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The Orphans #2
Surviving the Turned
The Orphans: Surviving the Turned Vol II picks up immediately where book one left off, with your heart broken and beating. After the first wave of outbreaks and infection, the blood has not even had a chance to dry before Shaun and his friends are forced to disobey his father's wishes, to stay where they could be safe at the families cabin and away from the unknowns of their new bloody apocalyptic world. The zombies are just as vicious and hungry as in book one and never satisfied. From their first trip into town the zombie apocalypse war begins, survival and taking care of each other is key. The search for the Cure is America and the world's only hope. The government put out a plea for anyone that might know anything about the spread of death. The government very quickly figures out that Karen was patient zero at the hospital outbreak. They also find out that Frank Fox is the one responsible for developing the drug. None of them knowing about the backstabbing acts his assistant Rogers had done to him. While the government waits for help, the military sends in a team of Navy SEALs to try and speed up the process, hoping that they can find the research that they need. The soldiers find the apocalyptic world a bit more dangerous and chaotic than they had expected. Shaun and his friends run into the SEALs and together they embark on a battle to find the cure. Shaun has his own emotional issues to deal with, as he learns that his dad was the one responsible for it all. Get The Orphans: Surviving the Turned Vol 2 to find out who will see day 3!
329 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2015
159 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Mike Evans
78 books136 followersMike Evans lives in Iowa with his wife, children, and two adopted dogs Rusty and Harley Quinn. He writes with a passion to bring his characters to life, to make you fall in love with them, and then make you flip pages to find out if they’ll survive or perish. He keeps his characters realistic, there are no superheroes. There are no perfect characters in his books, everyone has their flaws much like that of life. Mike loves to write in different genres and is unafraid to try something new.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 14, 2017
5 Stars
This series will suck you in and keep you emotionally involved. With continuous losses of old and new friends alike, Shaun and his remaining friends must find a way to keep going. The Navy Seals have a lot to benefit from helping Shaun and his friends survive and learn to keep safer. These are not your ordinary zombie, the Turned in Mike Evans book are faster, stronger, and seem to be able to think to a point. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes the post apocalyptic - zombies genre.
This series will suck you in and keep you emotionally involved. With continuous losses of old and new friends alike, Shaun and his remaining friends must find a way to keep going. The Navy Seals have a lot to benefit from helping Shaun and his friends survive and learn to keep safer. These are not your ordinary zombie, the Turned in Mike Evans book are faster, stronger, and seem to be able to think to a point. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes the post apocalyptic - zombies genre.
May 31, 2015
Being a big fan of books about the zombie apocalypse I read Orphans: Origins Vol I which was the book of the month in a group I am in. I absolutely loved that one! It was written with such emotion and detail I could feel everything the characters were going through. It ended not with a big cliffhanger but it did leave me with questions about what had happened too many of the survivors. I was so happy to see that book two in the series Orphans Vol II: Surviving the Turned was released. This book picks up where the first book ended which I thought was great because it was like one continuous story with no losing any of what had been happening. This part of the story deals with a group of teenagers who have to set out and survive the heartbreak of losing their families and many of their friends and defend against the infected who will stop at nothing to make them their meal. With so much action and a lot of blood and gore this book will have you on the edge of your seat at times…holding your breath…yelling “Oh NO!”…and being emotionally spent. Yes, I did shed some tears while reading this story due to the realistic feelings put by this amazing author. To me that is the sign of a great author when they can get type of response from a reader! Kudos Mike Evans…not many authors can do that but you sir did! This is a must read by those who love to read good books about the zombie apocalypse. It is very detail oriented and graphic. It should be added along with the first book in the series to everyone’s reading list!
August 12, 2015
Origins was just the beginning. Orphans 2 picks up exactly where the first book left off and the run away freight train of gore continues it's ever quickening out of control decent to the depths of hell on earth.
Much like the first, this book is exceptional. Building on the deep yet never boring character development that began in the first, Evans has certainly not gotten lazy with his storytelling ability, style or overall originality in an otherwise saturated genre.
If you liked the first, tighten your grip and be prepared to stay up late with the next installment of what is destine to be one of the greatest works in the zompoc history!
Much like the first, this book is exceptional. Building on the deep yet never boring character development that began in the first, Evans has certainly not gotten lazy with his storytelling ability, style or overall originality in an otherwise saturated genre.
If you liked the first, tighten your grip and be prepared to stay up late with the next installment of what is destine to be one of the greatest works in the zompoc history!
June 1, 2015
The Orphans are back, struggling to come to terms with having seen pretty much everyone they know and love ripped apart or feasting on their friends. They have some difficult decisions to make and steps to survive in this sequel, i'm going to avoid any spoilers sufficed to say there is an action packed journey ahead of them while they try to stay safe in this horrifying place their world has become. The story is well written, good development of characters and interesting action so I strongly recommend it.
April 27, 2016
OMG! I absolutely LOVED this book! What a page turner. I didn't want to put the book down and the only thing that stopped me was my job. This series just gets better and better. Onward to Orphans 3!
December 25, 2025
A Relentless, Gut-Wrenching Fight for Survival (4/5 Stars)
If Mike Evans's first book, Origins, was the heartbreaking prologue to the zombie apocalypse, then Surviving the Turned is the moment you're shoved headfirst into the gore-strewn main event. Picking up right where the story left off, this second installment abandons any pretense of safety and becomes a relentless sprint for survival. The emotional whiplash is real—one moment your heart is broken for these orphaned teens, the next you're white-knuckling your Kindle as they face down hordes of the vicious, fast-moving "Turned". It's a brutal, character-driven thrill ride that proves this series is more than just another zombie story.
Key Themes
Found Family Under Fire: The core of the series solidifies here. Thrown together by catastrophic loss, Shaun and his friends must evolve from a group of grieving kids into a tight-knit, defensive unit. Their bond is constantly tested by new threats and heartbreaking losses, exploring how shared trauma can forge unbreakable loyalty in a world that offers none.
The Burden of Truth and Responsibility: Shaun grapples with the devastating revelation that his own father, Frank Fox, is responsible for the outbreak. This adds a profound layer of internal conflict to the external survival horror, forcing him to reconcile his anger and sense of betrayal with the desperate need to find a cure and protect what's left of his world.
Chaotic Alliances: The story smartly expands its scope beyond the teens. The introduction of a team of Navy SEALs—who find the apocalyptic world far more dangerous than they anticipated—creates a compelling dynamic of uneasy alliance. It explores the clash between military protocol and the raw, adaptive survival skills the orphans have been forced to learn.
Character Analysis
The character work is where Evans truly shines. Shaun is forced into a leadership role he never wanted, his journey marked by grim determination and the heavy weight of new knowledge about his father. His growth from a grieving son to a strategic survivor is compelling and believable.
His friends, like Greg, continue to develop, their personalities sharpened by constant danger. The new characters, particularly the Navy SEALs, add fresh perspective and tension. A common thread in reviews is how Evans makes you care deeply about these characters, which makes the ever-present threat of death in this "savage and relentless" world all the more impactful.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans's prose is direct, visceral, and unflinching. He doesn't shy away from graphic detail, making the action sequences tense and terrifying. The tone masterfully balances moments of sardonic humor (often from the characters as a coping mechanism) with the overwhelming hopelessness of their situation.
The pacing is a freight train. As one reviewer put it, this book continues the "runaway freight train of gore" that began in Origins. It's a page-turner designed to keep you up late, with short chapters and constant threats that make it very hard to put down. However, this breakneck speed occasionally requires a slight suspension of disbelief, as noted by some readers who found certain character decisions in extreme situations a bit questionable.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Emotional Punch: The book earns its emotional moments. When characters you've grown attached to are in peril, you feel it—a testament to Evans's skill at crafting relatable people.
Smart Zombies: The "Turned" are a genuine threat—fast, strong, and eerily persistent, which keeps the danger level high.
Seamless Continuation: Picking up exactly where Book 1 ended makes it feel like one continuous, epic story, rewarding readers who are invested in the journey.
Disliked (Minor Quibbles):
Pacing vs. Tactics: In its drive to be action-packed, a few scenarios can feel slightly rushed, with characters making bold moves that might seem riskier under cool-headed analysis.
Military Portrayal: A minor point for some readers was the portrayal of the elite Navy SEALs occasionally being outshone or outmaneuvered by the teen survivors, which stretched believability for them.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Surviving the Turned is a stellar sequel that doubles down on the strengths of the first book: deep character connection, relentless action, and a genuinely scary zombie threat. It successfully expands the world and raises the stakes, leaving you desperate to know what happens next.
You should read this book if: You enjoyed The Orphans #1 or love character-driven apocalyptic horror in the vein of 28 Days Later. It's perfect for readers who want to feel fully immersed in a desperate survival story and don't mind a generous helping of gore and heartbreak.
Do not start here. This is the absolute wrong entry point. Begin with Origins (The Orphans #1) to understand the character relationships and the tragedy that sets this entire nightmare in motion.
If you're ready for an emotional, action-packed journey through a zombie apocalypse that cares as much about its people as its predators, this series is a must-read. Just be prepared to immediately download Book 3, Strangers, once you finish.
If Mike Evans's first book, Origins, was the heartbreaking prologue to the zombie apocalypse, then Surviving the Turned is the moment you're shoved headfirst into the gore-strewn main event. Picking up right where the story left off, this second installment abandons any pretense of safety and becomes a relentless sprint for survival. The emotional whiplash is real—one moment your heart is broken for these orphaned teens, the next you're white-knuckling your Kindle as they face down hordes of the vicious, fast-moving "Turned". It's a brutal, character-driven thrill ride that proves this series is more than just another zombie story.
Key Themes
Found Family Under Fire: The core of the series solidifies here. Thrown together by catastrophic loss, Shaun and his friends must evolve from a group of grieving kids into a tight-knit, defensive unit. Their bond is constantly tested by new threats and heartbreaking losses, exploring how shared trauma can forge unbreakable loyalty in a world that offers none.
The Burden of Truth and Responsibility: Shaun grapples with the devastating revelation that his own father, Frank Fox, is responsible for the outbreak. This adds a profound layer of internal conflict to the external survival horror, forcing him to reconcile his anger and sense of betrayal with the desperate need to find a cure and protect what's left of his world.
Chaotic Alliances: The story smartly expands its scope beyond the teens. The introduction of a team of Navy SEALs—who find the apocalyptic world far more dangerous than they anticipated—creates a compelling dynamic of uneasy alliance. It explores the clash between military protocol and the raw, adaptive survival skills the orphans have been forced to learn.
Character Analysis
The character work is where Evans truly shines. Shaun is forced into a leadership role he never wanted, his journey marked by grim determination and the heavy weight of new knowledge about his father. His growth from a grieving son to a strategic survivor is compelling and believable.
His friends, like Greg, continue to develop, their personalities sharpened by constant danger. The new characters, particularly the Navy SEALs, add fresh perspective and tension. A common thread in reviews is how Evans makes you care deeply about these characters, which makes the ever-present threat of death in this "savage and relentless" world all the more impactful.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans's prose is direct, visceral, and unflinching. He doesn't shy away from graphic detail, making the action sequences tense and terrifying. The tone masterfully balances moments of sardonic humor (often from the characters as a coping mechanism) with the overwhelming hopelessness of their situation.
The pacing is a freight train. As one reviewer put it, this book continues the "runaway freight train of gore" that began in Origins. It's a page-turner designed to keep you up late, with short chapters and constant threats that make it very hard to put down. However, this breakneck speed occasionally requires a slight suspension of disbelief, as noted by some readers who found certain character decisions in extreme situations a bit questionable.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
Emotional Punch: The book earns its emotional moments. When characters you've grown attached to are in peril, you feel it—a testament to Evans's skill at crafting relatable people.
Smart Zombies: The "Turned" are a genuine threat—fast, strong, and eerily persistent, which keeps the danger level high.
Seamless Continuation: Picking up exactly where Book 1 ended makes it feel like one continuous, epic story, rewarding readers who are invested in the journey.
Disliked (Minor Quibbles):
Pacing vs. Tactics: In its drive to be action-packed, a few scenarios can feel slightly rushed, with characters making bold moves that might seem riskier under cool-headed analysis.
Military Portrayal: A minor point for some readers was the portrayal of the elite Navy SEALs occasionally being outshone or outmaneuvered by the teen survivors, which stretched believability for them.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Surviving the Turned is a stellar sequel that doubles down on the strengths of the first book: deep character connection, relentless action, and a genuinely scary zombie threat. It successfully expands the world and raises the stakes, leaving you desperate to know what happens next.
You should read this book if: You enjoyed The Orphans #1 or love character-driven apocalyptic horror in the vein of 28 Days Later. It's perfect for readers who want to feel fully immersed in a desperate survival story and don't mind a generous helping of gore and heartbreak.
Do not start here. This is the absolute wrong entry point. Begin with Origins (The Orphans #1) to understand the character relationships and the tragedy that sets this entire nightmare in motion.
If you're ready for an emotional, action-packed journey through a zombie apocalypse that cares as much about its people as its predators, this series is a must-read. Just be prepared to immediately download Book 3, Strangers, once you finish.
August 13, 2016
It got a bit ridiculous when Navy SEAL's couldn't kill a single zombie... the teens were portrayed as being better/smarter than them... wtf
October 25, 2016
Excellent zombie fast pace survival book. It makes you care about the characters and it has always an objective, and good plot. I recommend it if you like zombie books and trilogies like maze runner.
January 12, 2017
Fun book. I like how the different group stories connect into one. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
June 25, 2017
MIKE EVANS SURE KNOW HOW TO WRITE ONE GREAT BOOK!!!
I so loved this book and this is getting better and better as it goes along. Yes this is another re-read for me, as of course I didn't leave a proper review from the first time. But seriously I don't mind reading this one again as I really love reading about the SEALS again and what they have to go through to try to help mankind with this Outbreak. As for the kids, it doesn't get any easier as they keep losing friends, old ones and new ones along the way. This really is one great book and the making of one awesome series. I would highly recommend this to everyone I know.
I so loved this book and this is getting better and better as it goes along. Yes this is another re-read for me, as of course I didn't leave a proper review from the first time. But seriously I don't mind reading this one again as I really love reading about the SEALS again and what they have to go through to try to help mankind with this Outbreak. As for the kids, it doesn't get any easier as they keep losing friends, old ones and new ones along the way. This really is one great book and the making of one awesome series. I would highly recommend this to everyone I know.
November 13, 2020
Good Series
I love this story. Its interesting seeing how things are progressing with the teens. They're smart and learn quick what makes the Turned react. I like how they hold their own with the Seals too. Another point I like is that we already know how the apocalypse starts so we're trying to find the cure. I notice that the ones in command get bit/eaten and I'm okay with it since they seem arrogant and are rude to those beneath them. This makes you wonder about these vaccines the government works on and tries out in trials. I'm just saying. 🤷 I'm about to start book 3.
I love this story. Its interesting seeing how things are progressing with the teens. They're smart and learn quick what makes the Turned react. I like how they hold their own with the Seals too. Another point I like is that we already know how the apocalypse starts so we're trying to find the cure. I notice that the ones in command get bit/eaten and I'm okay with it since they seem arrogant and are rude to those beneath them. This makes you wonder about these vaccines the government works on and tries out in trials. I'm just saying. 🤷 I'm about to start book 3.
February 29, 2020
I loved this book, it was based more in the present with a lot of action, explosions & running & gunning! Shaun and Greg have had to grow up fast to keep everyone safe, and manage to adopt a SEAL team in the process. I particularly enjoyed the group reuniting with Andy at his shop, and he calls their town "Zombie Ville, USA", and the new role the SEALS find themselves in! I'm still not sure about the narrator, but listening at x1.5 as sugested did help. I definately recomend this book, and can't wait to start book 3!
May 10, 2025
Another quality zombie thriller installment
Surviving The Turned is the second book in the Orphans series and picks up at the cabin, where book 1 left off. Shattering losses and new characters keep the body count high. The writing is tight and full of amusing sardonic humor that balances out the hopelessness of the situation. The Orphans, mostly, prove to be survivors. Looking forward to the next installment. 4/5 stars, recommended to fans of zombie apocalypse survival thrillers!
Surviving The Turned is the second book in the Orphans series and picks up at the cabin, where book 1 left off. Shattering losses and new characters keep the body count high. The writing is tight and full of amusing sardonic humor that balances out the hopelessness of the situation. The Orphans, mostly, prove to be survivors. Looking forward to the next installment. 4/5 stars, recommended to fans of zombie apocalypse survival thrillers!
August 23, 2019
A good read.
This is a really good read. I don’t like to leave spoilers or anything so that’s what I shall say. I was saddened by the loss of characters & excited by the addition of others. The fact that I felt sad shows that the author has created relatable characters that come to life. I can’t wait to read book 3 to see what happens next. This is a good book, but don’t take my word for it...READ IT!
This is a really good read. I don’t like to leave spoilers or anything so that’s what I shall say. I was saddened by the loss of characters & excited by the addition of others. The fact that I felt sad shows that the author has created relatable characters that come to life. I can’t wait to read book 3 to see what happens next. This is a good book, but don’t take my word for it...READ IT!
October 3, 2020
Love what is happening and is different as kids are banding together and helping navel seals. Hoping to find a cure and what is happening to a lead scientist involved with love and trying to keep his son and young girlfriend of his love of his life. Can't remember if this happened in the first book or second. Either way it is heart felt series and what is going to happen to all the orphan kids. Great story and writing that keeps you on wanting more.
May 5, 2025
This is one of the only books i have ever given up on but the story, writing, dialogue, characters etc were so bad I couldnt bear to get past the bit where during a zombie apocapypse the "heroes" decided to drive through the middle of town and then stop their car and make as much noise as possible. This book is awful, the first was bad but I tried giving the second book a chance but it got so bad so early on I just had to give up.
October 21, 2017
A good follow up to book one..
The story is engaging, the characters are relatable, it has a nice flow. All of those things carry over from book one. The new characters add depth to the story. Being able to see the government side of things is a nice addition that I haven't seen in many zombie books.
The story is engaging, the characters are relatable, it has a nice flow. All of those things carry over from book one. The new characters add depth to the story. Being able to see the government side of things is a nice addition that I haven't seen in many zombie books.
January 7, 2022
Excellent story and character development. I like that it is mainly a group of teenagers trying to survive the first day's of the Apocalypse. The narrator just let's the story down. A very monotone and weird pauses but I am sticking it out because the narrator is changed in Book 4. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. Book 3 is downloaded already.
March 5, 2022
Oh my!
Well now, I didn’t think I would be surprised like I was when the SEALS came to town. Quite the landing party for the 6 of them!
We’ve lost a couple more kids, gained us an Andy and a couple of SEALS. Things aren’t going well at the CDC either.
On to book 3! I hope it lasts longer than the 3-4 hours this one took to read.
Thanks again Mike for a great book!!!
Well now, I didn’t think I would be surprised like I was when the SEALS came to town. Quite the landing party for the 6 of them!
We’ve lost a couple more kids, gained us an Andy and a couple of SEALS. Things aren’t going well at the CDC either.
On to book 3! I hope it lasts longer than the 3-4 hours this one took to read.
Thanks again Mike for a great book!!!
May 19, 2017
As great as the other books in this series!
The author has a way of capturing your interest with this series! You feel the emotions of all the characters and his writing keeps you intrigued and wanting more! I highly recommend this awesome series!
The author has a way of capturing your interest with this series! You feel the emotions of all the characters and his writing keeps you intrigued and wanting more! I highly recommend this awesome series!
July 14, 2019
I would have hoped that by book 2, editing would’ve come in. However, it was not done. So many mistakes. I will tell you that i still enjoyed the story. I will continue the stories because the story is still wonderful.
November 16, 2020
Super great next book !
Loved this book! I thought some of the petty, juvenile things going on between the teenagers, for sure the boys were a little silly but didn't take away from the story.
I am looking forward to the next one!
Loved this book! I thought some of the petty, juvenile things going on between the teenagers, for sure the boys were a little silly but didn't take away from the story.
I am looking forward to the next one!
April 12, 2021
I'm still totally hooked on this series. It's a really strong and thrilling storyline with hold your breath moments and have the tissues handy. Love Shaun and his friends and great to see some new characters joining the fight to survive. Big thumbs up.
June 5, 2022
Good continuation of the teen’s peril. Adding in the Seal team and the fact that the teens seem to know more than them is great. These zombies are exciting, fast, strong, hopefully not smart too. Nice work Mike Evans. Will keep reading to see who makes it.
May 4, 2017
A great book, as good as, if not better than the first. The worst features a zombie can have....always hungry, traveling in hordes, but these creatures are fast on their feet. Action packed horror.
July 14, 2017
Love it
I love zombie novels. I don't know how I didn't find out about this book sooner but I am so glad I did. This is a great series I can't wait to see how it ends.
I love zombie novels. I don't know how I didn't find out about this book sooner but I am so glad I did. This is a great series I can't wait to see how it ends.
July 25, 2017
Gripping
Again I enjoyed reading this book.
I'm now on the edge of my seat with all kinds of questions.
Do they survive; is a cure found?
Must read on.
Again I enjoyed reading this book.
I'm now on the edge of my seat with all kinds of questions.
Do they survive; is a cure found?
Must read on.
September 5, 2017
Fun read where teens sound and act like teens. Very enjoyable and happily there are more in the series!
August 20, 2018
Better and better.
Mike Evans has the knack of grabbing your attention and holding on for dear life. As good as, if not better than the first book!
Mike Evans has the knack of grabbing your attention and holding on for dear life. As good as, if not better than the first book!
September 29, 2018
Unexpected
This is the usual zombie story, and yet something different. I like the unexpected little moments, and the fake outs. I like not knowing what's coming next.
This is the usual zombie story, and yet something different. I like the unexpected little moments, and the fake outs. I like not knowing what's coming next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews