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Zero Hour #1
Zero Hour
A soldier wakes, possibly the last survivor of a brutal attack by machines intent on destroying humanity, but all is not as it seems.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
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December 2, 2017Hey, It's me.
I know. I didn't even rate this one.
I'm in a weird book space right now. Trying new things and them NOT working out. Is this what people mean when they say they are in a book funk? Cuz, I've never had one yet, so I guess I might be excited that I get to have a turn. There should be a book to help with this.
There's a book for everything, right?
This book is written in the second person narration. So, it is all "you are walking here and there. You see a cat. You pet it." And, I'm all "Don't tell me what to do, book!" Plus, I would never pet a cat. I'm strictly in the dog category. By the way, Science has ended the dispute today. Dogs are smarter. Told ya so.
The signs were there.
I really couldn't get over this narration. Especially when the book told me that I was a bald dude in the army. I would totally have hair if I were a guy. I think I was offended by that. Except, I was too busy imagining that I had a penis and testicles. They seem like they would be uncomfortable to me. I don't know. It just felt wrong.
Invisible or not, all evidence points to itchy.
Yeah, I like being a girl.
Also, I'm not a fan of second person narration. So, I didn't finish this and I'm going back to "normal books" like vampire romances, crime-solving manic pixies, and historical fiction in which everyone is NOT smelly and lives past 30 with a beautiful man. You know, reality.
Or, maybe a classic.
oooorrrrr, maybe not.
I know. I didn't even rate this one.
I'm in a weird book space right now. Trying new things and them NOT working out. Is this what people mean when they say they are in a book funk? Cuz, I've never had one yet, so I guess I might be excited that I get to have a turn. There should be a book to help with this.
There's a book for everything, right?
This book is written in the second person narration. So, it is all "you are walking here and there. You see a cat. You pet it." And, I'm all "Don't tell me what to do, book!" Plus, I would never pet a cat. I'm strictly in the dog category. By the way, Science has ended the dispute today. Dogs are smarter. Told ya so.
The signs were there.
I really couldn't get over this narration. Especially when the book told me that I was a bald dude in the army. I would totally have hair if I were a guy. I think I was offended by that. Except, I was too busy imagining that I had a penis and testicles. They seem like they would be uncomfortable to me. I don't know. It just felt wrong.
Invisible or not, all evidence points to itchy.
Yeah, I like being a girl.
Also, I'm not a fan of second person narration. So, I didn't finish this and I'm going back to "normal books" like vampire romances, crime-solving manic pixies, and historical fiction in which everyone is NOT smelly and lives past 30 with a beautiful man. You know, reality.
Or, maybe a classic.
oooorrrrr, maybe not.
August 22, 2015
Ambrose's short gripped me from the beginning and never let go. The part I loved most was the point of view at which it was written. As a reader, you felt like you were almost watching everything unfold rather than reading the words on the page. The author definitely has a voice and we all need to hear it. I put this story up there with the first installment of Wool by Hugh Howey. It is just that good!
August 19, 2022
This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟 .
Now technological sci-fi is normally not really my thing but this short story that leads onto a series contained in one book held me fascinated from start to finish.
Now technological sci-fi is normally not really my thing but this short story that leads onto a series contained in one book held me fascinated from start to finish.
February 5, 2017
I thought this story idea was interesting and completely different and the writing went along with that. There was a lot I enjoyed including the style and pros. Here is one example.
"...the sound of its engines dies slowly as it loses power and falls to the ground like a dying bird."
And the very beginning of the book.
"Alive. Cocooned by the rubble and debris, dust catching your breath as you desperately try to inhale."
This author certainly reminds me of Asimov but with a fresher prospective and a bit of Hugh Howey. The only thing I didn't like was the bit about humans destroying the Earth with global warming, when the Earth is actually going through an abnormally stable cycle. If you look at the extremes our planet has gone through before we got here it is kind of crazy to think we can destroy it with plastic. Ok off my soap box, and I am sorry for any hurt feelings.
Overall this was a great story and I would highly recommend it to anyone that likes science fiction.
"...the sound of its engines dies slowly as it loses power and falls to the ground like a dying bird."
And the very beginning of the book.
"Alive. Cocooned by the rubble and debris, dust catching your breath as you desperately try to inhale."
This author certainly reminds me of Asimov but with a fresher prospective and a bit of Hugh Howey. The only thing I didn't like was the bit about humans destroying the Earth with global warming, when the Earth is actually going through an abnormally stable cycle. If you look at the extremes our planet has gone through before we got here it is kind of crazy to think we can destroy it with plastic. Ok off my soap box, and I am sorry for any hurt feelings.
Overall this was a great story and I would highly recommend it to anyone that likes science fiction.
November 30, 2016
A quick short story written in second person POV.
Post apocalyptic world where the narrator is the final survivor against an artificial intelligence.
***
Intriguing. Second pov is hard and it’s also a kind of a clue. If that makes sense.
Maybe not… snorts.
There is enough here for the author to have extended it to a further five parts.
This one was free through Genre Reader website
4 stars
Post apocalyptic world where the narrator is the final survivor against an artificial intelligence.
***
Intriguing. Second pov is hard and it’s also a kind of a clue. If that makes sense.
Maybe not… snorts.
There is enough here for the author to have extended it to a further five parts.
This one was free through Genre Reader website
4 stars
September 29, 2018
Waking up to a different version of the world that you anticipated can be startling, as in Eamon Ambrose's Zero Hour: A Short Story.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A soldier wakes up, disoriented and experiencing pain with every movement. As the seemingly sole survivor of a brutal attack by machines upon humanity, the soldier is confronted with some startling realizations about the reality of the situation and must make an important decision.
Written in second person, this short story puts the reader in the place of the primary character, which in itself is a bit off-putting as second person narration isn't overly common and takes a while to become accustomed to, but when added to the post-apocalyptic world being described it adds an element of uneasiness that's difficult to shift off; although, I wanted to have more in the text to help explain how the dynamic of the world came to be. A quick read, the story moves quickly through the questioning to discovery phases of the soldier's experiences to build suspense and lead up to the ending reveal.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
A soldier wakes up, disoriented and experiencing pain with every movement. As the seemingly sole survivor of a brutal attack by machines upon humanity, the soldier is confronted with some startling realizations about the reality of the situation and must make an important decision.
Written in second person, this short story puts the reader in the place of the primary character, which in itself is a bit off-putting as second person narration isn't overly common and takes a while to become accustomed to, but when added to the post-apocalyptic world being described it adds an element of uneasiness that's difficult to shift off; although, I wanted to have more in the text to help explain how the dynamic of the world came to be. A quick read, the story moves quickly through the questioning to discovery phases of the soldier's experiences to build suspense and lead up to the ending reveal.
March 29, 2016
This is one of those books you finish and just sit there with your mouth open thinking oh my gosh! I have to have more, and thank goodness there is more after the first one. But this book is awesome author Ambrose hit a homerun with this one and I can not wait to see what he has in story with the next. This book is fast paced but has so many twists and turns it is worse than a roller coaster, but also just as fun, this is just one you will have to try for yourself because to talk about it will give way to much a way.
January 3, 2022
DNF 5%
You don't like the use of second-person perspective in novels. Perhaps if it is used sparingly, or in appropriate circumstances, you could live with it. But that's not the case here. You find it jarring and distracting.
You've seen it done well, say when the main character is compelled to write a note to his future self since he's about to take a memory wiping drug. "Bob, you roofied yourself because you're about to be interrogated by the Feds. Here's what you did that you've now forgotten..."
That's not the case here. It looks like the author has nerfed the whole series simply to facilitate a "big reveal," one that's not only obvious but could have been achieved just as well using third-person.
Not everyone has an issue with this style, so your mileage may vary.
You don't like the use of second-person perspective in novels. Perhaps if it is used sparingly, or in appropriate circumstances, you could live with it. But that's not the case here. You find it jarring and distracting.
You've seen it done well, say when the main character is compelled to write a note to his future self since he's about to take a memory wiping drug. "Bob, you roofied yourself because you're about to be interrogated by the Feds. Here's what you did that you've now forgotten..."
That's not the case here. It looks like the author has nerfed the whole series simply to facilitate a "big reveal," one that's not only obvious but could have been achieved just as well using third-person.
Not everyone has an issue with this style, so your mileage may vary.
August 22, 2015
I haven't read anything quite like this before. The (writing) style alone is worth ten times the price, and at €1.54 it's an absolute steal.
"Zero Hour" by Eamon Ambrose is an intense Sci-Fi short with a powerful message and an ending I did not see coming!
From the first paragraph you are thrust into the mind of the main character. You're literally with them through every decision, every moment of uncertainty, and every struggle, which in itself, is clever, thrilling, haunting and enthralling all at once...and it doesn't let up its grip for one solitary second.
I'll be looking forward to more from this author in the future. A must-read for all Sci-Fi fans.
"Zero Hour" by Eamon Ambrose is an intense Sci-Fi short with a powerful message and an ending I did not see coming!
From the first paragraph you are thrust into the mind of the main character. You're literally with them through every decision, every moment of uncertainty, and every struggle, which in itself, is clever, thrilling, haunting and enthralling all at once...and it doesn't let up its grip for one solitary second.
I'll be looking forward to more from this author in the future. A must-read for all Sci-Fi fans.
August 31, 2015
This is a well-written and entertaining short story, a brief look at a small slice of an apocalyptic landscape. Perhaps the author will consider writing more stories within this world. Nicely done.
September 21, 2017
This is a neat little short story that is perfect for your lunch hour at work or whenever you have 20 minutes or so to read. Without having a spoiler, some of the situations the author described had me having a Walter Mitty moment: what if you could transfer your consciousness to an android and live with the computing processing power as well as a much longer lifespan? If you like quick-hit short stories, I would recommend this one.
I picked this up for free using my Kindle Unlimited borrow vs. its regular 99 cent pricing: I received more than 99 cents worth of entertainment value out of this one. While originally written as a standalone, I see there are further installments to the serial story and I will be checking them out.
I picked this up for free using my Kindle Unlimited borrow vs. its regular 99 cent pricing: I received more than 99 cents worth of entertainment value out of this one. While originally written as a standalone, I see there are further installments to the serial story and I will be checking them out.
July 25, 2017
This is one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. I feel that the author has talent, based primarily on a long monologue by the character Bentley during a conversation with you. I say "you" because this short story was written in second person narrative, and that is what I found most unsatisfactory.
The plot is very good, twisting and turning more than once, and was probably the only reason I read this short story all the way to the end. However, the use of the second person tense with this story didn't work for me. The short brittle sentences, written in a staccato rhythm, were more distracting than attractive. Even now I wonder whether it was a conscious decision to write such clipped sentences, and debate whether a smoother cadence might have made a difference.
I also question whether it would be incongruous to establish a interesting character and then extend the short story into numerous books and still maintain the second person narrative tense. To jump to first or third person might be a jolt, but for me, I know I could not read an entire novel in this tense and at the same time tolerate the choppy presentation. Based on the aforementioned Bentley speech, I might peek into one of Mr. Ambrose's other books to see if the tense is different. This book alone, however, would not compel me to immediately purchase the next book. Three stars.
The plot is very good, twisting and turning more than once, and was probably the only reason I read this short story all the way to the end. However, the use of the second person tense with this story didn't work for me. The short brittle sentences, written in a staccato rhythm, were more distracting than attractive. Even now I wonder whether it was a conscious decision to write such clipped sentences, and debate whether a smoother cadence might have made a difference.
I also question whether it would be incongruous to establish a interesting character and then extend the short story into numerous books and still maintain the second person narrative tense. To jump to first or third person might be a jolt, but for me, I know I could not read an entire novel in this tense and at the same time tolerate the choppy presentation. Based on the aforementioned Bentley speech, I might peek into one of Mr. Ambrose's other books to see if the tense is different. This book alone, however, would not compel me to immediately purchase the next book. Three stars.
April 18, 2016
I think this story is the definition of a perfect short story (or prequel). You are given bits and pieces of information, but you have no idea which ones are important or even which ones are true. You are exposed to technology way beyond our own, but you are able to easily comprehend it because of the details provided by the author. The imagery of a maybe-apocalyptic battle is vivid and ugly. You even start to care about the primary character, even though you know next-to-nothing about the character. Finally, there are about five twists in the last three pages that will--as the description says--have you reading it again and again.
I highly recommend this story. I am moving on to the rest of the series because this story leaves you wanting MORE.
I highly recommend this story. I am moving on to the rest of the series because this story leaves you wanting MORE.
November 27, 2016
I like my sci-fi, and I like tales with a twist, so when I got the chance to read what has subsequently become the first in a new serial by Irish author Eamon Ambrose, I was happy to take a look.
Actually, I was forewarned that there would be a twist and, in a way, I think it was a mistake to do so, as I spent my time trying to guess what the twist would be before it appeared. In fact, I thought I had found the twist midway through the story, and thought that was it, until the last moment of the story.
The actual twist (which I won’t spoil) lends itself to the reader’s presumptions regarding an aspect of the story.
– I received a free copy via the Genre Reader newsletter.
Actually, I was forewarned that there would be a twist and, in a way, I think it was a mistake to do so, as I spent my time trying to guess what the twist would be before it appeared. In fact, I thought I had found the twist midway through the story, and thought that was it, until the last moment of the story.
The actual twist (which I won’t spoil) lends itself to the reader’s presumptions regarding an aspect of the story.
– I received a free copy via the Genre Reader newsletter.
May 22, 2016
Zero Hour by Eamon Ambrose Zero Hour by Eamon Ambrose is a captivating futuristic, dystopian short story. While it is dark & frightening, I gave it four stars. The end of the world as we knew it took place with only one survivor left. This is part one of a four book series but can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary kindle copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Hour-Shor...
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Hour-Shor...
September 15, 2015
3.5/5 Rounded up to 4
I very much enjoyed this post-apocalyptic short story by Eamon Ambrose.
For a story that took less than 20 minutes to read, it was enjoyable and a gread addition to the genre. I'd love to see this continue in series or novel form.
I'm not mad about the second person narrative but it doesn't detract from the story.
I very much enjoyed this post-apocalyptic short story by Eamon Ambrose.
For a story that took less than 20 minutes to read, it was enjoyable and a gread addition to the genre. I'd love to see this continue in series or novel form.
I'm not mad about the second person narrative but it doesn't detract from the story.
July 6, 2016
Really enjoyed this story. I'm a big reader of classic short stories so I'm hard to please. This is tightly paced, well controlled, vivid, atmospheric and a pleasure to read. Good job. This will appeal to scifi fans, but I think it has a broader appeal too. If you like a good yarn, then give this a go.
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March 6, 2016Good short sci-fi adventure read
Good story. Hard one to review without spoiling it since it depends on a Russian doll type revelation within a revelation within a revelation. It's fast, interesting, worth the price. A good prelude/set up. Interested to read more.
Good story. Hard one to review without spoiling it since it depends on a Russian doll type revelation within a revelation within a revelation. It's fast, interesting, worth the price. A good prelude/set up. Interested to read more.
February 26, 2017
First lines:
You wake.
Alive. Cocooned by rubble and debris, dust catching your breath as you desperately try to inhale. You don't know how long you've been out. Must be hours. Maybe a whole day.
Great short story with a couple of twists at the end. Nicely done.
You wake.
Alive. Cocooned by rubble and debris, dust catching your breath as you desperately try to inhale. You don't know how long you've been out. Must be hours. Maybe a whole day.
Great short story with a couple of twists at the end. Nicely done.
November 15, 2015
Great short. On to the second story.
January 8, 2021
I had a hard time in the beginning, understanding what was going on, but I ended up liking the story. I don't read too many post-apocalyptic stories involving Sci-fi aspects (androids/robots) so I found the idea very interesting.
The narrator did a great job! I’d listen to him again.
I’m curious as to why the author wrote Sarah’s part in a second-person point of view? I wasn’t a fan of that, at all. It actually annoyed me with all the, “You” did this, “You did that.” Why second-person? How does the reader "get into" the story while being told what "you" did. That just wasn't working for me.
Besides the POV question, I only had two others. How did Bentley end up in Shepard’s body? Did I miss that part? I’m thinking I did. Also, where had he been once he left his old “robot” body that Sarah took over? Did I miss that, too?
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator did a great job! I’d listen to him again.
I’m curious as to why the author wrote Sarah’s part in a second-person point of view? I wasn’t a fan of that, at all. It actually annoyed me with all the, “You” did this, “You did that.” Why second-person? How does the reader "get into" the story while being told what "you" did. That just wasn't working for me.
Besides the POV question, I only had two others. How did Bentley end up in Shepard’s body? Did I miss that part? I’m thinking I did. Also, where had he been once he left his old “robot” body that Sarah took over? Did I miss that, too?
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
An interesting short story, told from a perspective I have not seen before (2nd person present tense). This certainly forces the reader into the shoes of the MC, though sometimes it can make dialogue seem a bit off.
The futuristic setting has been done a thousand times, though the author puts a very interesting spin on it (though I'm not sure how long the MC has been knocked out, if they are surrounded by decrepit skeletons).
No spoilers, but I was definitely surprised by the twists.
If I didn't have lots of other books to read, this would be a good job of pulling me into paying to find out the rest of the story (which I imagine is what the author intended).
The futuristic setting has been done a thousand times, though the author puts a very interesting spin on it (though I'm not sure how long the MC has been knocked out, if they are surrounded by decrepit skeletons).
No spoilers, but I was definitely surprised by the twists.
If I didn't have lots of other books to read, this would be a good job of pulling me into paying to find out the rest of the story (which I imagine is what the author intended).
March 5, 2024
Zero Hour is a dark and harrowing tale of human survival and tenacity in a post-apocalyptic world, ravaged by AI and the designs of a genocidal madman. I found the world very compelling and also the characters and plot. I liked that AI was a tool used by the antagonist to destroy the world rather than AI itself destroying it. I also found the transfer of mind to machine to be a really interesting plot device. All in all, the hope for the characters and their future against the odds had me engrossed the whole way, and I highly recommend Zero Hour.
July 30, 2023
Such an interesting short story!
I can see why this short story was turned into a serial as the way it ended just leaves you wanting more and to find out more about Sarah and what happens with Al.
It was just fast paced enough that it kept me reading and mysterious enough that I needed to know what happened next. As with most short stories, I could have done with a little bit more back story but it didn’t stop the story from still being interesting.
I can see why this short story was turned into a serial as the way it ended just leaves you wanting more and to find out more about Sarah and what happens with Al.
It was just fast paced enough that it kept me reading and mysterious enough that I needed to know what happened next. As with most short stories, I could have done with a little bit more back story but it didn’t stop the story from still being interesting.
January 25, 2017
I was hovering between a 2-3 rating throughout reading this, but the last line pushed me to the 3 without a doubt. It was probably just a coincidence but I loved that line nonetheless.
It's a quick, easy read. I was a little confused about what has happening (and what had happened) but got the general gist of everything. All in all a decent short story.
It's a quick, easy read. I was a little confused about what has happening (and what had happened) but got the general gist of everything. All in all a decent short story.
June 11, 2022
Many Revelations
I really enjoyed this story even though I practically got whiplash from all the stunning revelations. They came at breakneck speed. Every one made me want to read the rest of the story. But the best was saved for last and boy was it a doozy. I am so glad there is more to come.
I really enjoyed this story even though I practically got whiplash from all the stunning revelations. They came at breakneck speed. Every one made me want to read the rest of the story. But the best was saved for last and boy was it a doozy. I am so glad there is more to come.
October 31, 2016
Great short story. Good plot, character well developed, interesting storyline. I was surprised by a fact at the end of the story, but won't disclose it as it would be a spoiler. Well worth the read. Enjoyed it and looking forward to reading the next part.
June 9, 2023
Loved it.
A great wee short story. Initially just following the story with an open mind and then there's a twist and then there's another twist. It all comes together in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A great wee short story. Initially just following the story with an open mind and then there's a twist and then there's another twist. It all comes together in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 20, 2018
One for the boys.
April 26, 2018
Second person narrative makes this an interesting read. Not my favorite point of view. Haven’t really had a story like that since the choose your own adventure books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews