What do you think?
Rate this book
Surviving the Dead #7
The Killing Line
Gabriel Garrett has faced many challenges.
The battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the CIA, several years as a mercenary, and the end of the world among them. But now he faces a challenge none of his training, expertise, or combat experience have prepared him for—fatherhood.
With a new family and new responsibilities, Gabriel decides to leave Hollow Rock and start over in the growing city of Colorado Springs. It is here he believes he can finally leave behind the violence that has always followed him and begin a new chapter in his life. But to get there, he will have to cross the vastness of the American plains, and in a world where the dead walk the earth, no journey is ever easy.
When his caravan is ransacked, Gabriel, his stalwart friends Eric Riordan and Caleb Hicks, and his new family are forced to endure the dangers of the post-Outbreak world on their own. It is here they will face marauders, criminal organizations, corrupt government officials, starvation, and every danger the wastelands can throw at them. To survive, they will have to rely on their courage, resourcefulness, and will to fight.
And most importantly, they will have to rely on each other.
The battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the CIA, several years as a mercenary, and the end of the world among them. But now he faces a challenge none of his training, expertise, or combat experience have prepared him for—fatherhood.
With a new family and new responsibilities, Gabriel decides to leave Hollow Rock and start over in the growing city of Colorado Springs. It is here he believes he can finally leave behind the violence that has always followed him and begin a new chapter in his life. But to get there, he will have to cross the vastness of the American plains, and in a world where the dead walk the earth, no journey is ever easy.
When his caravan is ransacked, Gabriel, his stalwart friends Eric Riordan and Caleb Hicks, and his new family are forced to endure the dangers of the post-Outbreak world on their own. It is here they will face marauders, criminal organizations, corrupt government officials, starvation, and every danger the wastelands can throw at them. To survive, they will have to rely on their courage, resourcefulness, and will to fight.
And most importantly, they will have to rely on each other.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2016
204 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
James N. Cook
17 books255 followersJames N. Cook is a martial arts enthusiast, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former cubicle dweller, and the author of the Surviving the Dead series. He hikes, he goes camping, he travels a lot, and he has trouble staying in one spot for very long. He lives in North Carolina.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmLlKf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmLlKf
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 25, 2018
7 Books In & The Series STILL Continues To Surprise!
Honestly, this series stands head and shoulders above pretty much all other series’s and single military zombie apocalypse books out there. James Cook is BRILLIANT! This story and it’s characters are so captivating, so exciting..... sometimes emotional (I know? A zombie book!?)... and it’s consistently surprising. Beyond creative. I’ve been blown away by the fresh content, never published anywhere before. Never dreamt up by anyone else before!
I cannot wait to move right on to book #8!!
Of course.... if you have not yet read book #1, start there. Honestly, book #1 starts out a bit slow. It was hard for me to get through. And it actually took me a few tries to do it. I kept picking it up, then dropping it.
Thinking back now ——- OMG. If I had never pushed through that last time, through the first 1/2-3/4 of the first book, I would have missed out on reading this phenomenal series!!
So, start with book #1. It’s the foundation for the entire story..... Let your amazing, stay up all night because you can never put it down, journey, start there.....
Honestly, this series stands head and shoulders above pretty much all other series’s and single military zombie apocalypse books out there. James Cook is BRILLIANT! This story and it’s characters are so captivating, so exciting..... sometimes emotional (I know? A zombie book!?)... and it’s consistently surprising. Beyond creative. I’ve been blown away by the fresh content, never published anywhere before. Never dreamt up by anyone else before!
I cannot wait to move right on to book #8!!
Of course.... if you have not yet read book #1, start there. Honestly, book #1 starts out a bit slow. It was hard for me to get through. And it actually took me a few tries to do it. I kept picking it up, then dropping it.
Thinking back now ——- OMG. If I had never pushed through that last time, through the first 1/2-3/4 of the first book, I would have missed out on reading this phenomenal series!!
So, start with book #1. It’s the foundation for the entire story..... Let your amazing, stay up all night because you can never put it down, journey, start there.....
July 6, 2020
The Continuing Adventure
Gabriel Garrett along with his soon to be wife Elizabeth and newly found daughter Sabrina (whom he never knew existed) are leaving Hollow Rock. Eric Riordan comes along for the ride and so is Jacob Hicks. They encounter obstacles along the way but make it to their destination of Colorado Springs if along the way it does seem they won’t make it.
This book had me on edge and I was sad to come to the end of it but new adventures are coming and I cannot wait to see how this all transpires.
For those who enjoy army life, interaction between characters to its truest form this book has. I literally laughed out loud, cried, wanted to hide and could not put the book down. Great read!
Gabriel Garrett along with his soon to be wife Elizabeth and newly found daughter Sabrina (whom he never knew existed) are leaving Hollow Rock. Eric Riordan comes along for the ride and so is Jacob Hicks. They encounter obstacles along the way but make it to their destination of Colorado Springs if along the way it does seem they won’t make it.
This book had me on edge and I was sad to come to the end of it but new adventures are coming and I cannot wait to see how this all transpires.
For those who enjoy army life, interaction between characters to its truest form this book has. I literally laughed out loud, cried, wanted to hide and could not put the book down. Great read!
December 9, 2017
The best ....
..... thing about this book, besides all the action, is the different routes the story goes through to the final destination!!! There's not just one or two enemy groups to contend with, but a sh*t load of them and they're all different!!!! And you finally get to find out what Mike has been up too!!!! BONUS!!!! Outstanding storyline and characters!!! Now, on to book 8!!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England
..... thing about this book, besides all the action, is the different routes the story goes through to the final destination!!! There's not just one or two enemy groups to contend with, but a sh*t load of them and they're all different!!!! And you finally get to find out what Mike has been up too!!!! BONUS!!!! Outstanding storyline and characters!!! Now, on to book 8!!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England
September 25, 2017
Do i read the nezt book?
I almost did not want too..I hate when main characters are perfect..the look good..the "only"ones who can save the day! This book seemed to be just that. But Hicks is my favorite and if he starting in the next book ..I may read it. I just hope there will be more than just Hicks who is the heroes.
I almost did not want too..I hate when main characters are perfect..the look good..the "only"ones who can save the day! This book seemed to be just that. But Hicks is my favorite and if he starting in the next book ..I may read it. I just hope there will be more than just Hicks who is the heroes.
November 11, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Great reading. NOT predictable. Story line is fascinating. The. Characters in the story are interesting 5oo. 4 more words. O
Great reading. NOT predictable. Story line is fascinating. The. Characters in the story are interesting 5oo. 4 more words. O
April 30, 2021
Enjoyed the read, now on to book #8 !!
November 19, 2019
Great story expansion
Stays true to the characters we have grown to like and admire as well as giving us new plot twists that keep you reading.
Stays true to the characters we have grown to like and admire as well as giving us new plot twists that keep you reading.
September 26, 2016
Eric and Gabriel solidify their position and business in Hollow Rock. Gabriel is feeling the years and hardships catch up to him. He wants what Eric has; a family. It is decided and the plans are laid down. Gabriel, Elizabeth, and his newly discovered daughter Sabrina make plans for Colorado Springs, a new job, and a new start on life. Eric cannot stand it of course and decides to go with them. Caleb of course cannot be left behind, so the core group remains intact. Gabriel pulls together enough swag from his Hollow Rock business for a new start and reserves a spot in the next caravan to Colorado Springs. Gabriel’s “spidey sense” kicks in and he smells trouble. His group breaks off from the caravan and they head for the hills and safety. The caravan is ambushed by a 200+ strong raider force and the women captives are the only survivors. This horrific tragedy must be avenged and the prisoners rescued if at all possible. Calls for help go out to the military and a rescue mission is pieced together. Lots of action, great characters, and I look forward to the next book.
July 7, 2016
As a big fan of this series I was really delighted when the author posted on Facebook, that "the killing line" was online. I started reading some time this morning at 04.00 I guess and just finished it at 21.55 (admitted, with some breaks).
I simply love Eric and Gabe to bits and can never get enough of them! Although I've seen better storyarchs within the series, I was hooked from first sentence to last. But I gotta admit, it feels like Jim is building up something big in the next volume. It just feels like he's moving his characters into certain positions for his next strike. But who cares! I had a blast reading it, getting to know Sabrina and Liz better (I sometimes feel we didn't get much to know about her in the previous books) and touring the country with Eric and Gabe. Can't wait to read the next one!
Until then I gotta stick with rereading, I guess.
I simply love Eric and Gabe to bits and can never get enough of them! Although I've seen better storyarchs within the series, I was hooked from first sentence to last. But I gotta admit, it feels like Jim is building up something big in the next volume. It just feels like he's moving his characters into certain positions for his next strike. But who cares! I had a blast reading it, getting to know Sabrina and Liz better (I sometimes feel we didn't get much to know about her in the previous books) and touring the country with Eric and Gabe. Can't wait to read the next one!
Until then I gotta stick with rereading, I guess.
August 8, 2016
So glad I wasn't turned off by the first book
This is a great series with throughly enjoyable characters. The first book was good, but I frankly didn't see how it could evolve into an interesting series.
I was wrong. I have grown attached to the characters in this book and I look forward to the next one.
Sure, there are a million stories with superpowers SF operators that take on whole armies and kick their butts. At the same time, we read to live vicariously through their exploits. As these type of books go, this is among the best and a pleasure to get lost in its world.
This is a great series with throughly enjoyable characters. The first book was good, but I frankly didn't see how it could evolve into an interesting series.
I was wrong. I have grown attached to the characters in this book and I look forward to the next one.
Sure, there are a million stories with superpowers SF operators that take on whole armies and kick their butts. At the same time, we read to live vicariously through their exploits. As these type of books go, this is among the best and a pleasure to get lost in its world.
July 8, 2016
Love this author!
I generally prefer books of this genre, more heavily involved with fighting "walkers". This author took us through the outbreak into the struggle to rebuild. The characters, the descriptions of the environment, the scenery, the character idiosyncrasies make it so clear in my mind's eye. Just like I am there. I love it! Keep Eric and Gabe et al coming. Tough wait for number eight!
I generally prefer books of this genre, more heavily involved with fighting "walkers". This author took us through the outbreak into the struggle to rebuild. The characters, the descriptions of the environment, the scenery, the character idiosyncrasies make it so clear in my mind's eye. Just like I am there. I love it! Keep Eric and Gabe et al coming. Tough wait for number eight!
August 21, 2016
Hurry with # 8!!!
Another great book in the series! Each is better than the last. I only wish the wait wasn't so long, but the wait is SO worth it. Each book is different and Cook does a great job keeping the reader on edge. Gabe, Eric and Hicks are wonderful characters and I love each one. Cook can write about just one or all three of them at the same time, and have a masterpiece!
Keep them coming Cook , can't wait for the next one!!!
Another great book in the series! Each is better than the last. I only wish the wait wasn't so long, but the wait is SO worth it. Each book is different and Cook does a great job keeping the reader on edge. Gabe, Eric and Hicks are wonderful characters and I love each one. Cook can write about just one or all three of them at the same time, and have a masterpiece!
Keep them coming Cook , can't wait for the next one!!!
August 27, 2016
One of those books that really caught my attention after reading another zombie apocalypse. Im glad I was not put off with a bit of a slow start on book 1. Character development really sticks to the reader and sometimes you will miss them when they dont have any action. Missed the silent apache on this one and some of the Ninth militia specially. Also I cannot explain but while reading this novel I felt a bit of a deja vu like I have read this months before. Waiting for book 8.
July 28, 2016
Hicks!! Enough said! Loved his story...love that he is back in action
Gave. Eric. And now Sabrina. This author knows how to draw out every nuance in a character to get us fully vested in their lives, their battles and ultimately the whole post zombie outbreak world. Reading these books in a way prepares you for the stormy life we all lead, and hope we will never know..
Gave. Eric. And now Sabrina. This author knows how to draw out every nuance in a character to get us fully vested in their lives, their battles and ultimately the whole post zombie outbreak world. Reading these books in a way prepares you for the stormy life we all lead, and hope we will never know..
September 20, 2016
When Gabriel can get the assistance of the military anytime he calls General Jacobs on his sat phone, when all our characters have access to modern day high-tech accessories, and when they're all armed to the teeth with an unlimited supply of military grade weapons...it's just not the same old apocalypse anymore. And it's not any fun to read, either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
Excellent
As all the books in this series, this one is as good as it gets. The characters and the storyline holds ones interest and doesn't let go. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series with anticipation.
As all the books in this series, this one is as good as it gets. The characters and the storyline holds ones interest and doesn't let go. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series with anticipation.
July 6, 2016
Boring
Let me state that I have read all the authors books. This one is the worst. For to good part. The editing and flow were good. But the story was very flat and unfulfilling. Good luck on your next book. I hope it is better.
Let me state that I have read all the authors books. This one is the worst. For to good part. The editing and flow were good. But the story was very flat and unfulfilling. Good luck on your next book. I hope it is better.
October 9, 2016
Excellent as always!
I love the way the author interchanges characters. James Cook has a way of keeping your interest. It's best to read the series from the beginning, but you can start anywhere and still follow the storyline.
I love the way the author interchanges characters. James Cook has a way of keeping your interest. It's best to read the series from the beginning, but you can start anywhere and still follow the storyline.
October 10, 2016
Wow...I was getting closer and closer to the end and was wondering how he would wrap up all the characters stories. Only to realize that book #7 was NOT the end of the series...and, there's more. So, great, as I enjoy this series and was hoping for more.
December 7, 2016
Another great chapter in his Surviving the Dead series! I would have given it 5 stars but it started out very slow with a lot of boring back-story - like 35-40% of the book. But once the action started, I was right back in the fantastic world of Gabe and Eric.
July 28, 2016
The only problem with this book is the length of time from book 6. This book fit well into the series and kept my interest throughout.
July 28, 2016
Awesome
Gabriel Garrett is the most awesome force to hit the pages since Indiana jones. A truly great addition to a great saga.
Gabriel Garrett is the most awesome force to hit the pages since Indiana jones. A truly great addition to a great saga.
January 7, 2017
Another great book, I look forward to the next addition!
September 22, 2016
Yet another book by Mr. Cook that I could not put down. Characters and storyline continue to steamroller you over leaving you gasping for air. Am so ready for #8
Read
October 31, 2016Yet another excellent book in this series.
January 5, 2017
Another great installment... I am ready for #8... ok.. when???
April 4, 2017
Great Series
Another fantastic chapter in an already great series. Can't wait for the next book to find out what's going to happen next.
Another fantastic chapter in an already great series. Can't wait for the next book to find out what's going to happen next.
April 30, 2017
Truly amazing author
I love reading zombiepocolypse books. Military and war fare....not so much. However this does such a good job of character development that the characters actually have personalities and facets. Not just one dimensional shoot, kill dudes as is the norm. I am truly impressed and enjoyed the tactics of warfare and survival. My eyes only crossed a couple of times through the series of books when they went into detail about ammo and guns. Well job. I truly love these books and am looking forward to the next.
I love reading zombiepocolypse books. Military and war fare....not so much. However this does such a good job of character development that the characters actually have personalities and facets. Not just one dimensional shoot, kill dudes as is the norm. I am truly impressed and enjoyed the tactics of warfare and survival. My eyes only crossed a couple of times through the series of books when they went into detail about ammo and guns. Well job. I truly love these books and am looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews