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Mountain Man #1-3
The Mountain Man Omnibus Books 1-3
Mountain Man, book 1: Boomstick. Samurai bat. Motorcycle leather. And the will to live among the unliving. Augustus Berry lives a day-to-day existence comprised of waking up, getting drunk, and preparing for the inevitable day when "they" will come up the side of his mountain and penetrate his fortress. Living on the outskirts of a city and scavenging for whatever supplies remain after civilization died two years ago, Gus knows that every time he goes down into undead suburbia could be his last.
Not only does he face a corpse-infested urban hell, human scavengers, and unending loneliness, but now a new mystery has risen.... The undead are disappearing from the streets. A force is gathering beyond the mountain man's wildest nightmares, even more relentless and terrifying than the roaming tides of dead flesh. And it's preparing to hunt. Contains graphic language and scenes of violence.
Safari, book 2: A new mystery has risen for Gus - the undead are disappearing from the streets. A force is gathering beyond the mountain man's darkest nightmares, even more relentless and terrifying than the roaming tides of dead flesh. And it's preparing to hunt.
Hellifax, book 3: A serial killer stalks the ice-glazed streets. Half-frozen deadheads choke the avenues. Infected vermin rise from the labyrinth of sewer systems, hungry for warm flesh. And a handful of survivors struggle to escape and find someplace safe. In his hunt for Tenner, Scott discovers he must contend with all of this before things truly get worse. Welcome to Hellifax.
©2011 Keith C. Blackmore (P)2015 Podium Publishing
Not only does he face a corpse-infested urban hell, human scavengers, and unending loneliness, but now a new mystery has risen.... The undead are disappearing from the streets. A force is gathering beyond the mountain man's wildest nightmares, even more relentless and terrifying than the roaming tides of dead flesh. And it's preparing to hunt. Contains graphic language and scenes of violence.
Safari, book 2: A new mystery has risen for Gus - the undead are disappearing from the streets. A force is gathering beyond the mountain man's darkest nightmares, even more relentless and terrifying than the roaming tides of dead flesh. And it's preparing to hunt.
Hellifax, book 3: A serial killer stalks the ice-glazed streets. Half-frozen deadheads choke the avenues. Infected vermin rise from the labyrinth of sewer systems, hungry for warm flesh. And a handful of survivors struggle to escape and find someplace safe. In his hunt for Tenner, Scott discovers he must contend with all of this before things truly get worse. Welcome to Hellifax.
©2011 Keith C. Blackmore (P)2015 Podium Publishing
Audiobook
First published July 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 2, 2016
I stumbled across this gem while searching for more books read by my current favorite narrator, R. C. Bray. On Audible the first short story in The Mountain Man series, titled 'The Hospital' is free. While you don't have to read that in order to enjoy the omnibus there are references to it and as a fan of short fiction I would recommend, if you are not an audiobook person, that you hunt this short story down because this is a tight piece of writing all on it's own and a credit to the author's talent. I think in many ways short fiction is much more challenging because (paraphrasing H. Ellison here) you have to take an instant in time and with that instant infer all that has passed before and all that will come after, not, IMO, and easy trick for any author.
I have to say that although I am a horror fan I typically avoid zombie books like the plague, ranking them as a genre in my mind in a pile with the same old same old vampire and werewolf stories that have been rehashed ad nauseam.
However, and it's a big however, The Mountain Man series by Keith C. Blackmore is not only different but a breathe of fresh air. As much as I loved Cormack McCarthy's 'The Road' for it's grit and reality there is only so much 'we are all dying and there is no hope but we just slog on anyway because that's what humans do *sigh*' I can take. Blackmore comes along with a main character that says, "Yeah, it's messed up. Let me pick up a pint of Jack and this aluminum bat and see what I can do about that." I found myself mentally shouting 'LET'S DO THIS!' *bang head on wall*.
The main character is flawed on many levels but in spite of that, and perhaps because of that, he is a survivor. I think perhaps that is the biggest draw in the series for me. The author has taken this person with his excesses and problems and shown that, no matter what it is that is, let's say, a little off or completely messed up about a person who is a survivor they have a core of grit and determination that will persevere while what society considers healthy people are ground to dust in the first days of an apocalypse. Having my own considerable dose of being off the rails and a non-conformist I like to think this is how it would go down. Such a nice change from "Here comes the apocalypse! I hope you've been an uptight upright gun loving citizen that's spent 4 hours at the gym for the last 15 years or you're gonna die!"
Pick this up if you like zombies but especially pick this up if you like a great anti-hero. I promise you Gus will deliver.
I have to say that although I am a horror fan I typically avoid zombie books like the plague, ranking them as a genre in my mind in a pile with the same old same old vampire and werewolf stories that have been rehashed ad nauseam.
However, and it's a big however, The Mountain Man series by Keith C. Blackmore is not only different but a breathe of fresh air. As much as I loved Cormack McCarthy's 'The Road' for it's grit and reality there is only so much 'we are all dying and there is no hope but we just slog on anyway because that's what humans do *sigh*' I can take. Blackmore comes along with a main character that says, "Yeah, it's messed up. Let me pick up a pint of Jack and this aluminum bat and see what I can do about that." I found myself mentally shouting 'LET'S DO THIS!' *bang head on wall*.
The main character is flawed on many levels but in spite of that, and perhaps because of that, he is a survivor. I think perhaps that is the biggest draw in the series for me. The author has taken this person with his excesses and problems and shown that, no matter what it is that is, let's say, a little off or completely messed up about a person who is a survivor they have a core of grit and determination that will persevere while what society considers healthy people are ground to dust in the first days of an apocalypse. Having my own considerable dose of being off the rails and a non-conformist I like to think this is how it would go down. Such a nice change from "Here comes the apocalypse! I hope you've been an uptight upright gun loving citizen that's spent 4 hours at the gym for the last 15 years or you're gonna die!"
Pick this up if you like zombies but especially pick this up if you like a great anti-hero. I promise you Gus will deliver.
May 9, 2017
This book is worth its weight in toilet paper!
Don't let the review title fool you, once you read the book you will understand the meaning behind it. This was one of my favorite series to listen to and kept me hooked throughout the various plot twists. From the start of this excellent adventure that is Mr. Augustus Gray (Gus), Mr. Blackmore does a fantastic job of highlighting the various items that we, as modern day humans, take for granted in our world. What is life like when all the niceties we are so used to are now sought after by everyone and have become highly coveted? Not just by your average day-to-day person just trying to survive, but by groups of survivors trying to band together to make the best of the apocalypse or to those who would kill those who prevent others from enjoying what is left.
Mr. Blackmore dives into various aspects of the human psyche in the first three novels of this series. Looking at items such as what is considered acceptable murder when it comes to a zombie invasion? What are considered your priorities when it comes to supplies (Hence the title of my review)? How much trust can you place in your fellow humans knowing that some, in the absence of law and order, will turn to evil? This is a very deep series that has a large amount of humor to help keep the mood light. From Scott to Roxanne to the Norsemen and various other folks, there are plenty of plot twists that seem very realistic and likely to occur at the end of the world.
With so many evils thrown in throughout the story, I will say that I was able to predict when certain plots were going to end. That said, this did not detract, in any way, from the overall story. RC Bray is who originally brought me to this series and I initially dove in with “The Hospital” prequel. Bray did a fantastic job narrating the series (as he always does) and has once again shown himself to be Gus, just like he has other characters.
All of that said, give this series a go if you are looking for a fresh entry into the apocalyptic genre. You will find yourself valuing toilet paper that much more and I guarantee you will have a great time with the read/listen.
Don't let the review title fool you, once you read the book you will understand the meaning behind it. This was one of my favorite series to listen to and kept me hooked throughout the various plot twists. From the start of this excellent adventure that is Mr. Augustus Gray (Gus), Mr. Blackmore does a fantastic job of highlighting the various items that we, as modern day humans, take for granted in our world. What is life like when all the niceties we are so used to are now sought after by everyone and have become highly coveted? Not just by your average day-to-day person just trying to survive, but by groups of survivors trying to band together to make the best of the apocalypse or to those who would kill those who prevent others from enjoying what is left.
Mr. Blackmore dives into various aspects of the human psyche in the first three novels of this series. Looking at items such as what is considered acceptable murder when it comes to a zombie invasion? What are considered your priorities when it comes to supplies (Hence the title of my review)? How much trust can you place in your fellow humans knowing that some, in the absence of law and order, will turn to evil? This is a very deep series that has a large amount of humor to help keep the mood light. From Scott to Roxanne to the Norsemen and various other folks, there are plenty of plot twists that seem very realistic and likely to occur at the end of the world.
With so many evils thrown in throughout the story, I will say that I was able to predict when certain plots were going to end. That said, this did not detract, in any way, from the overall story. RC Bray is who originally brought me to this series and I initially dove in with “The Hospital” prequel. Bray did a fantastic job narrating the series (as he always does) and has once again shown himself to be Gus, just like he has other characters.
All of that said, give this series a go if you are looking for a fresh entry into the apocalyptic genre. You will find yourself valuing toilet paper that much more and I guarantee you will have a great time with the read/listen.
August 6, 2015
ABR's original The Mountain Man Omnibus audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is a compelation of the reviews we did for the books contained in the Mountain Man Omnibus collection.
Mountain Man
I have been having a difficult time lately. People have been getting on my nerves easier than usual, and it’s creating anger at the forefront, as opposed to my usual happy-go-lucky attitude.
I’m not sure what it is. Maybe all the horror and zombie stories are taking their toll on me? I highly doubt that — they are my refuge and only escape from reality – a reality I’d rather not deal with currently.
So, I am counting on Podium Publishing’s R.C Bray and Keith C. Blackmore to scoop me up and take me away, much like Calgon.
All of the euphemisms for toilet paper in this audiobook stuck out to me: Crap Wrap, Ass Wipe, TP, Apocalypse Gold and Anal Gold. These names I’ve never heard of had me rolling around laughing in my work chair and almost made my Asian noodles shoot out my nose.
Augustus “Gus” Berry is back for a full-length adventure. Remember, we first met him in The Hospital, and some time has passed since this debauch. For a moment early on, I thought this was going to be a story of one man’s quest, in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, to find all the remaining pillowy softness a guy could want. Now we get to really know what Gus is all about.
When you break this story down, it’s really all about survival. One man’s struggle to be comfortable while at home. Yes, this does take a considerable amount of work for Gus to keep the food, water, crap wrap, oh and don’t forget his booze supplies, to their maximum.
We get to follow Gus on several of these supply runs and experience the close calls, the elation and the terror as he does. Then the inevitable day comes when he encounters actual living people, something that hasn’t happened for a while. Now there are two.
The secondary story of the Mountain Man is one of love, and not romance, but rather the kind of wordless brotherly love that I have only seen between two men. Until a third person enters the story.
Blackmore wasn’t able to fool me with his plot twists, as I saw most of them coming, but that did not take away at all from the great survival story with zombies. This was not about, mainly anyways, how cruel and brutal humans can be in a zombie apocalypse, like most in this genre.
I was sucked in almost immediately and couldn’t stop listening. I want more Mountain Man!
R.C. Bray is as much Gus Berry as Ray Porter is Joe Ledger. While characterizations and dialog may not be Bray’s strongest points, his solid delivery, great pacing, and embodiment of the main character are definitely off the charts.
There is not much to say that I haven’t already in other reviews of Bray’s work. I will say this, if you have not had the pleasure to listen to one of his performances, please do yourself a favor and listen to one now. I have yet to be disappointed.
Also, if you have been shying away from any audiobook because you have not heard of the narrator, do everyone a favor and listen to it anyway. As you may have just found an undiscovered, diamond in the rough like Bray that will make you smile or bring you to tears.
Safari
Gus was badly hurt, between Roxann and the bikers he has sustained broken teeth, cracked ribs and other injuries. To ease his pain he found his best friend, Captain Morgan, and had a drink, or two, or three.
At the start of a cold winter Gus is hurt and alone, again. This is how book 2 starts as we continue to follow Gus’s will to survive. Through the coming months he slowly heals. During this time he drops down the well of despair and loneliness. He has long conversations with a bottle of Captain Morgan rum. Still needing supplies he makes trips to town in the truck the bikers left at his gate.
Except for Scott, every “normal” human he meets has tried to kill him. Now he doesn’t think twice about killing in self-defense. As his sanity spirals down he makes plans to get rid of all the zombies in Annapolis.
To his horror it is not only the zombies that are a threat, a new, even more deadly terror has risen.
I listened to this book straight through. Well, almost, straight through. The pace was fairly fast and the action was vicious. More problems and plot twists. The characters in this part of the story were what we could expect when the basic rules of humanity are gone. I found this part very believable and well developed.
Mr. Bray did a splendid job of bringing this book to life. I didn’t have a problem with his voices and liked the tone of his telling. Everything was clear and easy to understand. The book cover gives you the jist of this book. Audio production was without fault. Very well done. Book 3 here I come.
Hellifax
In this installment we start with a caravan of vans on the trans-Canadian highway. The men inside were rough, dirty, mean, and wore a variety of protective gear. Calling themselves “Norsemen” with a leader named Fist. He had been sent from the West coast to check out the east coast for supplies, survivors, and zombies. Their goal was to get information, procure everything they could, and kill zombies. They were headed to Hellifax.
Scott had finally made it to the city. He arrived during a vicious blizzard. When the snow finally stopped it was very deep with high drifts. He left his SUV parked at an empty house and headed toward town. It was there that he met Amy and her friends. One of them was named Tanner. A lot of grizzly things happen after this.
Tanner arrived in Hellifax and started doing his thing. He had decided to take out the members of Amy’s group one at a time. It didn’t work out that way.
As Scott and Amy’s group head out for his SUV Tanner discovers why all the zombies are leaving town. That is when he decided to leave also.
Toward the end of town the Norsemen, Scott’s group and Tanner will engage. Who do you think will live?
Extremely well developed story lines. Full of fast paced action. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Mr. Bray did his usual splendid job of bringing this book to life. I didn’t have a problem with his voices and he really got into at times. Everything was clear and easy to understand. Audio production was without fault. I really liked the book cover too. It is perfect for this story.
Audiobook provided for review by the publisher.
This is a compelation of the reviews we did for the books contained in the Mountain Man Omnibus collection.
Mountain Man
I have been having a difficult time lately. People have been getting on my nerves easier than usual, and it’s creating anger at the forefront, as opposed to my usual happy-go-lucky attitude.
I’m not sure what it is. Maybe all the horror and zombie stories are taking their toll on me? I highly doubt that — they are my refuge and only escape from reality – a reality I’d rather not deal with currently.
So, I am counting on Podium Publishing’s R.C Bray and Keith C. Blackmore to scoop me up and take me away, much like Calgon.
All of the euphemisms for toilet paper in this audiobook stuck out to me: Crap Wrap, Ass Wipe, TP, Apocalypse Gold and Anal Gold. These names I’ve never heard of had me rolling around laughing in my work chair and almost made my Asian noodles shoot out my nose.
Augustus “Gus” Berry is back for a full-length adventure. Remember, we first met him in The Hospital, and some time has passed since this debauch. For a moment early on, I thought this was going to be a story of one man’s quest, in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, to find all the remaining pillowy softness a guy could want. Now we get to really know what Gus is all about.
When you break this story down, it’s really all about survival. One man’s struggle to be comfortable while at home. Yes, this does take a considerable amount of work for Gus to keep the food, water, crap wrap, oh and don’t forget his booze supplies, to their maximum.
We get to follow Gus on several of these supply runs and experience the close calls, the elation and the terror as he does. Then the inevitable day comes when he encounters actual living people, something that hasn’t happened for a while. Now there are two.
The secondary story of the Mountain Man is one of love, and not romance, but rather the kind of wordless brotherly love that I have only seen between two men. Until a third person enters the story.
Blackmore wasn’t able to fool me with his plot twists, as I saw most of them coming, but that did not take away at all from the great survival story with zombies. This was not about, mainly anyways, how cruel and brutal humans can be in a zombie apocalypse, like most in this genre.
I was sucked in almost immediately and couldn’t stop listening. I want more Mountain Man!
R.C. Bray is as much Gus Berry as Ray Porter is Joe Ledger. While characterizations and dialog may not be Bray’s strongest points, his solid delivery, great pacing, and embodiment of the main character are definitely off the charts.
There is not much to say that I haven’t already in other reviews of Bray’s work. I will say this, if you have not had the pleasure to listen to one of his performances, please do yourself a favor and listen to one now. I have yet to be disappointed.
Also, if you have been shying away from any audiobook because you have not heard of the narrator, do everyone a favor and listen to it anyway. As you may have just found an undiscovered, diamond in the rough like Bray that will make you smile or bring you to tears.
Safari
Gus was badly hurt, between Roxann and the bikers he has sustained broken teeth, cracked ribs and other injuries. To ease his pain he found his best friend, Captain Morgan, and had a drink, or two, or three.
At the start of a cold winter Gus is hurt and alone, again. This is how book 2 starts as we continue to follow Gus’s will to survive. Through the coming months he slowly heals. During this time he drops down the well of despair and loneliness. He has long conversations with a bottle of Captain Morgan rum. Still needing supplies he makes trips to town in the truck the bikers left at his gate.
Except for Scott, every “normal” human he meets has tried to kill him. Now he doesn’t think twice about killing in self-defense. As his sanity spirals down he makes plans to get rid of all the zombies in Annapolis.
To his horror it is not only the zombies that are a threat, a new, even more deadly terror has risen.
I listened to this book straight through. Well, almost, straight through. The pace was fairly fast and the action was vicious. More problems and plot twists. The characters in this part of the story were what we could expect when the basic rules of humanity are gone. I found this part very believable and well developed.
Mr. Bray did a splendid job of bringing this book to life. I didn’t have a problem with his voices and liked the tone of his telling. Everything was clear and easy to understand. The book cover gives you the jist of this book. Audio production was without fault. Very well done. Book 3 here I come.
Hellifax
In this installment we start with a caravan of vans on the trans-Canadian highway. The men inside were rough, dirty, mean, and wore a variety of protective gear. Calling themselves “Norsemen” with a leader named Fist. He had been sent from the West coast to check out the east coast for supplies, survivors, and zombies. Their goal was to get information, procure everything they could, and kill zombies. They were headed to Hellifax.
Scott had finally made it to the city. He arrived during a vicious blizzard. When the snow finally stopped it was very deep with high drifts. He left his SUV parked at an empty house and headed toward town. It was there that he met Amy and her friends. One of them was named Tanner. A lot of grizzly things happen after this.
Tanner arrived in Hellifax and started doing his thing. He had decided to take out the members of Amy’s group one at a time. It didn’t work out that way.
As Scott and Amy’s group head out for his SUV Tanner discovers why all the zombies are leaving town. That is when he decided to leave also.
Toward the end of town the Norsemen, Scott’s group and Tanner will engage. Who do you think will live?
Extremely well developed story lines. Full of fast paced action. This series just keeps getting better and better.
Mr. Bray did his usual splendid job of bringing this book to life. I didn’t have a problem with his voices and he really got into at times. Everything was clear and easy to understand. Audio production was without fault. I really liked the book cover too. It is perfect for this story.
Audiobook provided for review by the publisher.
March 11, 2021
This played non stop at 2x speed for what seemed like no time at all but consumed me for 24 hours (I did sleep). I didn't think anything could capture me like the walking dead does and this truly did. I bought extra credits half way through this 3 book in one from audible, because I know im going to want to finish this series as fast as possible. Unbelievable!
March 13, 2021
Pretty good zombie story
The first two books were pretty original. The third one was more of your standard cookie cutter zombie story but it was interesting enough. Believable and likable characters and a steady and smooth plot.
The first two books were pretty original. The third one was more of your standard cookie cutter zombie story but it was interesting enough. Believable and likable characters and a steady and smooth plot.
January 3, 2025
I read this book about two years ago and it was good but just listen to the audiobook and fell in love with it all over again. Great zombie story interesting characters and a fun read.
November 2, 2015
I never again need to know how many times a man scratches himself. By the time it got to the end of book one I was so done with the main character. I couldn't believe that self destructive behavior hadn't gotten him out of the picture. By the time book three started I wanted him dead. I was rooting for zombies. I liked book three much better because he wasn't in it much. The characters in Book 3 seemed to want to live and acted accordingly. All in all I couldn't wait to finish not because it was good but because you know your mom won't let you have desert until you finish your okra (insert grody vegetable of choice here) and you just kind of muscle it down as quickly as possible so you don't have to taste it much.
June 27, 2025
I'm in between 4✨
Things that didn't sit right with me:
-Scott waiting so long to pursue Tenner. Then leaves during the winter.
-Scott leaving Gus behind with shady Roxanne
-Scott serendipitously finding Tenner who has several months lead on him
Things that didn't sit right with me:
-Scott waiting so long to pursue Tenner. Then leaves during the winter.
-Scott leaving Gus behind with shady Roxanne
-Scott serendipitously finding Tenner who has several months lead on him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
As zombie fiction goes, Blackmore does a good enough job. There's not a ton of plot, but the characters eventually (by Book 3, at least) develop enough to be sympathetic. That's not to say they're very round. They aren't. Every character is little more than a stereotype of the genre, but the longer- lasting ones grow on you through sheer persistence.
Blackmore's writing is also good enough. Yes, he has pet phrases that recur enough to distract and yes, he occasionally uses a wrong word, but we're not talking about capital L literature here. He gets the job done and that's what we need in a zombie book.
Where I would criticize the books is in their staggering long-windedness. If Blackmore isn't getting paid by the word, he should renegotiate his contract. Dickens has nothing on this fellow. The beginning of the first book nearly put me off them all together. I've been a painter and the detail involved in establishing Gus's career still almost put me to sleep. I can't count the number of pages I skimmed in all three books collected here, just to get to something that actually moved the plot forward. Most of what I skimmed were fight scenes and zombie gore descriptions, no less. I like martial arts and fights as much as the next girl (ok, probably more), but holy elbow strike did these run on. If you took out all the superfluous detail from these three books, you'd have a single volume, but it would be quite good.
I don't suppose it's Blackmore's fault the zombie gore got tedious. There are only so many ways you can dispatch a walking corpse or be dispatched by one and they've all been covered ad nauseam by the scores of books, movies, and tv shows. My personal preference would be for a more matter-of-fact approach, but other fans of zombie lore may well like this part of the book just fine.
I would caution future readers that in addition to the usual zombie blood and guts, there's a fair bit of human-on-human torture porn mixed in. Not my thing, but that's just me.
There are two more books in this series. Despite my griping, I'll probably read them-- after I've had a break. Compared to the typical zombie novels available, these are above average. Blackstone is not Max Brooks, but I don't think he's trying to be. He's serving up a genre novel with all the elements most of the genre's fans want and he's succeeding. Do I wish he had a tougher editor (or just an editor at all)? Yeah, sure, you betcha. But he's doing what he set out to do and that's more than many of us can say.
Blackmore's writing is also good enough. Yes, he has pet phrases that recur enough to distract and yes, he occasionally uses a wrong word, but we're not talking about capital L literature here. He gets the job done and that's what we need in a zombie book.
Where I would criticize the books is in their staggering long-windedness. If Blackmore isn't getting paid by the word, he should renegotiate his contract. Dickens has nothing on this fellow. The beginning of the first book nearly put me off them all together. I've been a painter and the detail involved in establishing Gus's career still almost put me to sleep. I can't count the number of pages I skimmed in all three books collected here, just to get to something that actually moved the plot forward. Most of what I skimmed were fight scenes and zombie gore descriptions, no less. I like martial arts and fights as much as the next girl (ok, probably more), but holy elbow strike did these run on. If you took out all the superfluous detail from these three books, you'd have a single volume, but it would be quite good.
I don't suppose it's Blackmore's fault the zombie gore got tedious. There are only so many ways you can dispatch a walking corpse or be dispatched by one and they've all been covered ad nauseam by the scores of books, movies, and tv shows. My personal preference would be for a more matter-of-fact approach, but other fans of zombie lore may well like this part of the book just fine.
I would caution future readers that in addition to the usual zombie blood and guts, there's a fair bit of human-on-human torture porn mixed in. Not my thing, but that's just me.
There are two more books in this series. Despite my griping, I'll probably read them-- after I've had a break. Compared to the typical zombie novels available, these are above average. Blackstone is not Max Brooks, but I don't think he's trying to be. He's serving up a genre novel with all the elements most of the genre's fans want and he's succeeding. Do I wish he had a tougher editor (or just an editor at all)? Yeah, sure, you betcha. But he's doing what he set out to do and that's more than many of us can say.
February 4, 2020
I love that the first 3 books of the series are all together in one so that at the end of book 1, I didn't have to stop to go find the next book. I first met the mountain man in a prequel story in which the character of Gus really grabbed my attention; plus I had never read a zombie story set in Canada before. Gus has himself a pretty nice setup to ride out the zompoc in a nice house set up with solar panels & a bunch of other niceties that get taken for granted in situations like that. His house is set up on a hill high above the city of Annapolis where he is isolated from both zombies as well as other survivors until one day when he's scavenging down in town where he stumbles across Scott who has survived a psychotic killer although his 2 comrades did not. Left for dead, he is saved by Gus although he kind of ends up saving Gus. Together they realize that zombies are not the only threat facing humanity, and these first 3 books detail their adventures together and then as Scott goes on his own path to track down that psycho killer as they both take on other survivors as well as a totally unexpected threat that even the zombies fear. These are available thru audible as well & make a great listen that'll definitely make getting your chores a lot more enjoyable.
January 14, 2021
More Than Zombies to Fear
This was a deviation from my usual style of reading material. I burned out on the post-apocalyptic genre decades ago and haven't really looked back. Until now. It's an interesting story with lots of diverse characters and tons of testosterone. The character we meet first, Gus, was ummm... different. But then I suppose his flexible mental health state would be easy to understand considering what he's gone through.
Then Gus saves Scott. Scott's a lot easier to relate to, and doesn't spend his time talking to his favorite rum bottle logo (ala Wilson). The rest of the catalog of characters-- well, you never know who's a good guy and who's a bad guy until it may be too late. It's a tough new world, and there are worse things out there than the undead people walking around.
This was a deviation from my usual style of reading material. I burned out on the post-apocalyptic genre decades ago and haven't really looked back. Until now. It's an interesting story with lots of diverse characters and tons of testosterone. The character we meet first, Gus, was ummm... different. But then I suppose his flexible mental health state would be easy to understand considering what he's gone through.
Then Gus saves Scott. Scott's a lot easier to relate to, and doesn't spend his time talking to his favorite rum bottle logo (ala Wilson). The rest of the catalog of characters-- well, you never know who's a good guy and who's a bad guy until it may be too late. It's a tough new world, and there are worse things out there than the undead people walking around.
September 24, 2024
I picked up this ZA series up as I saw somewhere that it was being made into a TV show and thought it must be good. And, to a point, it is. Very good. I was totally absorbed in books 1 and 2. Less so, by book 3. Well written. Great characters. Authentic reactions and emotions. Fascinating setting. Scary. Nasty. At times, downright disgusting. Some great twists, shocks and surprises. Captivating plot – does drag on a wee bit here and there though. However, all that said, I’m not sure I’m going to go on to read the other books in the series. Too many other books to read and not enough time to read them all in. I’ll be honest, it does irritate me a little when I get started on a good series that never seems to end. I like an end. Its part of a good story arc. I’m having a similar experience with Kyla Stone’s Edge of Collapse series.
October 26, 2018
Very entertaining audiobook. Basically the Walking Dead...in Canada. As in other zombie stories, the worst villains are not the undead but humans. And two of the most evil characters ever imagined are in this one. Although there are many extended and excruciating descriptions of the physical horror inflicted on individuals by the zombies and baddies, Blackmore does a good job of rounding out his characters and giving us credible reasons to like, fear, or despise them. And the incomparable R.C. Bray does another outstanding job with the narration--every character gets their own unique voice from him--male and female. In my view, Bray is one of, if not the most, talented audiobook narrators today.
Definitely looking forward to checking out both the sequel and prequel to this series.
Definitely looking forward to checking out both the sequel and prequel to this series.
January 14, 2021
I wanted to start off the New Year with a new series and I really wasn’t sure what to read. I decided to buy “The Mountain Man Omnibus” on blind faith because I wanted to be cheap and it had the first three books in one long audio file. It’s the best zombie series that I’ve read so far. I’m totally addicted to these books. There is lots of mindless action, good story and those rats, I can’t get enough of those rats.
If Audible didn’t offer a three to one deal, I would have bought these books separately. I really can’t wait to buy the fourth, fifth, and upcoming sixth additions to the series. I really hope R.C. Bray keeps reading these audiobooks because his tone of his voice makes the description of the words that much better. His vocal cords are perfect for these books.
If Audible didn’t offer a three to one deal, I would have bought these books separately. I really can’t wait to buy the fourth, fifth, and upcoming sixth additions to the series. I really hope R.C. Bray keeps reading these audiobooks because his tone of his voice makes the description of the words that much better. His vocal cords are perfect for these books.
October 21, 2019
I listened to this as an audiobook, and although it took me a while to get through it was worth it. Blackmore does an excellent job with building a futuristic/post-apocalyptic zombie world. Although his character definitely has male attributes (the first 20 minutes has a lot of ball scratching), he does well with giving them depth and making you care for them. I also appreciated that there was violence and gore but not necessarily rape/sexual assault. Plus, he definitely adds some creepy twists to the genre. I was happy to find out that there are more books which I will definitely be listening too soon.
February 26, 2025
Picked this up with a monthly credit on Audible several years ago. At first it was a little hard to get into as the narrator's voice (BC Bray) was VERY American and it took me out of the story. As I listened on, however, the narration became part of the story and I couldn't imagine Gus (protaganist) with any other voice.
The story is nothing new (zombie survival) but it's kept more grounded and realistic by the author than you might normally find. Gus' need for normal things (booze and bog roll, etc) make it instantly relatable.
Looking forward to reading the remaining could of books this year.
The story is nothing new (zombie survival) but it's kept more grounded and realistic by the author than you might normally find. Gus' need for normal things (booze and bog roll, etc) make it instantly relatable.
Looking forward to reading the remaining could of books this year.
November 10, 2025
I’ve been struggling to find a good zombie apocalypse book, end of bought so many on Audible and I’ve read many through the years. This one I started, and I had no expectations for, however, after a while it hooked to be good. I don’t know. I just scratches that each pretty dang good. They’re such a good job, articulating his loneliness, and his characters thoughts. I almost feel like I’m part of the story, and to be honest at times I had me laughing so much. The humor when he meets with Scott, he is at another level, comedy gold to be honest. Sorry for any grammatical errors or incorrect use of punctuation or whatever. I’m using the talk to text feature on my iPhone.
May 25, 2020
Books 1-3 of the Mountain Man series follow Gus and Scott as they attempt to live through the zombie pestilence. Keith Blackmore has created a very disturbing world where his characters are faced with not only zombies, but humans run amuck. These three stories were action packed as well as filled with elements that leave the reader with very raw emotions depending on the circumstances each character finds them selves dealing with. R.C. Bray’s narration makes this an audiobook that is near impossible to stop listening to until that very last page of book 3.
March 15, 2024
Curse you story telling man! I am now hooked to Canadian zombie stories! :)))
I liked the first book, but did not care so much about Safari... it seemed a bit strung along and was a bit of a hassle to finish, and by then I was quite sure I had my fill of this series... but noooo... the third installment had to be good! It had to make me care about the characters, and worse.. it made me miss Guss!
So here I am, at the end of book three, already jumping into book 4...Now I must know what happenes next... will this be the book that makes me get off the zombie train?!? We shall see...
I liked the first book, but did not care so much about Safari... it seemed a bit strung along and was a bit of a hassle to finish, and by then I was quite sure I had my fill of this series... but noooo... the third installment had to be good! It had to make me care about the characters, and worse.. it made me miss Guss!
So here I am, at the end of book three, already jumping into book 4...Now I must know what happenes next... will this be the book that makes me get off the zombie train?!? We shall see...
January 29, 2019
This was the first three books of a zombie series. The first and third book had a lot of typical zombie and human situations, the second book brought in a new element that was a little slow but I ended up enjoying. Overall I enjoyed these books for the characters and some of the cringe worthy descriptions. I'm going to take a break from the series, but will definitely revisit the rest of the books down the road.
January 2, 2021
Amazing!
I really enjoyed this book. Great character development especially for Gus, Scott, and Tenner. The author really let us get into their heads. It was interesting to see how each character evolved. Lots of drinking, especially by Gus, to the point where I felt sick for him and wanted to vomit. TMI? Maybe. LOL Anyhow. Read it. You won’t regret it. Read the prequel first, then the Hospital, then this three book set. I’m off to buy the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. Great character development especially for Gus, Scott, and Tenner. The author really let us get into their heads. It was interesting to see how each character evolved. Lots of drinking, especially by Gus, to the point where I felt sick for him and wanted to vomit. TMI? Maybe. LOL Anyhow. Read it. You won’t regret it. Read the prequel first, then the Hospital, then this three book set. I’m off to buy the next book in the series.
March 12, 2020
This is "Walking Dead" with rats. Very good, descriptive enough to make you flinch and look down the road for Gimps and Mo's. I hope that if the zombie apocalypse ever happens, I have people who can shoot and fight like Gus (bk 1 & 2) and Amy (bk 3). I'm may go on with bk. 4, just to see if Gus shows up again.
March 25, 2021
First two books were pretty good and fun. I liked Gus, even if he was written more for guys than everyone. Third book was too long, scenes too repetitive, bad guys too OTT. It was nice to see what Scott was up to but he wasn’t that interesting without Gus, and I was really hoping he'd connect with Gus again before the end. I want more stories about Gus.
June 9, 2023
The first book didn't really get interesting until about chapter 26. That's way too long of an intro. Probably should have just started at book 2. For me it's a two star, but I want to be fair because many people probably like the zombie killing more than character development. It was also lacking a range of emotions: mostly just terror.
March 2, 2018
Really enjoyed these books, I'm a fan of the post apocolyptic genre, so this was right up my alley. Easy to read, good story flow and good antagonists throughout. Might have gotten irritated one or twice, but overall solid books.
September 14, 2018
If Stephen King were to write a Zombie Apocalypse novel, it would be a lot like this. I'm a middling fan of the ZA genre; this is perhaps the best I have read (at least in a while). I'm on to book 4 now...
November 25, 2019
Really a lot of fun. Never been a zombie story fan, but the characters are what make the series and the zombies... well.... Grab a little Capt'n and a boom stick and have way! Really fun series. Thank you.
Cheers
Cheers
April 22, 2020
I read the first book years ago but I didn't mind rereading it. I love The Mountain series. Gus did get on my nerves in book 2. And I hope his liver is okay. The Norsemen and Tanner are pure evil. I've already purchased the other books in the series and I can't wait to get back to these guys.
February 5, 2021
Maybe Zombies aren't my thing
I've heard lots of raves about these books, but I just didn't get that into it. For me, it would have been more enjoyable without the psychos. I would hope that more kind people would survive a zombie apocalypse.
I've heard lots of raves about these books, but I just didn't get that into it. For me, it would have been more enjoyable without the psychos. I would hope that more kind people would survive a zombie apocalypse.
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