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Apocalypse Family #1
Family Reunion
Ryan Brant stepped off his plane in Seattle expecting a week of fun—a time to catch up with family members, relax, and maybe partake in a beer or two. The last thing on his mind was the end of the world and having to defend himself from the savage by-products of a CDC-issued vaccine.
With his wife and grown children on the other side of the country and no viable means to get to them, Ryan bands with his brother and niece. Together, they set out to locate family members who were en route to the reunion when the world collapsed.
As they journey together, Ryan finds strength and hope to survive. But will it be enough to help his large extended family regroup?
Most importantly, will he live long enough to return to his wife and children, and what will he find when he does?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 4, 2017
... Not my cup of tea, but if you like vivid descriptions of which pants pocket the main character finds a bit of paper in, how they connect their phone to wifi, or detailed descriptions of body features and clothing brands you've picked the right book.
December 28, 2018
A good fun zombie read!
Debryan has engaging characters and realistic scenery. Good action sequences keep the story moving right along. I highly recommend this book.
Debryan has engaging characters and realistic scenery. Good action sequences keep the story moving right along. I highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2017
One of the best ZA style books ive read.
This book was about as character based as any ZA book I've ever read. Each character felt individual and not clones of one another. Different beliefs, goals, emotions. Excellent.
Plenty of action, and realistic character reactions. Nothing gunghow and unlike 90% of the ZA books I've read, the creatures were never really regarded as evil. Characters struggled with personal battles throughout the book. Superb all round.
This book was about as character based as any ZA book I've ever read. Each character felt individual and not clones of one another. Different beliefs, goals, emotions. Excellent.
Plenty of action, and realistic character reactions. Nothing gunghow and unlike 90% of the ZA books I've read, the creatures were never really regarded as evil. Characters struggled with personal battles throughout the book. Superb all round.
July 2, 2018
Read as part of the Goodreads Summer Reading Challenge. Check out how I'm doing — https://lovethevillain.wordpress.com/...
I couldn't finish it. It was too bad to read.
I'm not normally a person who gives up halfway through a book, but at the halfway mark when nothing much had happened and the writing was still as appalling as at the beginning, I gave up. I'm sorry, but life it too short for bad books.
This is a zombie apocalypse book minus the zombies. Instead, they're called 'freaks'. They don't like sunlight and they can be killed by body shots. Other than that, they're zombies. Oh, and here's a nice touch — they hunt in packs and have a sort of intelligence (albeit not a very high one). Although, someone in the book did mention zombies, and that must be a first for this kind of novel! I was happy to see it. I hate when the characters act like they live in a world in which zombies have never been invented.
This was also the first time I've ever come across the acronym TEOTWAWKI. I had no idea what it meant and had to look it up online. Apparently it means The End Of The World As We Know It, but it would have been nice to have that explained in the book, just so I didn't feel stupid looking it up. My small consolation is that my Kindle Wiktionary had no idea about it either.
The story centers on several characters trying to get to a family reunion to check if the others are safe. There are too many characters to form any sort of bond with, with the chapters skittering among them right, left and center. I couldn't remember who was who, and didn't much care anyway. Then there's the fact that the writing kept changing from third to first person and back again. That can be very effective in certain book, but there didn't seem to be much cause for it here and it was easy to lose your perspective.
There was a bizarre instance where one of the characters was fine one second, dying of the flu the next, and they absolutely fine again in the space of a day. It was unbelievable. I couldn't accept that as something that could happen in a world ravaged by this disease. Sorry, I just didn't buy it. There seemed to be no reason for her sickness. No plot driven cause.
For some reason there was a diagram of a Motor Coach on one of the pages with a hyperlink to the actual picture. Are motor homes so roomy we can't imagine what they look like now? I thought this was an unnecessary addition.
Mainly, for me, the thing that really let down this book was the writing. There were some awful cliches included. Try this lovely piece of sexual abuse for instance:
“You’ve been a very naughty girl,” he stated, leering at her breasts.
This is said to a girl who is running for her life away from a quarantine. Guess how she replies:
“Well, good looking, are you going to give me a spanking?”
Is this how we're writing women now? I'm not one of those feminists spouting bullcrap all the time, but honestly this is unacceptable nowadays. Women do not respond like that.
Here are a few other choice bits of writing I couldn't get my head around:
I turned over onto my ass and bumped down the stairs like a two-year-old looking for a good time.
What the hell does that even mean?
The Malibu sat on its haunches like a cat pissing.
I have never seen a car do this. It's something to add to my bucket list. See a car squat down for a piss. Gotcha.
She wasn’t paranoid, just prepper-anoid.
I think this one is supposed to be clever and pun-like. It's not.
How did she get such horrific trauma from a car accident?
Gee, I dunno? Maybe because it was a car crash!?
This is the stuff that put me off the book. Not the ridiculous amount of names we're supposed to memorize, not the stupid zombies/not zombies, not even the fact that the tense was changing faster than a bad movie's camera angle. It was this sort of hackneyed, cliched, and just plain weird writing.
Sorry, I'm out.
I couldn't finish it. It was too bad to read.
I'm not normally a person who gives up halfway through a book, but at the halfway mark when nothing much had happened and the writing was still as appalling as at the beginning, I gave up. I'm sorry, but life it too short for bad books.
This is a zombie apocalypse book minus the zombies. Instead, they're called 'freaks'. They don't like sunlight and they can be killed by body shots. Other than that, they're zombies. Oh, and here's a nice touch — they hunt in packs and have a sort of intelligence (albeit not a very high one). Although, someone in the book did mention zombies, and that must be a first for this kind of novel! I was happy to see it. I hate when the characters act like they live in a world in which zombies have never been invented.
This was also the first time I've ever come across the acronym TEOTWAWKI. I had no idea what it meant and had to look it up online. Apparently it means The End Of The World As We Know It, but it would have been nice to have that explained in the book, just so I didn't feel stupid looking it up. My small consolation is that my Kindle Wiktionary had no idea about it either.
The story centers on several characters trying to get to a family reunion to check if the others are safe. There are too many characters to form any sort of bond with, with the chapters skittering among them right, left and center. I couldn't remember who was who, and didn't much care anyway. Then there's the fact that the writing kept changing from third to first person and back again. That can be very effective in certain book, but there didn't seem to be much cause for it here and it was easy to lose your perspective.
There was a bizarre instance where one of the characters was fine one second, dying of the flu the next, and they absolutely fine again in the space of a day. It was unbelievable. I couldn't accept that as something that could happen in a world ravaged by this disease. Sorry, I just didn't buy it. There seemed to be no reason for her sickness. No plot driven cause.
For some reason there was a diagram of a Motor Coach on one of the pages with a hyperlink to the actual picture. Are motor homes so roomy we can't imagine what they look like now? I thought this was an unnecessary addition.
Mainly, for me, the thing that really let down this book was the writing. There were some awful cliches included. Try this lovely piece of sexual abuse for instance:
“You’ve been a very naughty girl,” he stated, leering at her breasts.
This is said to a girl who is running for her life away from a quarantine. Guess how she replies:
“Well, good looking, are you going to give me a spanking?”
Is this how we're writing women now? I'm not one of those feminists spouting bullcrap all the time, but honestly this is unacceptable nowadays. Women do not respond like that.
Here are a few other choice bits of writing I couldn't get my head around:
I turned over onto my ass and bumped down the stairs like a two-year-old looking for a good time.
What the hell does that even mean?
The Malibu sat on its haunches like a cat pissing.
I have never seen a car do this. It's something to add to my bucket list. See a car squat down for a piss. Gotcha.
She wasn’t paranoid, just prepper-anoid.
I think this one is supposed to be clever and pun-like. It's not.
How did she get such horrific trauma from a car accident?
Gee, I dunno? Maybe because it was a car crash!?
This is the stuff that put me off the book. Not the ridiculous amount of names we're supposed to memorize, not the stupid zombies/not zombies, not even the fact that the tense was changing faster than a bad movie's camera angle. It was this sort of hackneyed, cliched, and just plain weird writing.
Sorry, I'm out.
March 11, 2016
My original Family Reunion: When The Apocalypse Happens Only One Thing Matters, Family audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
A zombie-like virus that was the result of overzealous pharmaceutical companies is ripping through the United States. All of this is happening while the Bryant family are traveling from all over to get to the greater Seattle area to meet up for a family reunion. They are thrown into the mix of these “diseased/zombies” while they attempt to find each other, hoping that everyone makes it. Thankfully this family is incredibly adept at surviving.
Narration was done by Joseph C. Wilson who does a wonderful job with this story. Yes, I wish that there were more voices, but that’s nearly impossible to do with just how many characters there are within this story. The quality was perfect and his voice is wonderful to listen to.
So, I mentioned earlier that there are a lot of characters. There are so many characters that the author has a disclaimer at the intro of this book with a link to his website where you can read all of the character bios to hopefully help you keep up with all of them throughout the story.
Now, normally having this many people to follow and understand would take away from the story, but I think that DeBryan did a wonderful job pulling all of their stories together into this mosaic explaining what was going on with the outbreak throughout the United States. You get to see the outbreak from many different viewpoints and see how it affects different people differently.
Normally, with an apocalyptic tale like this, you get one (or maybe one small family) outlook on what is happening in the world around them. With Family Reunion, you get a ton! Which leads to an incredibly unique story.
Overall, once you wrap your brain around the different family members and each one of their stories, this is a well-written telling of an apocalyptic situation. The interweaving of the stories made this book for me.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
A zombie-like virus that was the result of overzealous pharmaceutical companies is ripping through the United States. All of this is happening while the Bryant family are traveling from all over to get to the greater Seattle area to meet up for a family reunion. They are thrown into the mix of these “diseased/zombies” while they attempt to find each other, hoping that everyone makes it. Thankfully this family is incredibly adept at surviving.
Narration was done by Joseph C. Wilson who does a wonderful job with this story. Yes, I wish that there were more voices, but that’s nearly impossible to do with just how many characters there are within this story. The quality was perfect and his voice is wonderful to listen to.
So, I mentioned earlier that there are a lot of characters. There are so many characters that the author has a disclaimer at the intro of this book with a link to his website where you can read all of the character bios to hopefully help you keep up with all of them throughout the story.
Now, normally having this many people to follow and understand would take away from the story, but I think that DeBryan did a wonderful job pulling all of their stories together into this mosaic explaining what was going on with the outbreak throughout the United States. You get to see the outbreak from many different viewpoints and see how it affects different people differently.
Normally, with an apocalyptic tale like this, you get one (or maybe one small family) outlook on what is happening in the world around them. With Family Reunion, you get a ton! Which leads to an incredibly unique story.
Overall, once you wrap your brain around the different family members and each one of their stories, this is a well-written telling of an apocalyptic situation. The interweaving of the stories made this book for me.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
July 17, 2016
Loved It!
This book kept me swiping pages. I was absolutely invested in the characters. I still am. They are like family to me. I need to know what happened to them. Most of the time I can guess who survives but this author isn't afraid to kill anyone. You really are left worrying about who is making it. You worry about those who are going back to find family. Will they make it? What will they find? What happens next? Dang it! I need to know! I just missed the authors deadline on getting the next book and it kills me. I want to already be reading it, not waiting on my book budget.
The author knows his firepower and you will too. He also knows a lot about the transportation the characters use. I suspect he thoroughly researched at least two modes of transportation. He gives an amazingly detailed description of the Marathon Coach, (that I now want more than anything). I don't even care if he made up stuff in that baby. I want one because of him. The author had me drooling on some of the weapons, too. He was just as thorough with them.
One thing I love and found super helpful, (though it is at the back of the book), is the author gives us a characters bio. I suspect I will be using this with future books. There are also diagrams of the Marathon Coach, (apparently I wasn't drooling enough), and the Tokitae which will help you picture things. In the story, where they are first mentioned, there is a link that will take you back and forth so you can have a picture in your head for the author's descriptions.
There is a lot of action and gore in the book. If you aren't expecting that and don't want it, I'm not sure why you are here, (though you need not worry about sexual activity. The author doesn't have anyone graphically doing the deed while a horde is attacking). I am expecting even more action as the series goes on, (for those wanting the deed while the horde gathers, I am suspecting that might pop up. Even the Walking Dead went there.), and more gore.
I would definitely recommend this book to zombie fans. Though I will caution you that these are the authors view of zombies, (and an interesting view it is), not Romero's. Check it out and see for yourself.
This book kept me swiping pages. I was absolutely invested in the characters. I still am. They are like family to me. I need to know what happened to them. Most of the time I can guess who survives but this author isn't afraid to kill anyone. You really are left worrying about who is making it. You worry about those who are going back to find family. Will they make it? What will they find? What happens next? Dang it! I need to know! I just missed the authors deadline on getting the next book and it kills me. I want to already be reading it, not waiting on my book budget.
The author knows his firepower and you will too. He also knows a lot about the transportation the characters use. I suspect he thoroughly researched at least two modes of transportation. He gives an amazingly detailed description of the Marathon Coach, (that I now want more than anything). I don't even care if he made up stuff in that baby. I want one because of him. The author had me drooling on some of the weapons, too. He was just as thorough with them.
One thing I love and found super helpful, (though it is at the back of the book), is the author gives us a characters bio. I suspect I will be using this with future books. There are also diagrams of the Marathon Coach, (apparently I wasn't drooling enough), and the Tokitae which will help you picture things. In the story, where they are first mentioned, there is a link that will take you back and forth so you can have a picture in your head for the author's descriptions.
There is a lot of action and gore in the book. If you aren't expecting that and don't want it, I'm not sure why you are here, (though you need not worry about sexual activity. The author doesn't have anyone graphically doing the deed while a horde is attacking). I am expecting even more action as the series goes on, (for those wanting the deed while the horde gathers, I am suspecting that might pop up. Even the Walking Dead went there.), and more gore.
I would definitely recommend this book to zombie fans. Though I will caution you that these are the authors view of zombies, (and an interesting view it is), not Romero's. Check it out and see for yourself.
October 6, 2015
I have to admit, the title and cover are what drew me to read this book. When I saw a picture of the cover, it reminded me of all the family reunions we had in a park when I was young with a shelter very similar. After I read the blurb I was drawn into reading it even more! So with Kindle in hand, I sat down to read the story of a HUGE family, who were getting together after many years to catch up with each other. What happens as each group tries to reach the reunion area with a South African Flu epidemic starting takes the reader on one helluva journey! Coming by plane, car, boat and motor coach, each family group is met with obstacles along the way mostly caused by the “Screamers”, “Freaks”, “Crazies” or whatever name a particular group calls them and it doesn’t matter what they are called because they are all flesh eating killers who once were normal human beings who were turned into these monsters by a virus!
With a large cast of characters that are necessary to the story in their own way, the author brings them all to life with details that make them not just a character but someone who you feel a kinship to. I have to admit, there were a lot of scenes in this story that made me scream out, actually cry and swear at the author for what had happened! This is one of those stories where no one is safe and not everyone makes it. The story moves along with a smooth flow and a lot of excitement and action along with some comical relief along the way and I found myself devouring the whole book in a short time even though it is over three hundred pages.
Yes, this is an amazing tale that not only kept me entertained but has me wanting more and I look forward to reading more in this series. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Family Reunion and join this family on their trip that started out as a fun time but ended with their world being turned upside down…you won’t be disappointed!
With a large cast of characters that are necessary to the story in their own way, the author brings them all to life with details that make them not just a character but someone who you feel a kinship to. I have to admit, there were a lot of scenes in this story that made me scream out, actually cry and swear at the author for what had happened! This is one of those stories where no one is safe and not everyone makes it. The story moves along with a smooth flow and a lot of excitement and action along with some comical relief along the way and I found myself devouring the whole book in a short time even though it is over three hundred pages.
Yes, this is an amazing tale that not only kept me entertained but has me wanting more and I look forward to reading more in this series. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Family Reunion and join this family on their trip that started out as a fun time but ended with their world being turned upside down…you won’t be disappointed!
May 30, 2017
The characters are all part of a large family trying to make it to an island in Washington for a reunion. They are traveling from different parts of the country and each have their own survival stories, deaths and heroic moments to deal with .(No hints, but Mark was brilliant in the few places he included bits and pieces from O'Briens books). There is a cohesiveness that pulls the characters together and creates a wonderful storyline that keeps us reading to the very last page and ......then we want more. For Mark, if you can please put a short synopsis in your next book with a brief description of the main characters that would be a big help. Great job and looking forward to the next. Audible is great- listened recently and loved it.
June 3, 2017
Awesome read! I loved everything about this book!!
November 4, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet the author at the West Virginia Book Festival this past weekend. We made eye contact across a crowded aisle, he offered me a free book mark, and well, you know how these things turn out. I purchased both books in the series and throughly enjoyed Family Reunion.
While he does go a bit Game of Thrones with the number of characters to keep track of it, didn't detract from the story for me. He does a great job of tying up all the loose ends and giving the story a more than satisfying ending even with the large family milling around the countryside.
I loved the level of detail the author put into the story. While I'm I'm not quite that into the culture portrayed in the book, I like having that much information to soak up. It helped to get me into the story and pulled me along with the characters.
I also like the reason he chose as to what creates the vectors. The whole idea of a creation of a creature like that from a random virus was something I've always had a hard time with. Combine that with the fact that they're usually dead but still ambulatory has always been a bit of deal breaker for me. DeBryan has put forward a much more plausible scenario that I could easily go with and enjoy.
If you enjoy zombies or apocalypse stories, you'll enjoy Family Reunion!
While he does go a bit Game of Thrones with the number of characters to keep track of it, didn't detract from the story for me. He does a great job of tying up all the loose ends and giving the story a more than satisfying ending even with the large family milling around the countryside.
I loved the level of detail the author put into the story. While I'm I'm not quite that into the culture portrayed in the book, I like having that much information to soak up. It helped to get me into the story and pulled me along with the characters.
I also like the reason he chose as to what creates the vectors. The whole idea of a creation of a creature like that from a random virus was something I've always had a hard time with. Combine that with the fact that they're usually dead but still ambulatory has always been a bit of deal breaker for me. DeBryan has put forward a much more plausible scenario that I could easily go with and enjoy.
If you enjoy zombies or apocalypse stories, you'll enjoy Family Reunion!
March 11, 2017
Interesting take...
I had no idea what to expect before I read this and am glad I went for it.
As I read this, but was away from the book, the term Christian Apocalypse went through my head repeatedly.
I loved how there was very little profanity and what there was , was so-called minor. Add to that the lack of drinking and the strong love of family; I wanted to meet this family!
I'm from the Northwest and could almost follow the roads and picture the island. You could tell the author has a love of the location and a wonderful way to draw a picture with words.
The story is a different take on the zombie thing and is actually believable. The humanity that the characters have for the sick is a refreshing change and yet they still have a sense of self preservation. Their way of surviving is enjoyable to read and their final living situation is fun(ny) and unique to Puget Sound.
My only complaint? The comment earlier in the story about people in Washington State don't wear shorts outside of summer. Wrong! We are the shorts with hoodies and socks with Birkenstocks country.
Good story! Read it!
I had no idea what to expect before I read this and am glad I went for it.
As I read this, but was away from the book, the term Christian Apocalypse went through my head repeatedly.
I loved how there was very little profanity and what there was , was so-called minor. Add to that the lack of drinking and the strong love of family; I wanted to meet this family!
I'm from the Northwest and could almost follow the roads and picture the island. You could tell the author has a love of the location and a wonderful way to draw a picture with words.
The story is a different take on the zombie thing and is actually believable. The humanity that the characters have for the sick is a refreshing change and yet they still have a sense of self preservation. Their way of surviving is enjoyable to read and their final living situation is fun(ny) and unique to Puget Sound.
My only complaint? The comment earlier in the story about people in Washington State don't wear shorts outside of summer. Wrong! We are the shorts with hoodies and socks with Birkenstocks country.
Good story! Read it!
February 24, 2016
This was a good read. There were a lot of characters 39 but Mr.P Mark DeBryan did a good job to help you keep them straight. He lumped the 7 kids of the Brent family and their spouses, kids and grandkids into groups. You followed each family group and the events that impacted them along the way.
There were also a few cousins Maddie (Molly) & Harry, Thomas was with them at the Coach factory and is an engineer he became an important part of the group. One of the strays the Brent family took in was Deric ,Parker took him in after his family was dead to help keep this kid alive.
Not all of the family made it. Some died from the vaccine and others were taken out by the infected. When they worked together they succeeded. You follow them as they learn to survive. Not many of the Brent family were young chicks. Some were well past 60 yrs of age.
This was a well thought out story with believable struggles and realistic family dynamics. The characters were well rounded. This book makes you wonder how your family might do in a similar situation.
There were also a few cousins Maddie (Molly) & Harry, Thomas was with them at the Coach factory and is an engineer he became an important part of the group. One of the strays the Brent family took in was Deric ,Parker took him in after his family was dead to help keep this kid alive.
Not all of the family made it. Some died from the vaccine and others were taken out by the infected. When they worked together they succeeded. You follow them as they learn to survive. Not many of the Brent family were young chicks. Some were well past 60 yrs of age.
This was a well thought out story with believable struggles and realistic family dynamics. The characters were well rounded. This book makes you wonder how your family might do in a similar situation.
November 11, 2015
All I can say is "if an apocalypse happens, I would want to be a member of this family". The family is getting together for a reunion when all hell breaks loose. Some will make it and others won't but this is a big family with many talents that really come in handy for their survival.With well defined characters and non stop action you immediately get caught up in the battles waged to survive the onslaught of freaks,shriekers,zombies or whatever you want to call them. Family members arrive a few at a time while others worry about the ones still missing. This is a great story of what is most important when the unthinkable happens: FAMILY. If you love zombies and a roller coaster ride this is the book for you. This is the first book I've read by P. Mark DeBryan but it definitely won't be the last...a big thumbs up.
April 12, 2016
Absolutely loved this book! Five stars is not enough i give it 10! The book follows a family from all over the US trying to make it to a reunion when the world falls apart around them. The story starts fast and just keeps going, once you start it you wont be able to put it down. Really liked how Mark alternated between different groups of the family so we could experience the trials they went through to reach each other. Normally alternating between several people like Mark does would get confusing but the way he did it makes it work. Definitely liked the new take on zombies, freaks, or whichever term you choose to describe them. I am super excited for the next book in the series.
October 11, 2015
EOTWAWKI and everybody is here
The story was solid enough and we'll written but way too many characters to keep up with to the point it was confusing and you sometimes got lost. The author would have been better off keeping the characters to a limited number not everyone and their brothers cousins sisters best friend. Had the potential to be great but fell flat.
The story was solid enough and we'll written but way too many characters to keep up with to the point it was confusing and you sometimes got lost. The author would have been better off keeping the characters to a limited number not everyone and their brothers cousins sisters best friend. Had the potential to be great but fell flat.
February 18, 2024
A great read.
A great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a lot of characters and initially, it was hard remembering who was who but as a lot of them got the flu or got attacked by the freaks it got easier. Very easy to read and an interesting enough story to keep reading.
A great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a lot of characters and initially, it was hard remembering who was who but as a lot of them got the flu or got attacked by the freaks it got easier. Very easy to read and an interesting enough story to keep reading.
October 1, 2015
Good read
I loved the concept of so much family trying to get to one place to be together and seeing how you were going to get them there. Now I am really anxious to seeing book two.:)
I loved the concept of so much family trying to get to one place to be together and seeing how you were going to get them there. Now I am really anxious to seeing book two.:)
November 1, 2015
Loved it. Really good pace through out the book. Great characters.
October 27, 2016
Good story for Apocolypse fans
The story line was interesting. I gave it a four because it was a little difficult to keep the characters straight
The story line was interesting. I gave it a four because it was a little difficult to keep the characters straight
December 25, 2016
I loved this book. What an awesome family! Even though the book wasn't absolutely perfect in every way, it's a good read, in my opinion.
September 11, 2022
Entertaining read, couldn't put it down
I discovered this book accidentally and then couldn't put it down. While on vacation I got into a conversation with a gentleman by the pool. He saw me reading my kindle while enjoying the South Carolina summer sun and heat and asked me if I was enjoying my book. We got to talking about the covid pandemic and the politics of mandatory vaccines and he said, "You should read my book". I thought he meant the book he was reading but it turned out he was the author of this book! I'm a nurse and believe in free will but was forced to choose to take a vaccine I didn't want or give up a career caring for others. This book close to home for me. Since the pandemic hit I have read several books about pandemics that were all written prior to Covid. It is amazing how the situation all seems to get worse when the government gets involved and this book was no different. The characters are all a big family trying to get to a family reunion when this pandemic hits. Of course the government rushes to create a vaccine and urges everyone to get it, now they must recall the vaccine because of horrific side effects and the end of the world ensues. I liked the realism in this novel, not everyone in the family survives, difficult decisions must be made to save their own lives even when it means killing their own friends and relatives. It touches on how when faced with the end of world as we know it people decide to find the will and go on or end their own lives so they may die on their own terms. He has some humorous moments that made me laugh out loud and it was kind of neat to be able to discuss certain scenes and the inspiration for them with the author. So that may have enhanced my experience with the book as well. Now the ending wasn't as satisfying as I wanted, leaves things hanging a bit, but there is the 2nd one, so off to read that one now.
I discovered this book accidentally and then couldn't put it down. While on vacation I got into a conversation with a gentleman by the pool. He saw me reading my kindle while enjoying the South Carolina summer sun and heat and asked me if I was enjoying my book. We got to talking about the covid pandemic and the politics of mandatory vaccines and he said, "You should read my book". I thought he meant the book he was reading but it turned out he was the author of this book! I'm a nurse and believe in free will but was forced to choose to take a vaccine I didn't want or give up a career caring for others. This book close to home for me. Since the pandemic hit I have read several books about pandemics that were all written prior to Covid. It is amazing how the situation all seems to get worse when the government gets involved and this book was no different. The characters are all a big family trying to get to a family reunion when this pandemic hits. Of course the government rushes to create a vaccine and urges everyone to get it, now they must recall the vaccine because of horrific side effects and the end of the world ensues. I liked the realism in this novel, not everyone in the family survives, difficult decisions must be made to save their own lives even when it means killing their own friends and relatives. It touches on how when faced with the end of world as we know it people decide to find the will and go on or end their own lives so they may die on their own terms. He has some humorous moments that made me laugh out loud and it was kind of neat to be able to discuss certain scenes and the inspiration for them with the author. So that may have enhanced my experience with the book as well. Now the ending wasn't as satisfying as I wanted, leaves things hanging a bit, but there is the 2nd one, so off to read that one now.
February 26, 2018
An amusing, action-filled read
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters relatable and amusing, and the storyline intriguing and enjoyable. I loved that DeBryan sprinkled a nice dose of humor throughout the book without trying too hard or lessening the impact of the events taking place. I can't wait to read the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters relatable and amusing, and the storyline intriguing and enjoyable. I loved that DeBryan sprinkled a nice dose of humor throughout the book without trying too hard or lessening the impact of the events taking place. I can't wait to read the next book!
March 31, 2024
RECOMMENDED
September 28, 2015
After reading the short novel "IN FOR A DOLLAR, IN FOR A DIME" I knew I had to read the follow up and I was not disappointed DeBryan has a solid hit on his first full novel and future series. The titles says it all as a family decide to gather for a family reunion, the first in many years. The immediate family is large, several brothers and sisters, close growing up they have attempted to stay in touch through the years. And for the most part succeed but as they have gotten older and each with their own families it has gotten harder. So they decide it's time for a family reunion which might be the last for man of them. There are many members/groups start a day prior or on the day of the outbreak and they find themselves in are a struggle to survive in a world suddenly turned upside down. And while they have a hard time understanding what is happening to those that have turned, family members included, they do what they must to survive and each decide to head to their original destination hoping other members will be there as well. There are several groups traveling north from all across the country and the story skips from one group to the other chronicling their journey. Surprisingly I had no trouble keeping them in order or knowing which group was who mainly because the author gives you brief backgrounds on the members of each group. Their journey is anything but easy, safe or sure but this is one determined family and each group does what they must to make it to the reunion place. It's very well written with a steady pace that will keep you on the edge of our seat and looking forward to the next installment. (On a side note, I would like to thank John O'Brien when he featured several fan fiction shorts based on A NEW WORLD:UNTOLD STORIES. Mr. DeBryan's short is featured in the first of the UNTOLD STORIES book. If you have not read the full A NEW WORLD series you really won't be at a loss because this is a separate account of those events. But I do urge you to pick up the series because it is a great series).
September 14, 2016
Check out this and all my reviews at Brian's Book Blog
Sometimes All You Need Is Family
A deadly virus rips through the United States leaving members of the Bryant family stranded or looking for shelter. They were all attempting to get to a family reunion near Seattle, Washington. Thankfully, this family is incredibly adept at survival. Join each family member as they attempt to find safety in numbers and each other in Family Reunion.
The narration for this was done by Joseph C. Wilson — while I’ve never listened to any other novels that he’s voiced, I did enjoy his narration a lot. Wilson gives a nice edge to each character and my only complaint was that there wasn’t enough differentiation between characters in his voices. Granted there are a TON of characters to voice, so I can’t fault him that much.
Given the insane amount of characters (there are so many that the author has included a disclaimer at the beginning of the novel telling readers that he knows there are a lot), the book still has a pretty nice flow to it. Now, at times I found myself thinking “who am I following now?” or “wait, which person is this?” but the author does have a nice description of each character on his website.
Now I know that he was going for a family reunion feel – with lots of families from all over — I just know a lot of people would find this to be extremely hard to follow, especially in audiobook form, because there is no way of telling who’s who right away. Even with all of that I still found myself enjoying this book. The different family members from different areas with different background really helped to create a nice narrative of the disease/plague that was spreading across the US.
Overall, if you can wrap your head around the number of family members and each of their stories — this was a really unique telling of an apocalyptic moment in time. DeBryan does a great job of interweaving their stories together and I’m glad that I was able to listen to this book.
Sometimes All You Need Is Family
A deadly virus rips through the United States leaving members of the Bryant family stranded or looking for shelter. They were all attempting to get to a family reunion near Seattle, Washington. Thankfully, this family is incredibly adept at survival. Join each family member as they attempt to find safety in numbers and each other in Family Reunion.
The narration for this was done by Joseph C. Wilson — while I’ve never listened to any other novels that he’s voiced, I did enjoy his narration a lot. Wilson gives a nice edge to each character and my only complaint was that there wasn’t enough differentiation between characters in his voices. Granted there are a TON of characters to voice, so I can’t fault him that much.
Given the insane amount of characters (there are so many that the author has included a disclaimer at the beginning of the novel telling readers that he knows there are a lot), the book still has a pretty nice flow to it. Now, at times I found myself thinking “who am I following now?” or “wait, which person is this?” but the author does have a nice description of each character on his website.
Now I know that he was going for a family reunion feel – with lots of families from all over — I just know a lot of people would find this to be extremely hard to follow, especially in audiobook form, because there is no way of telling who’s who right away. Even with all of that I still found myself enjoying this book. The different family members from different areas with different background really helped to create a nice narrative of the disease/plague that was spreading across the US.
Overall, if you can wrap your head around the number of family members and each of their stories — this was a really unique telling of an apocalyptic moment in time. DeBryan does a great job of interweaving their stories together and I’m glad that I was able to listen to this book.
July 27, 2016
OMG!!! This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. It fits perfectly in the Walking Dead world of zombies and hits a home run.
While on their way to a family reunion, the various members of the Brant family encounter the flu virus that is causing people to eat each other.
Each group of people try to find a way to reach their loved ones, but the semi-dead continue to chase them making their survival difficult. The fast pace of this flu is caused by those who were given the vaccines. The vaccines lead to outbreaks all over the country starting with those in authority or service fields causing havoc through-out the USA.
Can their family make it to Washington and try to start over together?
While on their way to a family reunion, the various members of the Brant family encounter the flu virus that is causing people to eat each other.
Each group of people try to find a way to reach their loved ones, but the semi-dead continue to chase them making their survival difficult. The fast pace of this flu is caused by those who were given the vaccines. The vaccines lead to outbreaks all over the country starting with those in authority or service fields causing havoc through-out the USA.
Can their family make it to Washington and try to start over together?
October 11, 2015
WOW! This book is all over the place literally with characters and sub stories so make sure to dive in head first and stay focused on this one. Obviously by the end you can tell another part will be coming so just a heads up. Hopefully the wait won't be too long. While the novel is complex with multiple characters long as you stay focused it shouldn't be a problem to follow this family reunion ;)
Total chaos and sub story lines are going on which makes this for sure a interesting read. Add some zombies and were good to go in this world that was created.
I absolutely love this cover it just screams awesome to me. Fantastic read and cover! You won't want to put down.
Total chaos and sub story lines are going on which makes this for sure a interesting read. Add some zombies and were good to go in this world that was created.
I absolutely love this cover it just screams awesome to me. Fantastic read and cover! You won't want to put down.
November 12, 2015
A different twist on zombies
First of all, let me say that this book is good but it has way to much detail for me. I enjoyed the first half of the book but the last half tended to drag on. The story line is about zombies but the author put a twist in them which made it different from the tons of other zombie novels. This novel is split into different groups on the way to a family reunion. Obviously, there are many obstacles which must be overcome to arrive at the chosen destination. The ending was very abrupt, and took me by surprise. I hope a second book is coming as I would like to know what more will happen with this group...maybe with a little less detail.
First of all, let me say that this book is good but it has way to much detail for me. I enjoyed the first half of the book but the last half tended to drag on. The story line is about zombies but the author put a twist in them which made it different from the tons of other zombie novels. This novel is split into different groups on the way to a family reunion. Obviously, there are many obstacles which must be overcome to arrive at the chosen destination. The ending was very abrupt, and took me by surprise. I hope a second book is coming as I would like to know what more will happen with this group...maybe with a little less detail.
November 26, 2015
A good solid plot.
This book has an excellent and solid premise, good character development and needs real in depth edit. A lot of cliches that aren't necessary, descriptions that do nothing to further the story, and too many character interactions that never go anywhere big it down to turtle slow in too many places. I think that this book has huge potential. But before it can reach the potential, some time, effort and professionalism needs to be applied in the form of a serious edit. It is not waste of money to buy this book but it is almost a waste time to read it as is. Please invest in an editor.
This book has an excellent and solid premise, good character development and needs real in depth edit. A lot of cliches that aren't necessary, descriptions that do nothing to further the story, and too many character interactions that never go anywhere big it down to turtle slow in too many places. I think that this book has huge potential. But before it can reach the potential, some time, effort and professionalism needs to be applied in the form of a serious edit. It is not waste of money to buy this book but it is almost a waste time to read it as is. Please invest in an editor.
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