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The Black #3
Outbreak
When a Centers for Disease Control quarantine fails at Ben Taub Hospital, a Houston SWAT Team is sent in to secure the facility. What they find is destruction and death. Trapped in the hospital, cut off from the world, a mysterious voice on the radio is all they have to guide them. They're no longer on a mission to quarantine the remaining inhabitants. Instead, they have to destroy a multiplying menace that could infect the world before the Federal Government enacts a final solution.
Outbreak is a standalone, parallel story to both the 2015 Parsec Award Winning Novel The Black and The Black: Arrival. A winning mashup of action and horror, Outbreak is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing at what's around the next corner.
Outbreak is a standalone, parallel story to both the 2015 Parsec Award Winning Novel The Black and The Black: Arrival. A winning mashup of action and horror, Outbreak is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing at what's around the next corner.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
122 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Paul Elard Cooley
34 books250 followersPaul E Cooley is a full-time writer and Parsec Award Winning podcaster from Houston, Texas. In 2009, he began producing free psychological thriller and horror podcasts, essays, and reviews available from Shadowpublications.com and iTunes.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
His stories have been listened to by thousands and he has been a guest on such notable podcasts as Podioracket, John Mierau‘s “Podcast Teardown,” Geek Out with Mainframe, Shadowcast Audio, and Vertigo Radio Live. In 2010, his short story Canvas and novella Tattoo were nominated for Parsec Awards. Tattoo became a Parsec Award finalist. He has collaborated with New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler on the series “The Crypt” and co-wrote the novella “The Rider” (projected to release in 2014). In addition to his writing, Paul has contributed his voice talents to a number of podiofiction productions.
He has two Amazon best-selling series: The Black and The Derelict Saga.
He is also a co-host on the renown Dead Robots’ Society writing podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 23, 2016
Wow.
OK, so I could go into what a totally satisfying story this was as a sequel to the two previous books . . .
I could talk about how much I enjoyed the camaraderie of the team in the book, which will undoubtedly have me responding "boss" instead of "yes" to any questions asked by someone who is my senior . . .
I could talk about how a black blob continues to evolve into a more and more terrifying creature . . .
But probably I could best sum up by simply saying that I had a choice of finishing the book tonight or watching the new "Game of Thrones" episode. I chose to snuggle up and finish a good book.
Choice well made.
OK, so I could go into what a totally satisfying story this was as a sequel to the two previous books . . .
I could talk about how much I enjoyed the camaraderie of the team in the book, which will undoubtedly have me responding "boss" instead of "yes" to any questions asked by someone who is my senior . . .
I could talk about how a black blob continues to evolve into a more and more terrifying creature . . .
But probably I could best sum up by simply saying that I had a choice of finishing the book tonight or watching the new "Game of Thrones" episode. I chose to snuggle up and finish a good book.
Choice well made.
June 12, 2016
A good continuation of the series. Eagerly waiting for the final book in the series to answer the mystery of the ooze.
July 20, 2016
Outstanding horror series
Paul, I look forward to reading Evolution. I have been a fan since the Black was first pulled up from M2. Please keep up the great work.
Paul, I look forward to reading Evolution. I have been a fan since the Black was first pulled up from M2. Please keep up the great work.
September 27, 2016
Following the chemist from the second getting infected by the goo shipped off from the first to the hospital is where this book, the third, leads. You know thinking about it, you don't even really need to read the first two--they're referenced tangentially but they've also all referenced the goings on at the hospital, since all hell breaks loose roughly around the same time for all three locations.
The hospital is on strict military lockdown after the entire surgery team gets ripped apart and absorbed as soon as the patient arrives and then oops they have six globs running around all the floors of the hospital. The CDC folks get joined with the SWAT team and with each book, exponentially more people get involved. More could have been done I think to make the oil more Thing like, in retaining some of its previous hosts' awareness--since SO many people get swept in. It's still pretty Thing link though and there are a few passages from oil POV.
Also special shout out to his proofreading and editing team. I did not see a single mistake in my copy, which is rare nowadays. I can't wait for the fourth, which looks like survivors team up.
The hospital is on strict military lockdown after the entire surgery team gets ripped apart and absorbed as soon as the patient arrives and then oops they have six globs running around all the floors of the hospital. The CDC folks get joined with the SWAT team and with each book, exponentially more people get involved. More could have been done I think to make the oil more Thing like, in retaining some of its previous hosts' awareness--since SO many people get swept in. It's still pretty Thing link though and there are a few passages from oil POV.
Also special shout out to his proofreading and editing team. I did not see a single mistake in my copy, which is rare nowadays. I can't wait for the fourth, which looks like survivors team up.
May 8, 2018
Review to come.
May 25, 2024
This series is one that I enjoy but don’t love. (I apparently hated the first one.) I do feel like it’s keeping me more interested and entertained with this novel and I’ll give the next one a chance too.
Horror popcorn basically
Horror popcorn basically
July 18, 2016
The Black: Outbreak is the third book in the series that explores the ramifications of man intruding in the deep, deep ocean. In the original book, The Black, an oil refinery dredges an oil-like lifeform up from the deep, and it wreaks havoc on the rig.
Before things get too out of control on the oil rig, a sample of the "oil" is sent off for analysis to a processing lab in Houston. Book Two, The Black: Arrival, tells the story of what happens when a technical lab takes possession of a horrifying life form that is not at all what they were expecting to receive.
Before things get too out of control at the lab, one of the processing techs cuts herself on the drum containing the "oil" and is sent to a local hospital. Which brings us to Book Three, The Black: Outbreak, which tells the tale of the effort to contain the rampaging lifeforms in quarantine at a hospital, while striving to keep as many patients and staff alive as possible.
There are three strong female lead characters in this story, which is a refreshing change. And they're not all do-gooders, either. They are complex and have to make difficult decisions.
Cooley says in his acknowledgements that this was the most difficult book he's ever written. Undoubtedly, some of that must be because of the detailed research he must have performed on quarantine procedures, SWAT tactics and CDC protocols, all of which factor in to the story. It's so well written, I could see the action in my minds eye as the characters move through the hospital, fearing what is around each corner.
Thankfully, there's a Book Four in the works, which makes me very happy, since I am absolutely loving this series.
Before things get too out of control on the oil rig, a sample of the "oil" is sent off for analysis to a processing lab in Houston. Book Two, The Black: Arrival, tells the story of what happens when a technical lab takes possession of a horrifying life form that is not at all what they were expecting to receive.
Before things get too out of control at the lab, one of the processing techs cuts herself on the drum containing the "oil" and is sent to a local hospital. Which brings us to Book Three, The Black: Outbreak, which tells the tale of the effort to contain the rampaging lifeforms in quarantine at a hospital, while striving to keep as many patients and staff alive as possible.
There are three strong female lead characters in this story, which is a refreshing change. And they're not all do-gooders, either. They are complex and have to make difficult decisions.
Cooley says in his acknowledgements that this was the most difficult book he's ever written. Undoubtedly, some of that must be because of the detailed research he must have performed on quarantine procedures, SWAT tactics and CDC protocols, all of which factor in to the story. It's so well written, I could see the action in my minds eye as the characters move through the hospital, fearing what is around each corner.
Thankfully, there's a Book Four in the works, which makes me very happy, since I am absolutely loving this series.
November 9, 2016
I have pretty much devoured this series. I think it has one of the best horror/SiFi monsters I have read. The story grips you and will not let go. The author also get my vote for making me not want to cook bacon ever again.
Read
October 12, 2016Fantastic series, love it, roll on next book!!
April 7, 2018
Paul Cooley’s, The Black: Outbreak, is just as exciting as the second installment. This novel, filled with lots of action, suspense, and thrills takes place where the second novel branches off — the Ben Taub hospital, where Marie is sent after being infected by the “oil.” Although the reader already knows what happens to Marie from book two, there is still more to the story. In addition to another great book, Cooley continues to improve his writing style with new changes being seen from the second novel.
The novel opens with a member of the CDC, Dr. Jennifer Harrel, being introduced as she heads to Ben Taub to prepare for Marie’s arrival, who if you do not remember from the last book was infected by “The Black.” Similar to book two, Cooley introduces mainly new characters throughout the course of the entire novel, while reusing only a few figures who overlap between the stories, such as Marie and Darren. Personally, I thought there were too many characters at some points, but many did not stay too long. I mean “The Black” needs something to eat, right?
Upon arriving at the hospital, Harrel makes sure the hospital is properly set up for quarantine. To keep Marie away from the other patients, “[a] plastic yellow tunnel...was there so they could take patients directly from ambulances into the quarantine area without risking exposure to non-medical personnel” (Cooley 3). Her arrival becomes the catalyst to the rest of the story. Cooley then takes time to introduce a few more characters, such as Paul Ellis. He has a pretty significant role being the character who is in charge of the command center and the one who performs tests on “The Black” throughout the course of the novel. He is able to make some new discoveries about how to deal with the substance and is a big help.
Some chapters Cooley jumps to entirely new characters, so if you think you missed information or something about them, do not worry, as he will explain who they are. For example, in chapter 45, the focus is on the previously described SWAT team, but in the next chapter one of the first lines is “Delia Niro sat in the chair facing the cribs and the glass window…” (Cooley 181). Obviously, there is no correlation between these two and Delia has never been mentioned before in the novel, which shows Cooley’s frequent shifting between characters. This novel does have a good amount of storylines and groups to follow (such as the ER doctors, the SWAT team, etc.), but Cooley gives them each their fair share of time. If you are confused at some points, or think you might get confused, I recommend to just read the book in large chunks, which should not be hard. It is a difficult book to put down.
Overall, I thought that The Black: Outbreak continued to bring action and suspense to The Black series, and all three books connected together well. I cannot wait to see what books four and five have in store once they are released!
The novel opens with a member of the CDC, Dr. Jennifer Harrel, being introduced as she heads to Ben Taub to prepare for Marie’s arrival, who if you do not remember from the last book was infected by “The Black.” Similar to book two, Cooley introduces mainly new characters throughout the course of the entire novel, while reusing only a few figures who overlap between the stories, such as Marie and Darren. Personally, I thought there were too many characters at some points, but many did not stay too long. I mean “The Black” needs something to eat, right?
Upon arriving at the hospital, Harrel makes sure the hospital is properly set up for quarantine. To keep Marie away from the other patients, “[a] plastic yellow tunnel...was there so they could take patients directly from ambulances into the quarantine area without risking exposure to non-medical personnel” (Cooley 3). Her arrival becomes the catalyst to the rest of the story. Cooley then takes time to introduce a few more characters, such as Paul Ellis. He has a pretty significant role being the character who is in charge of the command center and the one who performs tests on “The Black” throughout the course of the novel. He is able to make some new discoveries about how to deal with the substance and is a big help.
Some chapters Cooley jumps to entirely new characters, so if you think you missed information or something about them, do not worry, as he will explain who they are. For example, in chapter 45, the focus is on the previously described SWAT team, but in the next chapter one of the first lines is “Delia Niro sat in the chair facing the cribs and the glass window…” (Cooley 181). Obviously, there is no correlation between these two and Delia has never been mentioned before in the novel, which shows Cooley’s frequent shifting between characters. This novel does have a good amount of storylines and groups to follow (such as the ER doctors, the SWAT team, etc.), but Cooley gives them each their fair share of time. If you are confused at some points, or think you might get confused, I recommend to just read the book in large chunks, which should not be hard. It is a difficult book to put down.
Overall, I thought that The Black: Outbreak continued to bring action and suspense to The Black series, and all three books connected together well. I cannot wait to see what books four and five have in store once they are released!
January 29, 2025
Recomendable : Si
Comienzo a leer la cuarta entrega.
Nota : Aunque puede leerse como una novela independiente de The Black #1 y #2, esta entrega añade información adicional sobre la entidad "M2". Temporalmente se desarrolla de manera casi simultanea a "The Black #2".
En "The Black: Outbreak", la entidad "M2" ha logrado escapar de la contención dentro de un hospital y comienza a extenderse de manera descontrolada, provocando caos y muerte a gran escala. La historia se centra en los esfuerzos de científicos de CDC, un grupo SWAT y civiles, que luchan por sobrevivir y detener la propagación.
Temas principales:
Propagación : A diferencia de las entregas anteriores, donde la amenaza estaba más localizada, en "Outbreak" la entidad se extiende desde los sótanos hasta la sexta planta de un hospital, aumentando la escala el desafío y las múltiples posibilidades de morir horriblemente para los personajes.
Supervivencia : La novela explora el suspenso por sobrevivir en un entorno donde cualquier lugar es puede convertirse en el ultimo.
Ciencia ficción: Aunque los científicos del CDC intentan comprender y el equipo SWAT combatir a "M2", la entidad sigue siendo un misterio que desafía todo conocimiento humano, lo que añade un elemento de horror constante.
Comienzo a leer la cuarta entrega.
Nota : Aunque puede leerse como una novela independiente de The Black #1 y #2, esta entrega añade información adicional sobre la entidad "M2". Temporalmente se desarrolla de manera casi simultanea a "The Black #2".
En "The Black: Outbreak", la entidad "M2" ha logrado escapar de la contención dentro de un hospital y comienza a extenderse de manera descontrolada, provocando caos y muerte a gran escala. La historia se centra en los esfuerzos de científicos de CDC, un grupo SWAT y civiles, que luchan por sobrevivir y detener la propagación.
Temas principales:
Propagación : A diferencia de las entregas anteriores, donde la amenaza estaba más localizada, en "Outbreak" la entidad se extiende desde los sótanos hasta la sexta planta de un hospital, aumentando la escala el desafío y las múltiples posibilidades de morir horriblemente para los personajes.
Supervivencia : La novela explora el suspenso por sobrevivir en un entorno donde cualquier lugar es puede convertirse en el ultimo.
Ciencia ficción: Aunque los científicos del CDC intentan comprender y el equipo SWAT combatir a "M2", la entidad sigue siendo un misterio que desafía todo conocimiento humano, lo que añade un elemento de horror constante.
May 25, 2019
Outbreak is the third book in The Black series, and like Arrival is another paraquel to the first book. Where The Black took place on the oil rig that brought the creature to the surface and Arrival took place in the testing lab that a barrel of the creature's fluid was sent too, Outbreak takes place in the hospital where the casualty from the testing lab in Arrival was evacuated too.
There's even more action here than the earlier too books, partly because rather than roughnecks and merely scientists facing up against the creature this time there's a Houston PD SWAT team sent in which results in plenty of gun play. We also get to see more of how the creature reacts to it's surroundings when exposed to copious amounts of space, pipework, chemicals, radiation and the aforementioned SWAT team.
It's an excellent addition to the series building off the solid footwork of the earlier too novels, highly recommended but you'd definitely benefit from reading the earlier two books before this one.
There's even more action here than the earlier too books, partly because rather than roughnecks and merely scientists facing up against the creature this time there's a Houston PD SWAT team sent in which results in plenty of gun play. We also get to see more of how the creature reacts to it's surroundings when exposed to copious amounts of space, pipework, chemicals, radiation and the aforementioned SWAT team.
It's an excellent addition to the series building off the solid footwork of the earlier too novels, highly recommended but you'd definitely benefit from reading the earlier two books before this one.
May 28, 2025
gavethe first 2 books 5 stars.
Reason: We learn a lot about the monster.
In this book the surprise is no more and it is action from the start. I love action but an action ride from start to finish without any breathing room starts to become dulling.
In a movie we have car chasing scenes of 3 ot 5 minutes. Imagine those scenes taking 20 minutes, we would all get a cup of coffee without putting it on pause and come back and continue watching the chase. Well this feels like that, you do not really care what you potentially missed because it is always the same.
In the end a good popcorn book but it should have been 100 pages shorter, or had more breaks for breathing room and world building... Me taking 6 days to read the book says a lot, it means I was able to put it down often and not really felt the urge to finish it in 1 or 2 sittings.
Reason: We learn a lot about the monster.
In this book the surprise is no more and it is action from the start. I love action but an action ride from start to finish without any breathing room starts to become dulling.
In a movie we have car chasing scenes of 3 ot 5 minutes. Imagine those scenes taking 20 minutes, we would all get a cup of coffee without putting it on pause and come back and continue watching the chase. Well this feels like that, you do not really care what you potentially missed because it is always the same.
In the end a good popcorn book but it should have been 100 pages shorter, or had more breaks for breathing room and world building... Me taking 6 days to read the book says a lot, it means I was able to put it down often and not really felt the urge to finish it in 1 or 2 sittings.
February 8, 2019
This series is amazing, and to think there are two more, makes me so excited i could just, o well use your imagination here, I wouldnt tell complete strangers what i would or wouldnt do, but what i will say is The black is something worth reading. And if you dont, well thats your loss. 5 out of 5 stars.
August 1, 2019
So we get another book in the series which happens in parallel to the previous book. Like last time. So I have to go through the whole thing again where a bunch of new people have to figure out the nature of M2. Sorry, but I've done that in the previous book. So at this point the reader knows a damned sight more than the characters so not very compelling. Didn't finish.
January 18, 2023
Not a perfect book but holy cow it is entertaining! There are a lot of characters in this book and the majority of them are really well written in all of them have at least some kind of personality or backstory that sets them apart. The action is very intense and very emotional. Without giving anything away their are little things in this book, subtle plot twist, that make it such a great read.
February 9, 2025
The construction and writing on this thing are actually totally fine but the characterization was thin as fuck. Like, one is a kid...and one does Looney Toons voices even when it's pretty stupid to do Looney Toons voices and that's about it.
If you want a quick and dirty The Thing book except unlike The Thing you'll never think about it again this 100% works.
If you want a quick and dirty The Thing book except unlike The Thing you'll never think about it again this 100% works.
November 23, 2025
yet another magnificent book!!!! it takes place entirely within a hospital but its such a good horrifying unputdownable book! i finished it in 24 hours! and cannot wait to read the final one!! do yourself a favor and read this series!
September 18, 2017
Loved it. This book created the same tension that the previous two did and I cannot wait to find out more about the creature.
May 12, 2018
Another great read in the grand tradition of the Saturday afternoon monster movie marathon.
August 30, 2019
Three good, suspenseful books I read in the wrong order, but they can all stand on their own.
September 18, 2019
Action heavy horror
More of a "trapped in here with a monster" read, but with much more firepower and a higher body count.
More of a "trapped in here with a monster" read, but with much more firepower and a higher body count.
September 20, 2018
The second book in the series was good reading..this book had this black blob eating people every 3 chapters to lengthen the sort..how many times can that be repeated?..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
Book 3 of the best action/horror trilogy ever!
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I was blown away by the whole experience of this action/horror trilogy, especially this final tour-de-force epic showdown in a quarantined hospital. The author Paul E. Cooley and the narrator Joe Hempel together are masters at completely immersing the listener in this terrifying and exciting story. It seems so real. It is a well-organized maelstrom of fear, dread, death, and heart-pounding action with a great ending. The author perfectly sets up the story with detailed geography of the hospital building and accurate scientific and SWAT team details. The author evokes all of the senses as the reader is caught up in the action. I highly recommend this trilogy to all fans of action horror or monster/contagion horror. The story includes death, blood, some gore, and some four-letter words. If you can watch the movie “Alien”, you can definitely read and enjoy The Black.
This third book is at least half told from the perspective of Lieutenant CelieAnne, the female African-American leader of the Houston SWAT team. This team is trapped in the hospital with a deadly and smart blob monster that digests almost anything to add to its own mass. CeliAnne is a war veteran and very skilled at her job. I quickly grew to love her and her team. Three likeable CDC doctors also had a bunch of chapters from their perspectives. I also appreciate how none of the monster’s victims are faceless; the author makes them into real, distinctive people before they get added to the body count. A bunch of characters whom we get to know do survive, thankfully.
Joe Hempel delivers another amazing, perfect performance. He is extremely gifted at action scenes and evoking a rollercoaster of emotions in the listener. He realistically sounds like dozens of different characters. I am thoroughly impressed, and I will look for more of his work. Joe Hempel elevates the incredible book to a whole new level! This audiobook deserves to win many awards.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I was blown away by the whole experience of this action/horror trilogy, especially this final tour-de-force epic showdown in a quarantined hospital. The author Paul E. Cooley and the narrator Joe Hempel together are masters at completely immersing the listener in this terrifying and exciting story. It seems so real. It is a well-organized maelstrom of fear, dread, death, and heart-pounding action with a great ending. The author perfectly sets up the story with detailed geography of the hospital building and accurate scientific and SWAT team details. The author evokes all of the senses as the reader is caught up in the action. I highly recommend this trilogy to all fans of action horror or monster/contagion horror. The story includes death, blood, some gore, and some four-letter words. If you can watch the movie “Alien”, you can definitely read and enjoy The Black.
This third book is at least half told from the perspective of Lieutenant CelieAnne, the female African-American leader of the Houston SWAT team. This team is trapped in the hospital with a deadly and smart blob monster that digests almost anything to add to its own mass. CeliAnne is a war veteran and very skilled at her job. I quickly grew to love her and her team. Three likeable CDC doctors also had a bunch of chapters from their perspectives. I also appreciate how none of the monster’s victims are faceless; the author makes them into real, distinctive people before they get added to the body count. A bunch of characters whom we get to know do survive, thankfully.
Joe Hempel delivers another amazing, perfect performance. He is extremely gifted at action scenes and evoking a rollercoaster of emotions in the listener. He realistically sounds like dozens of different characters. I am thoroughly impressed, and I will look for more of his work. Joe Hempel elevates the incredible book to a whole new level! This audiobook deserves to win many awards.
I requested and received a free audio copy via the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
July 5, 2021
I will cheerfully read any further books in this series (and the author keeps teasing that there is one planned).
In Book 1, deep sea oil drillers tap into what appeared to be a layer of extra pure oil. Except it isn't oil, and nearly everyone dies.
In Book 2, before the deaths started in book 1, a test barrel was sent to Houston for more detailed testing. Working well into the night, they discover it isn't oil, and nearly everyone dies.
Here, in Book 3, before the deaths in book 2 started, the first person affected was rushed to the hospital. Now, in quarantine at the hospital, everything goes wrong. A SWAT team is sent in, and becomes trapped when the entire hospital is sealed off. The only way to live is to figure out how to kill the black creature that grows with everything it consumed (especially people). Can they save the CDC and the emergency room doctors? Can they save the babies in the maternity ward? Can they save themselves. And how many co-hosts of the author from the Dead Robots' Society can he kill? (three, if you're wondering).
The ending was satisfying, and it nicely sets up the next book. And the author does a great job of performing the audiobook.
Now on to the Space Marines series...
In Book 1, deep sea oil drillers tap into what appeared to be a layer of extra pure oil. Except it isn't oil, and nearly everyone dies.
In Book 2, before the deaths started in book 1, a test barrel was sent to Houston for more detailed testing. Working well into the night, they discover it isn't oil, and nearly everyone dies.
Here, in Book 3, before the deaths in book 2 started, the first person affected was rushed to the hospital. Now, in quarantine at the hospital, everything goes wrong. A SWAT team is sent in, and becomes trapped when the entire hospital is sealed off. The only way to live is to figure out how to kill the black creature that grows with everything it consumed (especially people). Can they save the CDC and the emergency room doctors? Can they save the babies in the maternity ward? Can they save themselves. And how many co-hosts of the author from the Dead Robots' Society can he kill? (three, if you're wondering).
The ending was satisfying, and it nicely sets up the next book. And the author does a great job of performing the audiobook.
Now on to the Space Marines series...
August 16, 2016
the plot is pretty simple: Book one, oil rig finds not-oil, all hell breaks loose. Book two, not-oil was sent off to the lab for more testing–all hell breaks loose. Book three, woman accidentally gets contaminated with not-oil and goes to the hospital, where all hell breaks loose. I know that sounds like not much plot for three books, but I loved it. There are some bits and pieces that don’t seem entirely logical, but hey, it’s a fun monster story with some really neat details. The ordering of the story-parts is fantastic, and I loved watching as the characters tried like hell to save themselves from a truly nasty monster. The only problem is that I’m really getting to the part where I want to know more about the not-oil and its origins. I hear rumor that’s what the next book is about, though, so I’ll have to be patient (not my strong suit).
Looking for a fun read with blood, gore, science, and maybe-aliens? Read this series!
Original review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/08/r...
Looking for a fun read with blood, gore, science, and maybe-aliens? Read this series!
Original review on my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2016/08/r...
November 27, 2024
Originally published on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
I was super excited to get started on book # 3 in this series. 😀 Outbreak takes p;ace at the same time as book # 1 and 2. At a busy hospital this time. OOOOOOOH YEEEEEAH! Pure chaos ensues!! So much fun.
My only slight complain is that there are a lot of names to recall. I know most of them will be fodder for the Black, but still… It almost felt like too many. But that’s it. My only small complaint.
The plot is gripping. I love the tension in the air. You can feel this book setting up the next book. It really hooked me in for the follow up(s) to come in this series. I got to know what’s going to happen next?? 😮 Outbreak is very entertaining. I can’t wait to see what the author does next.
I was super excited to get started on book # 3 in this series. 😀 Outbreak takes p;ace at the same time as book # 1 and 2. At a busy hospital this time. OOOOOOOH YEEEEEAH! Pure chaos ensues!! So much fun.
My only slight complain is that there are a lot of names to recall. I know most of them will be fodder for the Black, but still… It almost felt like too many. But that’s it. My only small complaint.
The plot is gripping. I love the tension in the air. You can feel this book setting up the next book. It really hooked me in for the follow up(s) to come in this series. I got to know what’s going to happen next?? 😮 Outbreak is very entertaining. I can’t wait to see what the author does next.
July 11, 2016
I was both excited and terrified to see what happened when the black... thing... got loose in a hospital. I must say, Cooley did not disappoint. We've got out biggest body count yet (I think) and the tension was ramped up from the get-go on this one. I won't go so far to say I got chills, or was afraid to turn out the lights. Cooley's works don't have quite that affect on me. It's more dread than fear, which is fine. I like that. I zoomed through reading this one, and I'm ready for the final installment of the Black series.
September 10, 2023
I love the narration of Joe Hempel. Who brings out the action and suspense.
This book like the last two before, will keep you on the each of toes. The Centre for Disease Control quarantine fails . The Houston SWAT Team is sent in to rescue and secure the facility. They find destruction and death. The team now find themselves having to destroy this menace, before it spends. Can a solution be found.
Action, pace and suspense.
This book like the last two before, will keep you on the each of toes. The Centre for Disease Control quarantine fails . The Houston SWAT Team is sent in to rescue and secure the facility. They find destruction and death. The team now find themselves having to destroy this menace, before it spends. Can a solution be found.
Action, pace and suspense.
October 30, 2024
Sometimes too many details can make reading messy.
Good read,
Not as good as the first 2.
Almost like it was written by someone else or someone really tired of writing.
I'll read the next in the series, but I don't have high hopes. At the moment my suggestion works be to stop reading at book 2 in the series. I may change this review after reading the next book in the series.
Good read,
Not as good as the first 2.
Almost like it was written by someone else or someone really tired of writing.
I'll read the next in the series, but I don't have high hopes. At the moment my suggestion works be to stop reading at book 2 in the series. I may change this review after reading the next book in the series.
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