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Plague Wars #0-2
Plague Wars Trilogy
Librarian note: Older cover edition of B01AMNC33G.
From Hugo nominated and Amazon bestselling author David VanDyke. When the Eden Plague is loosed upon the world, the forces of order and chaos, good and evil must battle it out in a struggle for control and supremacy. A PTSD-damaged combat medic, a female Marine with no legs and a sniper with no remorse might be its only hope of survival. Can these flawed heroes drive back those who would enslave humanity? Or will the darkness spread and swallow them up?
Begin your journey through the epic saga of the Plague Wars with the gripping first three books of the bestselling apocalyptic series, for the first time in one enormous volume. Plague Wars follows in the apocalyptic tradition of Hugh Howie and Max Brooks, and the military science fiction tradition of Christopher Nuttall, David Drake, Vaughn Heppner and David Weber.
Additionally, you get COMPLETELY FREE BONUS STORIES. also by David VanDyke, consisting of LOW JUSTICE: Four short stories of the supernatural, and UNFETTERED: A sci-fi-horror novella.
Plague Wars: Decade One
- The Eden Plague
- Reaper's Run
- Skull's Shadows
- Eden's Exodus
- Apocalypse Austin
- Nearest Night
Plague Wars: Alien Invasion
- The Demon Plagues
- The Reaper Plague
- The Orion Plague
- Cyborg Strike
- Comes the Destroyer
- Forge and Steel
Plague Wars: Stellar Conquest, a direct follow-on to Plague Wars:
- First Conquest
- Desolator
- Tactics of Conquest
- Conquest of Earth
- Conquest and Empire
From Hugo nominated and Amazon bestselling author David VanDyke. When the Eden Plague is loosed upon the world, the forces of order and chaos, good and evil must battle it out in a struggle for control and supremacy. A PTSD-damaged combat medic, a female Marine with no legs and a sniper with no remorse might be its only hope of survival. Can these flawed heroes drive back those who would enslave humanity? Or will the darkness spread and swallow them up?
Begin your journey through the epic saga of the Plague Wars with the gripping first three books of the bestselling apocalyptic series, for the first time in one enormous volume. Plague Wars follows in the apocalyptic tradition of Hugh Howie and Max Brooks, and the military science fiction tradition of Christopher Nuttall, David Drake, Vaughn Heppner and David Weber.
Additionally, you get COMPLETELY FREE BONUS STORIES. also by David VanDyke, consisting of LOW JUSTICE: Four short stories of the supernatural, and UNFETTERED: A sci-fi-horror novella.
Plague Wars: Decade One
- The Eden Plague
- Reaper's Run
- Skull's Shadows
- Eden's Exodus
- Apocalypse Austin
- Nearest Night
Plague Wars: Alien Invasion
- The Demon Plagues
- The Reaper Plague
- The Orion Plague
- Cyborg Strike
- Comes the Destroyer
- Forge and Steel
Plague Wars: Stellar Conquest, a direct follow-on to Plague Wars:
- First Conquest
- Desolator
- Tactics of Conquest
- Conquest of Earth
- Conquest and Empire
591 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
1782 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
About the author
David VanDyke
76 books231 followersDavid VanDyke is a former Army Airborne soldier and later, an Air Force officer. He lives in the Tucson area with his wife and three dogs. Look him up at davidvandykeauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 6, 2017
HARD TO PUT DOWN
Very different from the other dystopian plague books. One of my favorite genres, that usually includes zombies, this was a refreshing read.
Very different from the other dystopian plague books. One of my favorite genres, that usually includes zombies, this was a refreshing read.
April 17, 2016
Decent development wanting more
The author took the time to really develop the characters in each book and set the stage for things to come. You got to see the hero, the heroine and the antihero. Cool premise for the main story and looking forward to reading more.
The author took the time to really develop the characters in each book and set the stage for things to come. You got to see the hero, the heroine and the antihero. Cool premise for the main story and looking forward to reading more.
April 9, 2021
Una joya desconocida
August 3, 2019
Reaper's Run Review (5 Stars):
Jill Repeth, a half-Latina former Military Police soldier, lost the lower half of her legs in war. She's on a boat, when all of a sudden, people start healing. People who were in wheelchairs can walk. This plague was originally a cure for all illnesses, but it also has the virtue effect. It makes people have a strong sense of morality. Of course, the people in power can't have that. How will they take advantage of the poor and less well off?
So begins a reverse-zombie post-apocalyptic series. This is very much a "what if zombies were innocent people and the government was evil?" story. It was a refreshing take on a familiar trope.
The action itself is also very tight and fast-paced. There are no unnecessary descriptions, and it wasn't boring at all.
The only thing slightly confusing, is that even if the people in power were greedy for power, nothing would make them so evil as to bomb a ship of 3,000 civilians, or round people up into detainment centers. I also wasn't quite sure of the difference between the SS and the Unionists. Scientists would have done proper experiments to make sure the disease was actually a disease, and as far as I know, corporations don't have this much control over the government.
But I was willing to suspend my disbelief, since this story was well-told. It's science fiction, after all.
Skull's Shadow Review (3 stars):
I really liked book 1.5, Reaper's Run (not the Prequel book). I liked the setting of the book. A reverse zombie "plague" where the government is evil, and the plague "victims" have a "disease" that heals all illnesses, and have a "morality gene/booster".
I liked the main character, whose name was Jill Repeth. She would show compassion to some of the enemies by putting her blood or saliva in their mouths so they could become "infected" too.
So I was surprised and let down when the main character of this book was Skull, not Jill.
I grew to like Jill's attitude, and reading Skull's story was very frustrating. He was very unlikable, and had no remorse or emotions. Maybe that's how snipers are in real life. I don't know. But he killed police officers and didn't bat an eyelid. Even though these police officers were upholding martial law, and the main character was probably trying to help people out against the corrupt government and sides, this was disappointing.
Then the story has Skull hiding in a Native American reservation. I'm not Native American, but as far as I know, there were no stereotypes of any kind. As a person of color, the story felt natural, though it did take me a little away from the constant action that Reaper's Run contained.
So my main issues with this book was the change in the main character, as well as the pacing. I would have liked to keep reading to learn more about Jill Repeth, but Skull kind of ruined the story for me. I probably won't be reading any more of the books, even about the alien invasions (which are some of my favorite genres).
While it would be cool to hear the story takes place from Jill's perspective in sequels, I can't read more from Skull's perspective, or even get through the rest of the book to see if we do get to read more from Jill's perspective. I have looked at the descriptions of the sequels, and I see she does re-appear, but I wanted to read the story from her perspective, not about her as a side character.
I did not read the prequel series, so no comment on that.
Jill Repeth, a half-Latina former Military Police soldier, lost the lower half of her legs in war. She's on a boat, when all of a sudden, people start healing. People who were in wheelchairs can walk. This plague was originally a cure for all illnesses, but it also has the virtue effect. It makes people have a strong sense of morality. Of course, the people in power can't have that. How will they take advantage of the poor and less well off?
So begins a reverse-zombie post-apocalyptic series. This is very much a "what if zombies were innocent people and the government was evil?" story. It was a refreshing take on a familiar trope.
The action itself is also very tight and fast-paced. There are no unnecessary descriptions, and it wasn't boring at all.
The only thing slightly confusing, is that even if the people in power were greedy for power, nothing would make them so evil as to bomb a ship of 3,000 civilians, or round people up into detainment centers. I also wasn't quite sure of the difference between the SS and the Unionists. Scientists would have done proper experiments to make sure the disease was actually a disease, and as far as I know, corporations don't have this much control over the government.
But I was willing to suspend my disbelief, since this story was well-told. It's science fiction, after all.
Skull's Shadow Review (3 stars):
I really liked book 1.5, Reaper's Run (not the Prequel book). I liked the setting of the book. A reverse zombie "plague" where the government is evil, and the plague "victims" have a "disease" that heals all illnesses, and have a "morality gene/booster".
I liked the main character, whose name was Jill Repeth. She would show compassion to some of the enemies by putting her blood or saliva in their mouths so they could become "infected" too.
So I was surprised and let down when the main character of this book was Skull, not Jill.
I grew to like Jill's attitude, and reading Skull's story was very frustrating. He was very unlikable, and had no remorse or emotions. Maybe that's how snipers are in real life. I don't know. But he killed police officers and didn't bat an eyelid. Even though these police officers were upholding martial law, and the main character was probably trying to help people out against the corrupt government and sides, this was disappointing.
Then the story has Skull hiding in a Native American reservation. I'm not Native American, but as far as I know, there were no stereotypes of any kind. As a person of color, the story felt natural, though it did take me a little away from the constant action that Reaper's Run contained.
So my main issues with this book was the change in the main character, as well as the pacing. I would have liked to keep reading to learn more about Jill Repeth, but Skull kind of ruined the story for me. I probably won't be reading any more of the books, even about the alien invasions (which are some of my favorite genres).
While it would be cool to hear the story takes place from Jill's perspective in sequels, I can't read more from Skull's perspective, or even get through the rest of the book to see if we do get to read more from Jill's perspective. I have looked at the descriptions of the sequels, and I see she does re-appear, but I wanted to read the story from her perspective, not about her as a side character.
I did not read the prequel series, so no comment on that.
February 18, 2021
A reverse plague created by scientist that the government wanted total control of to “sell” to people for millions. Who wouldn’t pay for the cure for cancer, HIV, or anything else. The XHD virus, considered the Eden’s Plague, cured the sick, fixed the maimed, and had a “virtue effect”, which stamped out corruption among those infected. People will not be able to commit violent crimes, or even emotional violence. Their conscience will not allow it. This virus was purposely spread to improve the world, but the government saw it as a threat to its power and control over the people. So, when it was first spread onboard a cruise ship, the government officials nuked it and blamed it on terrorists. When it entered the water supply in Los Angeles and West Virginia, the government nuked the areas, killing millions, and blamed it on terrorists. They spread their propaganda and lies against the Eden Plague to keep the people afraid of the virus and to coerce the unaffected to rat out those affected, neighbors, friends and even family members. The Eden Plague was a war for independence, freedom and liberty, even though it upset the established order. The USA had become a police state and ruled under martial law as the government tried to contain control. Holocaust-like encampments began to spring up all across the US to detain, permanently, those infected.
The trilogy started out pretty typical doomsday, talking of military tactics and weapons and crap, but did get more interesting as it went along focusing on Reaper’s life and then Skull’s life and making their way through the US to safety. But, now I’ve had enough of this series, even though there are quite a bit more to read.
The trilogy started out pretty typical doomsday, talking of military tactics and weapons and crap, but did get more interesting as it went along focusing on Reaper’s life and then Skull’s life and making their way through the US to safety. But, now I’ve had enough of this series, even though there are quite a bit more to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2018
“Apocalyse lite”
A truly amazing trilogy. Plague Wars vols 1-3. Blood and death with a side of hope. A few editorial errors were sprinkled through the series. Nothing more than simple distraction.
This trilogy is more focused on the internal process of survival.
Each volume focused on one of the main characters from the initial story. As the reader got acquainted with that character, the locus of control for the character seemed to drive the plot. Each character had their own perspective, their own moral compass.
There emerged enough hints of current political rhetoric to raise many questions. Deep thinking lead to “adapt, improvise and overcome”.
What may come in subsequent volumes could add to this reader’s amazement.
A truly amazing trilogy. Plague Wars vols 1-3. Blood and death with a side of hope. A few editorial errors were sprinkled through the series. Nothing more than simple distraction.
This trilogy is more focused on the internal process of survival.
Each volume focused on one of the main characters from the initial story. As the reader got acquainted with that character, the locus of control for the character seemed to drive the plot. Each character had their own perspective, their own moral compass.
There emerged enough hints of current political rhetoric to raise many questions. Deep thinking lead to “adapt, improvise and overcome”.
What may come in subsequent volumes could add to this reader’s amazement.
November 14, 2018
Free Kindle book from BookBub. There are more books in the series, but this was enough for me as there isn't that much to the plot. Basically, there is a virus that causes carriers to be healed from injuries and illnesses and grow somewhat younger. There are some side effects. The non-carriers in the U.S. and some other countries treat them as dangers that must be dealt with. You can imagine where this leads.
July 2, 2018
Don't normally read sci-fi. It has plague, aliens, lots of death, survival, crazy people!!!! I will read the last three books of series but will take a break from aliens!!!!
March 21, 2020
I haven’t read Skull’s Shadows yet, but I need a break from the high intensity of this genre and I want to write up my review before I forget.
It is really very impressive how these books, especially Reaper’s Run, handle so many sensitive topics well. War violence, a disabled veteran, potential rape, politics, religion, all of it is written to be realistic but never gratuitous; these difficult topics are not avoided, but neither do they push an agenda. It is really refreshing to read a novel that is willing to face difficult realities head-on without delighting in how “gritty” they are.
I absolutely loved the writing, and the look inside these soldiers’ minds was intriguing and novel to me. I have to say that the premise was a bit unbelievable - and reading the reviews, I gather this was a sticking point for a lot of readers. For some people the virus itself was too unrealistic; for my part, I find it hard to believe that the U.S. government would become so extremist so fast. However, I read mostly fantasy, and I think the best stories are those that put REAL characters in UNREAL situations or worlds and explore the possibilities, and this series does that wonderfully.
There are so many philosophical, moral, and theological questions from the ramifications of the virus, but at the same time the action is gripping and doesn’t give you a chance to stop. Overall, very well executed and I will definitely come back to this series in the future!
I took the author’s advice and read Reaper’s Run first, and I would recommend others do the same. Eden Plague has no barrier to entry for a new reader, but there are some scenes that are more impactful if you read Reaper’s Run first. (If you don’t like spoilers, this is doubly true.) Also, it looks like Skull’s Shadows follows directly after the final scene of Eden Plague.
It is really very impressive how these books, especially Reaper’s Run, handle so many sensitive topics well. War violence, a disabled veteran, potential rape, politics, religion, all of it is written to be realistic but never gratuitous; these difficult topics are not avoided, but neither do they push an agenda. It is really refreshing to read a novel that is willing to face difficult realities head-on without delighting in how “gritty” they are.
I absolutely loved the writing, and the look inside these soldiers’ minds was intriguing and novel to me. I have to say that the premise was a bit unbelievable - and reading the reviews, I gather this was a sticking point for a lot of readers. For some people the virus itself was too unrealistic; for my part, I find it hard to believe that the U.S. government would become so extremist so fast. However, I read mostly fantasy, and I think the best stories are those that put REAL characters in UNREAL situations or worlds and explore the possibilities, and this series does that wonderfully.
There are so many philosophical, moral, and theological questions from the ramifications of the virus, but at the same time the action is gripping and doesn’t give you a chance to stop. Overall, very well executed and I will definitely come back to this series in the future!
I took the author’s advice and read Reaper’s Run first, and I would recommend others do the same. Eden Plague has no barrier to entry for a new reader, but there are some scenes that are more impactful if you read Reaper’s Run first. (If you don’t like spoilers, this is doubly true.) Also, it looks like Skull’s Shadows follows directly after the final scene of Eden Plague.
July 25, 2025
This mega-volume of **Plague Wars** is a gripping start to a relentlessly intense apocalyptic saga. I loved how David VanDyke and Ryan King weave together three full novels into one fluid experience, following a cast of believable, damaged heroes as they fight to survive after the Eden Plague unleashes chaos. A combat medic haunted by PTSD, a Marine with no legs, and a cold sniper make for unconventional protagonists whose courage and resourcefulness kept me turning pages. The authors balance military realism with thrilling sci‑fi speculation, exploring bioengineered pathogens, dystopian societies and the moral choices between freedom and control. Each book within this trilogy — *The Eden Plague*, *Reaper’s Run* and *Skull's Shadows* — raises the stakes with escalating action, twists and cliff‑hangers. Fans of Stephen King’s **The Stand** or Harry Turtledove’s alternate histories will appreciate the world‑spanning scope, and the pacing never lets up. I can’t wait to continue the series and see how humanity fights back!
February 23, 2021
Pretty Good
I actually like this series. And yes, it's a series. It might get expensive to read the entire series.
What I like the most is that the books have a resolution at the end. No cliffhangers. Yes, there are events that lead you to the next book in the series, but no egregious cliffhangers. Also, the authors drop deliberate, obvious hints about the direction the series is taking so that the reader can decide if they want to continue with the series or stop. I might continue on with this series. I haven't decided yet.
The books that I've read so far are well written & well edited. The authors might have actually hired a real, professional editor. How refreshing.
I actually like this series. And yes, it's a series. It might get expensive to read the entire series.
What I like the most is that the books have a resolution at the end. No cliffhangers. Yes, there are events that lead you to the next book in the series, but no egregious cliffhangers. Also, the authors drop deliberate, obvious hints about the direction the series is taking so that the reader can decide if they want to continue with the series or stop. I might continue on with this series. I haven't decided yet.
The books that I've read so far are well written & well edited. The authors might have actually hired a real, professional editor. How refreshing.
August 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this well-written set of the first three books of the Eden series. Plenty of action, great characters and an unusual storyline hooked me from the start.
It's a little different from the usual apocalyptic tales, with an interesting angle and its worldwide effects. I like how the second two books focus on one individual and their part in the bigger picture.
Funds won't allow me to buy more in the series yet, but I hope to in the future.
Highly recommended.
It's a little different from the usual apocalyptic tales, with an interesting angle and its worldwide effects. I like how the second two books focus on one individual and their part in the bigger picture.
Funds won't allow me to buy more in the series yet, but I hope to in the future.
Highly recommended.
October 5, 2023
Absolutely OUTSTANDING!!!
This combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and military fiction. The characters are very well written, and the dialogue believable.
I just came back to re-read it. Because the previous 3 books I read by different authors were not very good and I needed a good read. This is most definitely a good read!
This combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and military fiction. The characters are very well written, and the dialogue believable.
I just came back to re-read it. Because the previous 3 books I read by different authors were not very good and I needed a good read. This is most definitely a good read!
November 6, 2024
The writing is absolutely stunning, and I found myself getting lost in the vivid descriptions. Every character felt so real, and the emotional depth kept me hooked until the last page. A beautifully crafted story that lingers long after you finish it.
November 6, 2024
An incredible journey from start to finish! The author’s attention to detail is remarkable, and the way the story unfolds is simply brilliant. It’s a perfect blend of excitement, heart, and thought-provoking themes. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2025
Good vs evil
Book One was an interesting concept. A transmissible disease that heals your body and gives you a conscience. Books Two and Three explore what would happen in America after the disease spreads. And it ain't pretty
Book One was an interesting concept. A transmissible disease that heals your body and gives you a conscience. Books Two and Three explore what would happen in America after the disease spreads. And it ain't pretty
February 15, 2020
Good story with an unbelievable premise. Suspend you knowledge of viruses and what they can and cannot do and it is a good story.
May 9, 2021
Enjoyable, but got a little too fantastical. Wasn't what I was expecting.
November 8, 2021
Riviting story. Not at all like other plague stories
I enjoyed the premise of these stories. I like the way they were told in different characters eyes. Kept me very interested
I enjoyed the premise of these stories. I like the way they were told in different characters eyes. Kept me very interested
June 2, 2022
Sci,_fi at it,s best.
A far fetched story . That is exstremly. From a great imagination but somewhat believable.it incorporates the thinking of great minds with a scientific feel
A far fetched story . That is exstremly. From a great imagination but somewhat believable.it incorporates the thinking of great minds with a scientific feel
February 15, 2022
An interesting, and in these Covid times a bit spooky read.
Thanks for a somewhat scary read, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for a somewhat scary read, I really enjoyed it.
October 27, 2023
Okay. I'm officially hooked.
Despite the various imperfect elements in this entire first trilogy, overall, the intriguing premise is what pulled me and didn't let go. I can't help but want to know about the world being created here, in which a virus that cures nearly all ailments can create such deadly division in humanity. It's thought-provoking. It's disturbing. It's addictive. And I'm sucked in, eager to know what happens next. Note: I've reviewed the first two entries on their designated pages and will spend more time covering the 3rd entry in this review.
Eden Plague: 4-stars Great intro to the Eden Plague itself. Loved the characters, action, and pacing.
Reaper's Run: 3-stars Companion entry to Eden Plague (occurring simultaneously) with a great intro to Jill "Reaper" Repeth. Easy read, but badly paced.
Skull's Shadows: 4-stars This entry is an immediate sequel to Eden Plague and picks up exactly where it left off, only it's from the perspective of Skull, who we met in Eden Plague. This time around, we follow him on his harrowing journey across the country to achieve a singular mission, only he doesn't have a smooth journey to get it done. I didn't expect the majority of this entry to be from his POV, but it certainly isn't a complaint. More like a pleasant (and periodically UNpleasant) surprise, depending on what the man does. And boy, does he do a LOT. I enjoyed so much of his antics and dark humor, but found myself cringing at his more violent side.
Skull's a complicated dude and you really, REALLY get into his head in this entry. This thing left me so damn conflicted; I kid you not. Though Skull was at most a wildcard in the first entry, this time around the dude's a full-on loose cannon. It really is hard to know what he'll do or how far he'll go to get it done. So often I tried to love the guy (and even succeeded), only to hate him again. This was the perfect entry to shake things up to what has been established in the previous two entries. It's not an easy read in many ways, mostly when it came to what Skull feels he has to do to achieve his mission. Some things are admirable, and some detestable.
Given the way this entry ended, I have zero clue what Skull's next course of action will be. He's so simultaneously predictable and UNpredictable, it makes him a super dangerous character to get attached to. Should I or shouldn't I? At any rate, this entry had my attention from beginning to end, and I'm still super eager of what's to come in the remainder of the series.
For all my random notes and highlights, click me!
Despite the various imperfect elements in this entire first trilogy, overall, the intriguing premise is what pulled me and didn't let go. I can't help but want to know about the world being created here, in which a virus that cures nearly all ailments can create such deadly division in humanity. It's thought-provoking. It's disturbing. It's addictive. And I'm sucked in, eager to know what happens next. Note: I've reviewed the first two entries on their designated pages and will spend more time covering the 3rd entry in this review.
Eden Plague: 4-stars Great intro to the Eden Plague itself. Loved the characters, action, and pacing.
Reaper's Run: 3-stars Companion entry to Eden Plague (occurring simultaneously) with a great intro to Jill "Reaper" Repeth. Easy read, but badly paced.
Skull's Shadows: 4-stars This entry is an immediate sequel to Eden Plague and picks up exactly where it left off, only it's from the perspective of Skull, who we met in Eden Plague. This time around, we follow him on his harrowing journey across the country to achieve a singular mission, only he doesn't have a smooth journey to get it done. I didn't expect the majority of this entry to be from his POV, but it certainly isn't a complaint. More like a pleasant (and periodically UNpleasant) surprise, depending on what the man does. And boy, does he do a LOT. I enjoyed so much of his antics and dark humor, but found myself cringing at his more violent side.
Skull's a complicated dude and you really, REALLY get into his head in this entry. This thing left me so damn conflicted; I kid you not. Though Skull was at most a wildcard in the first entry, this time around the dude's a full-on loose cannon. It really is hard to know what he'll do or how far he'll go to get it done. So often I tried to love the guy (and even succeeded), only to hate him again. This was the perfect entry to shake things up to what has been established in the previous two entries. It's not an easy read in many ways, mostly when it came to what Skull feels he has to do to achieve his mission. Some things are admirable, and some detestable.
Given the way this entry ended, I have zero clue what Skull's next course of action will be. He's so simultaneously predictable and UNpredictable, it makes him a super dangerous character to get attached to. Should I or shouldn't I? At any rate, this entry had my attention from beginning to end, and I'm still super eager of what's to come in the remainder of the series.
For all my random notes and highlights, click me!
March 7, 2019
What if there was a virus that cured all illnesses and injuries, even restored lost limbs and reversed dementia? Wouldn't the entire human population embrace it with open arms? You'd think so, but things don't always follow a logical path. As with any cure, there are always downsides and the downsides in this trilogy are mostly the result of human fears than from the plague itself. As the story develops, society begins to unravel and then falls headlong into chaos as those who fear the plague go to radical lengths to destroy those have it, despite all the evidence of the good it does.
The author recommends reading Book 1 before reading Book 0 because it is less confusing and follows more closely to the timeline. Book 0 is a prologue of sorts but the reader gains a better understanding of the storyline by beginning with Book 1. Just a thought.
In Book 2 we follow Skull, whom we meet in the earlier books, as he attempts to get justice for the deaths of friends and family. Skull is one of the most ruthless characters I have ever encountered but he does what he needs to do even if it is bloody and often cruel.
I liked this series but I couldn't quite bring myself to give it five stars. It's well worth the time to read but at times seemed to me to be just a bit disjointed. There are more books in this series and perhaps those will tie up some of the loose ends. This is a good dystopian series.
The author recommends reading Book 1 before reading Book 0 because it is less confusing and follows more closely to the timeline. Book 0 is a prologue of sorts but the reader gains a better understanding of the storyline by beginning with Book 1. Just a thought.
In Book 2 we follow Skull, whom we meet in the earlier books, as he attempts to get justice for the deaths of friends and family. Skull is one of the most ruthless characters I have ever encountered but he does what he needs to do even if it is bloody and often cruel.
I liked this series but I couldn't quite bring myself to give it five stars. It's well worth the time to read but at times seemed to me to be just a bit disjointed. There are more books in this series and perhaps those will tie up some of the loose ends. This is a good dystopian series.
June 11, 2018
This is an entertaining three book set. With the first book in the series, I'm not really sure how to classify this novel: post-apocalyptic, thriller, or science fiction as it has elements of all three genres. The author does a good job of getting you into the heads of his characters and describes the scenes and events well and make you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action. Without having a spoiler, you also have some Walter Mitty type moments where you think "what if" you had some radically different potion (or is it a plague?) that could cure all diseases and what might have been - or could be - if such a thing were possible.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion, which is always nice, and received a lot of entertainment value out of this one. If you enjoy a good thriller with a little bit of a science fiction twist, I'd recommend it.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion, which is always nice, and received a lot of entertainment value out of this one. If you enjoy a good thriller with a little bit of a science fiction twist, I'd recommend it.
May 15, 2016
Look alive people!
This was an amazing series! I just love it when I read a book and get totally immersed in the story the whole time wondering what if. Is this really a sci-fi thriller, or prediction of what we all will become? Are you an Eden or an Eden hater. Really made me think. But why look a gift horse in the mouth.
What are we all so afraid of? The characters jumped off the page and gave the impression that they were challenging the reader.
I cannot praise Mr. Van Duke any more than to say that this series was by far the very best that I have EVER read. Kudos!!! I've got your 6!!!
This was an amazing series! I just love it when I read a book and get totally immersed in the story the whole time wondering what if. Is this really a sci-fi thriller, or prediction of what we all will become? Are you an Eden or an Eden hater. Really made me think. But why look a gift horse in the mouth.
What are we all so afraid of? The characters jumped off the page and gave the impression that they were challenging the reader.
I cannot praise Mr. Van Duke any more than to say that this series was by far the very best that I have EVER read. Kudos!!! I've got your 6!!!
July 5, 2016
What side of the line would you land on if there was something that could cure all the worlds ills and keep you not only healthy but in the prime of your life. Would you consider it something created by the devil and needs to be wiped out at all costs or would you embrace it and want to share it.
This series shows what would happen in a world where just such a question is posed. Following a core group of characters through several years you get to see the good and the bad.
Every story I finish just makes me want to get the next one faster. Great storytelling by David VanDyke and Ryan King!!!
This series shows what would happen in a world where just such a question is posed. Following a core group of characters through several years you get to see the good and the bad.
Every story I finish just makes me want to get the next one faster. Great storytelling by David VanDyke and Ryan King!!!
July 28, 2019
A good painkiller
There's lots of action in these books and I enjoyed them. While there is a lot of violence there is a definite moral framework and sense of justice, good vs evil and there are many many times things are questioned on whether this you or that is moral or just.
It is an action packed fast paced book that also made me think about the issues it raises- freedom, personal responsibility, justice, tyranny. Not sure who would or wouldn't enjoy this. Warnings: Contains swearing and traces of promiscuity. These are American military books; if you're triggered by firearms you will spend at least half the books rolling your eyes or worse.
There's lots of action in these books and I enjoyed them. While there is a lot of violence there is a definite moral framework and sense of justice, good vs evil and there are many many times things are questioned on whether this you or that is moral or just.
It is an action packed fast paced book that also made me think about the issues it raises- freedom, personal responsibility, justice, tyranny. Not sure who would or wouldn't enjoy this. Warnings: Contains swearing and traces of promiscuity. These are American military books; if you're triggered by firearms you will spend at least half the books rolling your eyes or worse.
July 17, 2017
The Eden Virus
The first three books of this series was very good. The characters were very well developed. You came to care about them and wonder what was going to happen to them.
It's ironic that the plague was called The Eden Virus. As it wreaked such havoc in the world. I'm not giving away any spoilers, but as they say things always get worse before they get better. I hope the next books in the series start shedding some light around the planet. And, how the humans inflected will act when faced with adversity. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
The first three books of this series was very good. The characters were very well developed. You came to care about them and wonder what was going to happen to them.
It's ironic that the plague was called The Eden Virus. As it wreaked such havoc in the world. I'm not giving away any spoilers, but as they say things always get worse before they get better. I hope the next books in the series start shedding some light around the planet. And, how the humans inflected will act when faced with adversity. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
July 5, 2018
Great intro series
1. Great first up tale about an amzing discovery and the dispicable acts of those in power who will do anything to hold onto it.
2. Reaper is a character who I could immediately cheer for and get on-side with, as she struggles to survive in a world gone mad
3. Skull is given a human face in this book, albeit a pretty violent and ruthless one. His journey is interesting and we learn more about just how low the government is prepared to go to maintain its grip on power.
1. Great first up tale about an amzing discovery and the dispicable acts of those in power who will do anything to hold onto it.
2. Reaper is a character who I could immediately cheer for and get on-side with, as she struggles to survive in a world gone mad
3. Skull is given a human face in this book, albeit a pretty violent and ruthless one. His journey is interesting and we learn more about just how low the government is prepared to go to maintain its grip on power.
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