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The Orphans #4
White Lie
White Lie The Orphans Vol IV begins almost a year into the apocalypse. The Orphans new and old have been training but are not ready for the challenges ahead. After one white lie chaos erupts leaving the kids on the brink of hell and death. The four of them must fight their way back out hell. Have they learned enough to make it? Get Orphans IV to see who survives!
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2016
104 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Mike Evans
77 books135 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 21, 2021
Signs of division within the group of survivors has begun to rear its ugly head. Egos are inflated, and some have clear personal agendas. Sadly, the self-serving telling of one "white lie" results in tragic and very costly consequences. Gone are the days of the scared, humble and meek teens I got to know in book #I.
Gotta say I am more than a little concerned as a revered and trusted leader exudes mental fragilities, paranoia, and anger. How many times can one witness treasured friends and beloved family members being disemboweled and ripped limb from limb before the psyche starts to crack?
Gotta say I am more than a little concerned as a revered and trusted leader exudes mental fragilities, paranoia, and anger. How many times can one witness treasured friends and beloved family members being disemboweled and ripped limb from limb before the psyche starts to crack?
February 4, 2017
This is one of the best zombie apocalypse series I have read. The author tells a tale that is very realistic where teens survive in a world totally gone to hell and the reader is brought in to that world and not let go of…wanting more and more! In this book the apocalypse has been in full swing now for a while and our group is learning more on how to survive as each day passes. When one of them tells a lie, many lives are put into danger and some are lost. As in any apocalypse situation, not everyone survives and with this series that is so true. I find some of the deaths harder to take than others because they have become more than just characters on paper and now are friends who I hate to lose. The Turned keep coming and seem to be getting smarter¬, which makes surviving that much harder. Who survives in this book and who doesn’t is up to you to find out when you read this book and I definitely recommend it along with the first three books in this series. The next book is waiting for me to begin and I can’t wait to start it!
March 14, 2016
This is the fourth book in The Orphans series and this series just keeps getting better. Nine months have now passed since Day One of the apocalypse and living in the fortified military base has now become boring to some. Sure living there safe with plenty of supplies is great but it's not enough. Greg lies telling Shaun, Ellie and Joey that Clary and Aslin have given them permission to head out and explore. So off they go and of course the results of the lie results in harrowing battles with the hordes, fighting for survival and praying for some much needed help. Mike Evans writes such well developed characters that you really get invested in everything they are going through and every loss hurts like the loss of a friend. This book and series is a must read for anyone who loves the zombie genre with lots of action, terror , great characters and an amazing story. I can hardly wait for the release of Orphans V.
December 28, 2025
The High Cost of a Little Lie: When Cabin Fever Becomes Catastrophe (4/5 Stars)
If there’s one thing the Orphans series drills home, it’s that the zombie apocalypse isn't just about the monsters outside the walls. White Lie, the fourth book in Mike Evans's gritty series, masterfully shifts the threat inward, proving that a moment of teenage impulsiveness and boredom can be just as deadly as a horde of the "Turned." Set almost a year into the collapse, the group is safer than they've ever been, training in a fortified military base. But safety breeds restlessness, and one character's decision to tell a small, selfish untruth unleashes a chain of events that will leave you heart-pounding and heartbroken.
This installment is a brutal reminder of Evans's core strength: making you care deeply about his flawed, realistic characters, only to put them through absolute hell. The question isn't if things will go wrong, but how much it will cost them.
Key Themes
The Impulse of Youth vs. The Wisdom of Experience: The central conflict pits the restless energy and inflated egos of the teen survivors against the cautious, strategic planning of their adult mentors, the Navy SEALs Clary and Aslin. The book explores the dangerous gap between feeling ready for the world and actually being prepared for its horrors.
Consequences and Unraveling Trust: The "white lie" of the title isn't just a plot device; it’s a thematic bomb. It explores how a single breach of trust within a found family can shatter stability, lead to devastating losses, and fracture the group's unity, with signs of division and personal agendas beginning to surface.
The Psychological Toll of Survival: Evans digs deeper into the mental cost of this life. Characters aren't just physically scarred but are beginning to crack under the strain. The narrative asks how many times one can witness unbearable loss before paranoia and anger become the default setting, adding a compelling layer of internal drama to the external threats.
Character Analysis
The core trio—Shaun, Ellie, and Greg—continue to evolve, but not always in admirable ways. Gone are the purely scared kids from Book 1. Shaun grapples with leadership and guilt, Ellie demonstrates resilience, but it's Greg who drives this story. His impulsive lie, born from boredom and a desire for heroism, forces a harsh examination of his character and the real weight of responsibility.
The adult figures, Clary and Aslin, remain the steady anchors, but even their patience is tested. Their role evolves from pure protectors to frustrated commanders trying to instill discipline in headstrong charges who are, as one reader noted, "itching to go out and kill some zombies". The dynamic creates a tense, authentic friction that fuels the plot.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans's prose remains straightforward, visceral, and relentlessly paced. He doesn't waste words, which makes the sudden eruptions of violence and gore even more impactful. The tone is dark and tense, with the relative safety of the base making the eventual plunge back into danger feel even more jarring and desperate.
The pacing is classic Evans: a steady build of cabin fever and interpersonal tension that explodes into a long, harrowing sequence of survival horror. Once the lie sets events in motion, the book becomes a breathless sprint of "harrowing battles with the hordes". Some readers felt the emotional connection wasn't quite as sharp as in earlier books, perhaps because the catastrophic scenario stems from a frustrating mistake rather than an unavoidable tragedy.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
High-Stakes Consequences: The plot delivers on its promise. The lie has real, terrible, and permanent repercussions that reshape the series.
Unflinching Realism: Evans never makes survival easy or glamorous. The Turned are getting smarter, and victories are always pyrrhic.
Emotional Payoff: Despite the frustration with character decisions, the losses hurt because the author has made you invest in these people. As one review perfectly stated, the characters feel like "friends who I hate to lose".
Disliked:
Frustration Factor: Greg's lie and the group's decision to act on it require a hefty suspension of disbelief. You'll likely spend chapters wanting to yell at the book.
Relentless Darkness: The unending tension and loss offer very little levity, which can feel exhausting.
Predictable Beat: The "teenagers sneak out and get into trouble" trope feels a bit thin at this stage in the apocalypse, even if the results are uniquely severe.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. White Lie is a tense, emotionally punishing, and necessary chapter in the Orphans saga. It successfully raises the stakes by showing how internal dynamics can be as destructive as any zombie.
You should read this book if: You are invested in this series and ready for a major, consequence-driven plot turn. It's perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven zombie horror who don't mind their protagonists making infuriatingly human mistakes.
Do not start the series here. Begin with Book 1, Origins. The emotional impact of this volume relies entirely on the history built over the previous three books.
For those caught up, White Lie is a brutal but compelling read that effectively sets the stage for the promised "Civil War" within the group. Just be prepared for a story where, sometimes, the deadliest threat is the person standing next to you.
If there’s one thing the Orphans series drills home, it’s that the zombie apocalypse isn't just about the monsters outside the walls. White Lie, the fourth book in Mike Evans's gritty series, masterfully shifts the threat inward, proving that a moment of teenage impulsiveness and boredom can be just as deadly as a horde of the "Turned." Set almost a year into the collapse, the group is safer than they've ever been, training in a fortified military base. But safety breeds restlessness, and one character's decision to tell a small, selfish untruth unleashes a chain of events that will leave you heart-pounding and heartbroken.
This installment is a brutal reminder of Evans's core strength: making you care deeply about his flawed, realistic characters, only to put them through absolute hell. The question isn't if things will go wrong, but how much it will cost them.
Key Themes
The Impulse of Youth vs. The Wisdom of Experience: The central conflict pits the restless energy and inflated egos of the teen survivors against the cautious, strategic planning of their adult mentors, the Navy SEALs Clary and Aslin. The book explores the dangerous gap between feeling ready for the world and actually being prepared for its horrors.
Consequences and Unraveling Trust: The "white lie" of the title isn't just a plot device; it’s a thematic bomb. It explores how a single breach of trust within a found family can shatter stability, lead to devastating losses, and fracture the group's unity, with signs of division and personal agendas beginning to surface.
The Psychological Toll of Survival: Evans digs deeper into the mental cost of this life. Characters aren't just physically scarred but are beginning to crack under the strain. The narrative asks how many times one can witness unbearable loss before paranoia and anger become the default setting, adding a compelling layer of internal drama to the external threats.
Character Analysis
The core trio—Shaun, Ellie, and Greg—continue to evolve, but not always in admirable ways. Gone are the purely scared kids from Book 1. Shaun grapples with leadership and guilt, Ellie demonstrates resilience, but it's Greg who drives this story. His impulsive lie, born from boredom and a desire for heroism, forces a harsh examination of his character and the real weight of responsibility.
The adult figures, Clary and Aslin, remain the steady anchors, but even their patience is tested. Their role evolves from pure protectors to frustrated commanders trying to instill discipline in headstrong charges who are, as one reader noted, "itching to go out and kill some zombies". The dynamic creates a tense, authentic friction that fuels the plot.
Writing Style & Pacing
Evans's prose remains straightforward, visceral, and relentlessly paced. He doesn't waste words, which makes the sudden eruptions of violence and gore even more impactful. The tone is dark and tense, with the relative safety of the base making the eventual plunge back into danger feel even more jarring and desperate.
The pacing is classic Evans: a steady build of cabin fever and interpersonal tension that explodes into a long, harrowing sequence of survival horror. Once the lie sets events in motion, the book becomes a breathless sprint of "harrowing battles with the hordes". Some readers felt the emotional connection wasn't quite as sharp as in earlier books, perhaps because the catastrophic scenario stems from a frustrating mistake rather than an unavoidable tragedy.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
High-Stakes Consequences: The plot delivers on its promise. The lie has real, terrible, and permanent repercussions that reshape the series.
Unflinching Realism: Evans never makes survival easy or glamorous. The Turned are getting smarter, and victories are always pyrrhic.
Emotional Payoff: Despite the frustration with character decisions, the losses hurt because the author has made you invest in these people. As one review perfectly stated, the characters feel like "friends who I hate to lose".
Disliked:
Frustration Factor: Greg's lie and the group's decision to act on it require a hefty suspension of disbelief. You'll likely spend chapters wanting to yell at the book.
Relentless Darkness: The unending tension and loss offer very little levity, which can feel exhausting.
Predictable Beat: The "teenagers sneak out and get into trouble" trope feels a bit thin at this stage in the apocalypse, even if the results are uniquely severe.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. White Lie is a tense, emotionally punishing, and necessary chapter in the Orphans saga. It successfully raises the stakes by showing how internal dynamics can be as destructive as any zombie.
You should read this book if: You are invested in this series and ready for a major, consequence-driven plot turn. It's perfect for fans of gritty, character-driven zombie horror who don't mind their protagonists making infuriatingly human mistakes.
Do not start the series here. Begin with Book 1, Origins. The emotional impact of this volume relies entirely on the history built over the previous three books.
For those caught up, White Lie is a brutal but compelling read that effectively sets the stage for the promised "Civil War" within the group. Just be prepared for a story where, sometimes, the deadliest threat is the person standing next to you.
July 13, 2016
Orphans White Lie
Here is another great book from Mike Evans, in the Orphans series. It is just as good a read as the previous three if not better. The two Navy Seals, Clary and Aslin, are still with us as well as our favorite teenagers, Shaun ,Greg and Elle. And of course the kids are still getting into trouble and the Seals are quick to help them. This is absolutely a must read if you are into this genre. I can't wait to start on the 5th book, Civil War.
Here is another great book from Mike Evans, in the Orphans series. It is just as good a read as the previous three if not better. The two Navy Seals, Clary and Aslin, are still with us as well as our favorite teenagers, Shaun ,Greg and Elle. And of course the kids are still getting into trouble and the Seals are quick to help them. This is absolutely a must read if you are into this genre. I can't wait to start on the 5th book, Civil War.
May 1, 2016
Great read, an adventure that never stops
In this book, young Greg and Shawn get themselves into trouble once again. I find this book interesting because it's main theme seems to be that adolescents are people too, and should be respected. i like that and so, if you want a fun read, this is the book for you !
In this book, young Greg and Shawn get themselves into trouble once again. I find this book interesting because it's main theme seems to be that adolescents are people too, and should be respected. i like that and so, if you want a fun read, this is the book for you !
October 3, 2020
What else can I say but great story and writing. I'm finishing up book 6 of the series so I can't tell you what happened in this book. Goodreads hasn't been able to kept up with my listening to this series.
May 9, 2018
Bad times
The group runs into some trouble when they decide to run off to town. Shopping trips are a lot more adventure filled these days.
The group runs into some trouble when they decide to run off to town. Shopping trips are a lot more adventure filled these days.
May 23, 2016
This series just keeps on getting better and better. I can't wait for book 5!
November 15, 2017
Please tell me there is a book 5??
I need a conclusion to this story!! You can't leave me hanging with the promise of more action!! It was just taking a really good swing.
I need a conclusion to this story!! You can't leave me hanging with the promise of more action!! It was just taking a really good swing.
October 6, 2018
I love this series
I love zombies in general, but there's something about this series that just holds many attention and keeps me interested.
I love zombies in general, but there's something about this series that just holds many attention and keeps me interested.
June 25, 2021
Just a few days into the zombie apocalypse the abandoned Seals found a military base just sitting empty of people
Aslin and Clary found themselves in charge of 25 teenagers and a couple of near-adults at the military base outside of Johnston Iowa. The base was fully stocked with everything a Company sized contingent could need: food, bedding, uniforms, transportation and a fully stocked armory with more weapons and ammunition than they could ever use, hopefully. After 6 months of waiting for the news that the government had found the cure for the zombie plague, they finally got the word from the emergency broadcast system that there was no cure. No way to get the Turned back to regular people. No way to keep people who were bitten or scratched from turning into one of them.
Aslin and Clary decided it was time to train their youngsters to take part in the base's defense. Basic training begins. Runs and workouts got them into shape physically while weapon training gave them confidence in their ability to survive. Some of the OG Orphans, Greg, Shaun, Ellie, Phillip and Kya, helped in the training. After 3 months the teens were beginning to shape up into decent fighters and beginning to understand small unit tactics. Greg was itching to go out and kill some zombies, load up on supplies and hunt for other survivors. When he broached the idea to Clary and Aslin, they said they'd consider it.
Of course, Greg couldn't wait and convinced Shaun, Ellie and Joey that the Seals had ok'd a mission off base. Just a quick look around, grab a few supplies, look for other survivors and be back heroes. They loaded up a Hummer with ammunition and weapons and headed out looking for trouble. Of course, they found it!
The characters are amazingly complete, solid actions and personalities, I can literally see them performing their parts. No guessing, no wonder, I know that they were going to get into trouble, get stuck and need rescuing, even before they knew it. And I know the response coming from the Seals. The storyline flows smoothly through the actions with more than a few bloody, terrifying sequences. Yes, the action sequences are bloody, violent, gruesome and descriptive. Zombies are not fastidious eaters, they rip skin, bone and meat from still living victims. I love it! Starting the next book in the series right now!
Aslin and Clary found themselves in charge of 25 teenagers and a couple of near-adults at the military base outside of Johnston Iowa. The base was fully stocked with everything a Company sized contingent could need: food, bedding, uniforms, transportation and a fully stocked armory with more weapons and ammunition than they could ever use, hopefully. After 6 months of waiting for the news that the government had found the cure for the zombie plague, they finally got the word from the emergency broadcast system that there was no cure. No way to get the Turned back to regular people. No way to keep people who were bitten or scratched from turning into one of them.
Aslin and Clary decided it was time to train their youngsters to take part in the base's defense. Basic training begins. Runs and workouts got them into shape physically while weapon training gave them confidence in their ability to survive. Some of the OG Orphans, Greg, Shaun, Ellie, Phillip and Kya, helped in the training. After 3 months the teens were beginning to shape up into decent fighters and beginning to understand small unit tactics. Greg was itching to go out and kill some zombies, load up on supplies and hunt for other survivors. When he broached the idea to Clary and Aslin, they said they'd consider it.
Of course, Greg couldn't wait and convinced Shaun, Ellie and Joey that the Seals had ok'd a mission off base. Just a quick look around, grab a few supplies, look for other survivors and be back heroes. They loaded up a Hummer with ammunition and weapons and headed out looking for trouble. Of course, they found it!
The characters are amazingly complete, solid actions and personalities, I can literally see them performing their parts. No guessing, no wonder, I know that they were going to get into trouble, get stuck and need rescuing, even before they knew it. And I know the response coming from the Seals. The storyline flows smoothly through the actions with more than a few bloody, terrifying sequences. Yes, the action sequences are bloody, violent, gruesome and descriptive. Zombies are not fastidious eaters, they rip skin, bone and meat from still living victims. I love it! Starting the next book in the series right now!
July 6, 2017
ANOTHER WINNER HERE, NOT TO BE MISSED.
Mike Evans has another winner here, with "White Lie", 5 stars for sure and a highly recommended book to read. This is just one super book in a super series with Shawn, Ellie, Greg, Aslin, Clary and the rest of the group are feeling safe at the base, but it doesn't last long. One "White Lie" can set the whole thing crumbling and it just about does, with lives on the line. Just when it looks like things get back to the safety they came to rely on, things may not be as they seem. This is really one great book and I'm hoping everyone out there does check this out. You won't be disappointed...
Mike Evans has another winner here, with "White Lie", 5 stars for sure and a highly recommended book to read. This is just one super book in a super series with Shawn, Ellie, Greg, Aslin, Clary and the rest of the group are feeling safe at the base, but it doesn't last long. One "White Lie" can set the whole thing crumbling and it just about does, with lives on the line. Just when it looks like things get back to the safety they came to rely on, things may not be as they seem. This is really one great book and I'm hoping everyone out there does check this out. You won't be disappointed...
December 18, 2018
Good series
This is a good series to read. It is well written, the characters are believable and the storyline itself is also good. The author does a good job capturing your imagination and keeps you within the story. You feel like you’re one of the characters with in the storyline and that is a pretty good sign of a great author. Can’t wait to read the next part of the series. Great job the author
This is a good series to read. It is well written, the characters are believable and the storyline itself is also good. The author does a good job capturing your imagination and keeps you within the story. You feel like you’re one of the characters with in the storyline and that is a pretty good sign of a great author. Can’t wait to read the next part of the series. Great job the author
December 16, 2017
4 Stars
One little white lie and all hell breaks loose. This one will leave you crying and cursing. Greg should have had his butt stomped! Ok no spoilers... Fast paced and intense twists and turns. Although I didn't have the same level of emotional connection that I had when reading the first 3 books in this series. This is still a great book.
June 29, 2020
Another amazing, riveting instalment of the Orphans, I was glued to it from the beginning of the book, and finished but in one sitting. Shaun & Gregg get into more trouble/adventures while Asian & Clary try to ride herd on their skinny butts, and Shaun discovers ingenious new ways to kill the turned. I can't wait to start the next book Civil War, and hear more Eric Sherman narration!
February 4, 2022
What a rush!
Mike Evans is one if the best in the genre. He has a knack for creating characters that make you care about them.
Shaun and the crew are once again in trouble, but it was caused by one of their own. As the Turned give them a run for their money, something more sinister is about to be unleashed. What else can go wrong?
Mike Evans is one if the best in the genre. He has a knack for creating characters that make you care about them.
Shaun and the crew are once again in trouble, but it was caused by one of their own. As the Turned give them a run for their money, something more sinister is about to be unleashed. What else can go wrong?
March 8, 2022
Wow…just wow
I thought for a minute that I was going to have to take a road trip and have me a meeting with this author. When I thought you had killed off one of the main characters, I just about died myself!
You sure do know how to make a person suffer some terrible angst…and I can’t wait to get on into book 5.
Thanks Mike for giving us one heck of a series!
I thought for a minute that I was going to have to take a road trip and have me a meeting with this author. When I thought you had killed off one of the main characters, I just about died myself!
You sure do know how to make a person suffer some terrible angst…and I can’t wait to get on into book 5.
Thanks Mike for giving us one heck of a series!
July 8, 2023
Good premise…..
Good premise. I like the fact that he has a backstory for how the virus started… I like the kids… the only thing that is an issue is the dialogue. Teenagers would not talk like this. I am not sure adults would use this dialogue either. It really detracts from the story.
Good premise. I like the fact that he has a backstory for how the virus started… I like the kids… the only thing that is an issue is the dialogue. Teenagers would not talk like this. I am not sure adults would use this dialogue either. It really detracts from the story.
May 29, 2017
I love this book. This story continues with more heart pounding excitement, horror and fright. Another great book in the series. Mike Evan's continues to create the Best/Worst zombies ever. I have Book 5 downloaded and on my way to jump in.
February 6, 2022
What a great book. The teens are starting their new life in the army base. They are keen to learn new skills and start looking for new people. massive improvement with the new narrator. Well worth the wait! Zombies are just as viscous!
September 6, 2022
I really love this series. The characters are really great. They feel like friend now. Hate to have them killed off, but that would be the way an apocalypse would go. Not everyone lives. Funny to hear Eric Shelman kill himself off though. Haha
June 6, 2021
Fabulous series. Lots of zombie action and drama. Very well written and the dialogue between the Seals and the kids has you laughing and makes for a great story. Once you start, you'll be hooked.
August 8, 2021
This narrator was so much better!!! One white lie cost them so much, but also made them aware of a potential problem. They need to prepare to repel bad people.
September 9, 2022
Next book please
Great read, now i need the next book.... Oh, yeah, I need to finish this review. Read it! It's awesome
Great read, now i need the next book.... Oh, yeah, I need to finish this review. Read it! It's awesome
September 10, 2019
This story just keeps getting better
January 15, 2017
THE ORPHANS has readers hanging on expecting more, more, more ... and Evans has continued to deliver just that. I believe the 5th in the series will show us even more action and take us to the brink in this incredible Z adventure.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews