEEZ! Now I need the next one like now!!!
I have to say this is one of the best series of this genre I have ever read.
Will definitely recommend to my friends, specially my guy friends, I think they will love this action packed series.
10 stars, this is going to be a Best Seller for sure!
Edited to post actual review:
OK, here we go...
First of all I think I held my breath for most of the book, it was very intense and I do that when I'm expecting something bad to happen.
I also cried, I knew not everyone was going to make it, I mean, it is very obvious from the kind of book that we are reading but one of my favorite characters of the series didn't make it and I am devastated. I guess I was kinda hoping that he would make it even if the odds were against him and to be honest I'm still holding on, I think the author could bring him back if he really wants because Reed didn't really see his body. I think the characters that saw him on the ground were thinking he is dead but maybe not? I hope so. Crossing my fingers...
I have to say some of the most intense scenes I have ever read in a book are in this one. Specially the scene with Fitz and Apollo, gosh, I was biting my nails.
The story as usual was packed full of action, you won't be bored for a second. And that ending, JEEZ! Now I need the next one like now!!!
I have to say this is one of the best series of this genre I have ever read.
Will definitely recommend to my friends, specially my guy friends, I think they will love this action packed series.
10 stars, this is going to be a Best Seller for sure!
March 4, 2016
Give me a moment.
Be still my beating heart.
*Wipes sweat from brow*
As you probably know by now, I am a big fan of this series. Not only does the story improve with each book, but so does Smith's writing ability, especially this one in particular. Instead of the run-of-the-mill action/bang-bang/shoot em' up Team Ghost mercin' Variants here and there, we follow (2) YES (2) MORE storylines that all converge into one epic firefight. Smith does a fine job keeping all storylines straight and narrow, making sure they all have their own unique charm, if you want to call it that. Also, Bronson Pinchot, once again, knocks it out of the park with the audiobook.
Definitely looking forward to book 5, which sadly is the conclusion to the series.
Be still my beating heart.
*Wipes sweat from brow*
As you probably know by now, I am a big fan of this series. Not only does the story improve with each book, but so does Smith's writing ability, especially this one in particular. Instead of the run-of-the-mill action/bang-bang/shoot em' up Team Ghost mercin' Variants here and there, we follow (2) YES (2) MORE storylines that all converge into one epic firefight. Smith does a fine job keeping all storylines straight and narrow, making sure they all have their own unique charm, if you want to call it that. Also, Bronson Pinchot, once again, knocks it out of the park with the audiobook.
Definitely looking forward to book 5, which sadly is the conclusion to the series.
January 21, 2019
Entertaining read as the previous books. A little stressful thinking how will human win this battle when the monsters just keep getting stronger, better, and smarter. Then the ending just makes you want to grab the next book right away.
June 6, 2016
Another winner in this series.
One of my favourite authors right now.
Only problem is having to wait until February for closure.
Highly recommended.
One of my favourite authors right now.
Only problem is having to wait until February for closure.
Highly recommended.
October 19, 2015
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am completely blown away by this book. I loved it! The story is being built upon in such an effortless way that it is almost as if it is happening right in front of me. The characters continue to grow and expand as individuals as more are introduced who come forth as full blown people. The tension continues to build pulling you further into their world and their lives. Though this is just as much a medical thriller as it is about zombies/infected, the language does not hold it back and keeps it where you can understand what they are talking about all the time. I was into the story from the first page and only slowed down when I had to sleep mainly.
Staff Sergeant Jose Garcia is commanding officer of the Variant Hunters, so named because they have gone after them and survived more than any others. They are a part of the strike group on the George Washington Carrier and consider themselves to be Americas last best chance to survive. He and his team have seen a lot of action, including first hand knowledge of the changes taking place to the Variants in various locations.
Master Sergeant Reed Beckham and his men had to take charge when an outsider murdered their CO and tried to take over. They are now waiting for the consequences of their actions to arrive on the Island. What happens is far from consequences and the Island gets some much needed support but it is also left without its center. Kate and Ellis are working on their newest attempt to kill the Variants but get word that a new threat may make their work obsolete before it is even deployed. Fitz and Apollo are placed into danger with green recruits and find that they can do more than they thought. What happens while Team Ghost is away is enough to break any man.
Two teams manned by some of the best the world still has to offer will come together to stop what has become the last gasp of mankind. The question is can they do it and if so at what cost.
I cannot stress how much I believe that this series should be read. It is one of the best in the genre! I was crying by the end because I lost some friends in this book and I was so sad to see them go. This is what I want from a book, to make me feel so much for the characters that I forget they are fictional. If you haven't guessed, I recommend this book highly! :)
I am completely blown away by this book. I loved it! The story is being built upon in such an effortless way that it is almost as if it is happening right in front of me. The characters continue to grow and expand as individuals as more are introduced who come forth as full blown people. The tension continues to build pulling you further into their world and their lives. Though this is just as much a medical thriller as it is about zombies/infected, the language does not hold it back and keeps it where you can understand what they are talking about all the time. I was into the story from the first page and only slowed down when I had to sleep mainly.
Staff Sergeant Jose Garcia is commanding officer of the Variant Hunters, so named because they have gone after them and survived more than any others. They are a part of the strike group on the George Washington Carrier and consider themselves to be Americas last best chance to survive. He and his team have seen a lot of action, including first hand knowledge of the changes taking place to the Variants in various locations.
Master Sergeant Reed Beckham and his men had to take charge when an outsider murdered their CO and tried to take over. They are now waiting for the consequences of their actions to arrive on the Island. What happens is far from consequences and the Island gets some much needed support but it is also left without its center. Kate and Ellis are working on their newest attempt to kill the Variants but get word that a new threat may make their work obsolete before it is even deployed. Fitz and Apollo are placed into danger with green recruits and find that they can do more than they thought. What happens while Team Ghost is away is enough to break any man.
Two teams manned by some of the best the world still has to offer will come together to stop what has become the last gasp of mankind. The question is can they do it and if so at what cost.
I cannot stress how much I believe that this series should be read. It is one of the best in the genre! I was crying by the end because I lost some friends in this book and I was so sad to see them go. This is what I want from a book, to make me feel so much for the characters that I forget they are fictional. If you haven't guessed, I recommend this book highly! :)
October 19, 2015
This 4th book in the EXTINCTION CYCLE series is a "monster" hit
I've made no secret that I'm a fan girl of this series. I loved EXTINCTION HORIZON, EXTINCTION EDGE and EXTINCTION AGE. And this story is the best one so far.
What do you get when you mix monsters, medicine, and the military? A mega great time!
Dr. Kate and Beckham are back battling the Variants, along with their trusty band of friends and new comrades...and the Variants just keep getting harder to eradicate. The Variants are evolving and that does NOT make them easier to kill.
Author Smith writes fast-moving thrillers, with a touch of sci fi, romance, and drama. Watch out, though, because he's not afraid to kill off some favorite characters. Boo, hiss! But sometimes the news of their deaths is greatly exaggerated.
In other words, the books keep you guessing until the very end and it's a madcap rollercoaster ride that you take along the way.
NOTE: I received this book as an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for my honest review.
I've made no secret that I'm a fan girl of this series. I loved EXTINCTION HORIZON, EXTINCTION EDGE and EXTINCTION AGE. And this story is the best one so far.
What do you get when you mix monsters, medicine, and the military? A mega great time!
Dr. Kate and Beckham are back battling the Variants, along with their trusty band of friends and new comrades...and the Variants just keep getting harder to eradicate. The Variants are evolving and that does NOT make them easier to kill.
Author Smith writes fast-moving thrillers, with a touch of sci fi, romance, and drama. Watch out, though, because he's not afraid to kill off some favorite characters. Boo, hiss! But sometimes the news of their deaths is greatly exaggerated.
In other words, the books keep you guessing until the very end and it's a madcap rollercoaster ride that you take along the way.
NOTE: I received this book as an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 13, 2019
Humanity's struggle for survival continues as the Variants continue to evolve and hunt down man. As human stronghold's fall, Master Sergeant Beckworth and Dr. Kate Lovato continue the seemingly hopeless fight.
October 21, 2015
Intelligence is based on how efficient a species became at doing the things they need to survive.
~Charles Darwin
I thoroughly enjoyed the 4th book in the Extinction Cycle series. We are introduced to some new characters and get some much needed character development on some that were previously introduced. The Variants are evolving and it will take all the knowledge of every person left alive to figure out how to take them out.
I truly appreciate how much research Nick puts into his stories. From the mechanical and bio-engineering to military tactics and procedures, he makes sure that he puts forth logical and true to life information to make his stories feel all the more realistic and possible. There's definitely some science stuff in this book so you fellow readers that don't like data heavy info in your books might have a hard time with that. However, above anything this is a hard sci-fi series so I would say it's going to be enjoyed mostly by those who read a lot of military books or other hard sci-fi reads. My mind comes to The Martian in that aspect. I absolutely LOVED that book and a lot of it had to do with the science jargon. So, if you appreciated it for those aspects as well, you definitely need to pick up this series.
I can't really go into much more because at this point in the series almost anything could be a spoiler. All I'll say is OMG I can't believe that ending! I need the final installment to come out like yesterday! But I will humbly wait till February to find out the outcome of the Variant war and the stories of the individuals we've been introduced to. .
Thanks to the author for providing an arc of Extinction Evolution in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2017
Another winner in this zombie series, but I'm getting exhausted for all involved.
I'm hopeful that #5 will wrap up the series nicely.
I'm hopeful that #5 will wrap up the series nicely.
June 25, 2018
Mini-Review:
Just like the title states, this book focuses on the adaptations of the Variants. The changed humans are evolving at a rapid rate. You get in deep on the oddities and damage that the more intelligent Variants cause as they change to conquer in whatever manner necessary.
The book is all doom and gloom. There's not a lot of sunshine but somehow hope still burns within the core group of characters. Death and mayhem flails with unpredictable brutality. It doesn't look good for the cast but there's a glimmer of a chance for success. Just how slim of a chance is it? Onto the next book to find out!
Just like the title states, this book focuses on the adaptations of the Variants. The changed humans are evolving at a rapid rate. You get in deep on the oddities and damage that the more intelligent Variants cause as they change to conquer in whatever manner necessary.
The book is all doom and gloom. There's not a lot of sunshine but somehow hope still burns within the core group of characters. Death and mayhem flails with unpredictable brutality. It doesn't look good for the cast but there's a glimmer of a chance for success. Just how slim of a chance is it? Onto the next book to find out!
March 1, 2021
Great apocalyptic series continuation! MSG Beckham and Dr. Kate Lovato continue their journey to save the human race. Kate c0ntinues to work on a cure and Beckham works to defend all his friends a the variant humans evolve into even deadlier creatures. I really enjoyed the first three books in the series and I'll continue to read these (and the offshoots). For apocalyptic military action novels, Smith is a king of the genre. If you enjoy these, try the Hell Divers series. Audible version with excellent narration by Bronson Pinchot.
September 28, 2017
So far, this was my least favorite book in the series. I think there was too much going on, new groups of characters were introduced and while it's pretty easy to tell when someone is going to be important later on, it just seemed a little like new characters were recycled into positions vacated by other characters who died. Some of the language and events are getting old and boring. I shouldn't complain, I'm the one who signed up for at least a six-book series.
November 7, 2017
I should have known. I thought-I'll just start this and read a little bit before I go to bed. 4 hours later I finished the book. I can't put these down! They are like book crack to me. Another totally exciting escapade----now the Variants are evolving faster and getting smart-not good for humans. Ends on a major cliffhanger so you will want the next book handy!
January 15, 2018
Nail biting, edge of your seat, heart stopping action!
I seriously could only do about half an hour at a time because I would get so nervous and panic. My anxiety was through the roof I tell you. freaking fantastic book. This series rocks hard core!
I seriously could only do about half an hour at a time because I would get so nervous and panic. My anxiety was through the roof I tell you. freaking fantastic book. This series rocks hard core!
October 22, 2024
I'm not okay 😭👍
August 1, 2017
With Central Command gone and the President's bunker under threat, control of the military situation is moving to the carrier group. Men in boats are casing out Plum Island as General Johnson takes over command there, to the suspicion of Beckham. The variants are adapting and mutating which is making them harder to kill and the population of survivors is dwindling. Fitz and Apollo are sent with a team into the city to try to capture a kid variant for Kate's weapon test. Traitors are joining the variants and betraying their people and Patient Zero is alive and plotting...
We meet some new characters at the beginning of this book, following them on a recon mission. Jose Garcia is the leader of a special ops team known as the Variant Hunters, checking the Florida Keys for variant activity and to see what kind of evolution is occuring in them. However these variants aren't just adapting to the sea, they are now capable of setting up elaborate ambushes. Now Garcia has to negotiate the dangerous streets to evade capture until he can be rescued, as he must get the video footage of the evolved variants back to the top brass. I liked the new Variant Hunter team and my first thoughts about them is that the survivors would probably join Team Ghost later in the book.
Central Command has been destroyed and the last bunkers are being overrun. The President has decided to abandon his bunker and set up base on the naval carrier group as the variants close in on his bunker. His team have no option but to try to escape the compound as the enemy close in but have they left it too late? Secretary of State Ringgold has no idea who she can trust after civil war amongst the Plum Island troops left several dead. Now Team Ghost are having to move onto the naval armada to plan their next move which means saying goodbye to their family and friends including Fitz for now. Their job is to train the teams going out on the next mission.
The variants are changing rapidly to adapt to their new environments. A group have grown gills and can silently hunt under the sea. In Syria they look like crabs, in the colder climates they have grown fur and in the desert they have armadillo type shells. They can sometimes camoflage to blend into the trees. But the most disturbing thing of all is that the variants are finding a way to breed and their offspring are going to be the deadliest variants yet. Kate and Ellis are concerned that their new weapon will have no effect of the new mutated kid variants. I loved the ideas of these mutations and adapting to their environment and I really wanted to see the furry ones which sound like Yetis! The variants are just different to fight in every novel which keeps things exciting!
Fitz and Apollo are about to face their worst assignment yet-going into New York with a team to try and do a live capture of the protected kid variants. Other teams are being sent into different cities in the hope that one team might be successful. This screams SUICIDE RUN to me and I was so worried for Fitz and his doggy companion. New York now has a dangerous Alpha Variant who rules completely and has human traitors working for him, and the tension level on this mission was just through the roof! During this mission, we get updates on what is happening to the other teams so it is an action packed section of the book.
The other dramatic section is when Patient Zero comes back into the story. He was assumed dead but has been experimented on for many years, another of Gibson's dirty secrets. Now he just wants to die and the appalled Kate insists on it. However, he is not content to wait and see what happens and decides to escape. This is a tense event of course as having a zombie creature loose on a ship is pretty dangerous!
This series continues to deliver with tight writing, great characters, ever changing plots and monsters and a ton of action and tension!
We meet some new characters at the beginning of this book, following them on a recon mission. Jose Garcia is the leader of a special ops team known as the Variant Hunters, checking the Florida Keys for variant activity and to see what kind of evolution is occuring in them. However these variants aren't just adapting to the sea, they are now capable of setting up elaborate ambushes. Now Garcia has to negotiate the dangerous streets to evade capture until he can be rescued, as he must get the video footage of the evolved variants back to the top brass. I liked the new Variant Hunter team and my first thoughts about them is that the survivors would probably join Team Ghost later in the book.
Central Command has been destroyed and the last bunkers are being overrun. The President has decided to abandon his bunker and set up base on the naval carrier group as the variants close in on his bunker. His team have no option but to try to escape the compound as the enemy close in but have they left it too late? Secretary of State Ringgold has no idea who she can trust after civil war amongst the Plum Island troops left several dead. Now Team Ghost are having to move onto the naval armada to plan their next move which means saying goodbye to their family and friends including Fitz for now. Their job is to train the teams going out on the next mission.
The variants are changing rapidly to adapt to their new environments. A group have grown gills and can silently hunt under the sea. In Syria they look like crabs, in the colder climates they have grown fur and in the desert they have armadillo type shells. They can sometimes camoflage to blend into the trees. But the most disturbing thing of all is that the variants are finding a way to breed and their offspring are going to be the deadliest variants yet. Kate and Ellis are concerned that their new weapon will have no effect of the new mutated kid variants. I loved the ideas of these mutations and adapting to their environment and I really wanted to see the furry ones which sound like Yetis! The variants are just different to fight in every novel which keeps things exciting!
Fitz and Apollo are about to face their worst assignment yet-going into New York with a team to try and do a live capture of the protected kid variants. Other teams are being sent into different cities in the hope that one team might be successful. This screams SUICIDE RUN to me and I was so worried for Fitz and his doggy companion. New York now has a dangerous Alpha Variant who rules completely and has human traitors working for him, and the tension level on this mission was just through the roof! During this mission, we get updates on what is happening to the other teams so it is an action packed section of the book.
The other dramatic section is when Patient Zero comes back into the story. He was assumed dead but has been experimented on for many years, another of Gibson's dirty secrets. Now he just wants to die and the appalled Kate insists on it. However, he is not content to wait and see what happens and decides to escape. This is a tense event of course as having a zombie creature loose on a ship is pretty dangerous!
This series continues to deliver with tight writing, great characters, ever changing plots and monsters and a ton of action and tension!
January 1, 2021
Wow is pretty much the sentiment I had when I finished this one! I was literally breathless. The ending killed me!!!! I cried those big ugly tears and.... and my poor heart!!! There is so much I want to say about a certain part but I can't and I'm heartbroken!!!!
Anyways, book 4 is bigger and better than ever. This one sees some new characters introduced, the Variant Hunters! They are sent on a recon mission and discover something that changes everything. The Variants are breeding!! They are also evolving in ways no one predicted.
Meanwhile, after the ending of book 3, Beckham and his team are on edge waiting for the ramifications of their actions. But what comes is more help for Plum Island whilst Beckham and Kate are taken somewhere else.
Kate and Ellis are so close to a breakthrough but when they learn of the kid Variants, their work just got a thousand times harder. Now they need to capture a live specimen of a juvenile to see if the weapon will affect them as much as their parents. There is so much more happening and so much more I want to say but I can't!!!
One thing I love about these books is the characters. It's not often that a book captivates me so much, but this series has. Every single character has captured my heart and I have become invested in their stories. I found myself on the edge of my seat when they go into danger and gasping and cringing and crying with them! It's a testimony to how good a writer this author is, because he made these characters so real, with so much soul.
Every single book so far has been jam packed with action, but this one takes it to new level. I honestly felt like my heart was in my mouth the whole way through, and then we have the battle on Plum Island, and I just broke!! I'm truly finding it hard to put into words just how good this book is, and indeed the series!!! It's always the way with me though, when I read a book that blows me away, I'm always left speechless and just want to say... go buy it now!! Read it and see!!
I also love how over the course of the series the Variants have evolved. Every single book brings something new about them and it's refreshing to see. It shows how much research the author put into them as well. The way it started and the evolution of them to now was seamless and and extremely well executed. I so would love to see this on the big screen!!!
Anyway, in case you can't tell, I love this series and can't recommend it enough. It is action packed, filled with amazing characters, exceptionally written and filled with so much....... awesomeness that this author has made it firmly onto my favourite list!! After reading the first one I went and bought all the rest of his books. Seriously brilliant series and I highly highly recommend!!!!
Again, Bronson Pinchot was amazing. He brought the book to life and nailed the performance. He has a broad range of tones and voices and had the right inflections at the right time.
Anyways, book 4 is bigger and better than ever. This one sees some new characters introduced, the Variant Hunters! They are sent on a recon mission and discover something that changes everything. The Variants are breeding!! They are also evolving in ways no one predicted.
Meanwhile, after the ending of book 3, Beckham and his team are on edge waiting for the ramifications of their actions. But what comes is more help for Plum Island whilst Beckham and Kate are taken somewhere else.
Kate and Ellis are so close to a breakthrough but when they learn of the kid Variants, their work just got a thousand times harder. Now they need to capture a live specimen of a juvenile to see if the weapon will affect them as much as their parents. There is so much more happening and so much more I want to say but I can't!!!
One thing I love about these books is the characters. It's not often that a book captivates me so much, but this series has. Every single character has captured my heart and I have become invested in their stories. I found myself on the edge of my seat when they go into danger and gasping and cringing and crying with them! It's a testimony to how good a writer this author is, because he made these characters so real, with so much soul.
Every single book so far has been jam packed with action, but this one takes it to new level. I honestly felt like my heart was in my mouth the whole way through, and then we have the battle on Plum Island, and I just broke!! I'm truly finding it hard to put into words just how good this book is, and indeed the series!!! It's always the way with me though, when I read a book that blows me away, I'm always left speechless and just want to say... go buy it now!! Read it and see!!
I also love how over the course of the series the Variants have evolved. Every single book brings something new about them and it's refreshing to see. It shows how much research the author put into them as well. The way it started and the evolution of them to now was seamless and and extremely well executed. I so would love to see this on the big screen!!!
Anyway, in case you can't tell, I love this series and can't recommend it enough. It is action packed, filled with amazing characters, exceptionally written and filled with so much....... awesomeness that this author has made it firmly onto my favourite list!! After reading the first one I went and bought all the rest of his books. Seriously brilliant series and I highly highly recommend!!!!
Again, Bronson Pinchot was amazing. He brought the book to life and nailed the performance. He has a broad range of tones and voices and had the right inflections at the right time.
October 19, 2015
Fans of this series won't be disappointed to pick up this next instalment in the Extinction saga. Well written and fast-paced, Smith's writing continues to be of a quality that draws you right into the heart of the action and holds you there. The characters were still in my head a good couple of days after I finished the book.
In Extinction Evolution we get another roller-coaster ride as Beckham and Kate - and a few others - work to reclaim the world from the Variants. As usual, there are complications along the way and some pretty big challenges - not least that the Variants are, well, evolving. Things get serious, but we finally begin to see some real glimmers of hope. Even so, the situation is more dangerous than ever, and our heroes are getting tired.
Very well-written and vivid, an excellent continuation of the Extinction story. Now I need the next one please!
In Extinction Evolution we get another roller-coaster ride as Beckham and Kate - and a few others - work to reclaim the world from the Variants. As usual, there are complications along the way and some pretty big challenges - not least that the Variants are, well, evolving. Things get serious, but we finally begin to see some real glimmers of hope. Even so, the situation is more dangerous than ever, and our heroes are getting tired.
Very well-written and vivid, an excellent continuation of the Extinction story. Now I need the next one please!
October 15, 2015
Book four in this series is by far the best book yet. From the start there's tension and rightly so I was worried for the main characters in the book. No spoilers here but I was absolutely blown away with jaw dropping revelations throughout the book and devastating fight and action sequences towards the end of the book. The ending of the book was superb and finished with a cliffhanger that has me desperate for the release of book five which can't come soon enough! Brilliant writing again from the author and I believe without a doubt this series of books would look fantastic on the big screen...I highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys the zombie genre with a twist.I received this book prior to release in exchange for an honest review and honestly I absolutely loved this book and the series in general.
October 23, 2015
OK seriously, I don't know how I am going to be able to wait until February with this major of a cliff hanger. I think this was the best book yet. Team Ghost, The Variant Hunters and evolved Variants beyond belief! My heart is pounding, the end of this book was so full of action that my adrenaline was pumping and I wanted to be out there fighting right along with everyone else.
There is a reason that Nicholas Sansbury Smith is #3 out of 100 on the Amazon list of Horror Authors, he is freaken AMAZING! Every book in this series has been top notch story telling. This is one of the best military ZA series out there, a must read. One more book in the series to go. I can't wait to see where he takes team Ghost next. And I will be right there for the ride.
There is a reason that Nicholas Sansbury Smith is #3 out of 100 on the Amazon list of Horror Authors, he is freaken AMAZING! Every book in this series has been top notch story telling. This is one of the best military ZA series out there, a must read. One more book in the series to go. I can't wait to see where he takes team Ghost next. And I will be right there for the ride.
February 7, 2016
Holy Cow
Seriously, I am so involved with these characters that at this point they better survive this apocalypse. I do really recommend these books to anyone who like military, apocalyptic and fantasy. It will fit any and all these categories. Can't wait to see what happens in the conclusion.
Seriously, I am so involved with these characters that at this point they better survive this apocalypse. I do really recommend these books to anyone who like military, apocalyptic and fantasy. It will fit any and all these categories. Can't wait to see what happens in the conclusion.
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March 10, 2016Oh................ Mr. Nicholas, I'm too livid to rate and write a review right now. How could you?! Annddd.... You left us hanging with that ending!!! What in the world is wrong with you?! Uggg....
On to book five. I hope we get some justice because I am not happy in the least bit the way things stand right now. My chest hurts. Unbelievable!! SMH.
On to book five. I hope we get some justice because I am not happy in the least bit the way things stand right now. My chest hurts. Unbelievable!! SMH.
October 21, 2015
It's about time
Finally Kate tells Beckham she's with child. They should have sent their top team in the first time. Bureaucrats who needs them. Well written. Exciting and well worth reading.
Finally Kate tells Beckham she's with child. They should have sent their top team in the first time. Bureaucrats who needs them. Well written. Exciting and well worth reading.
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