Zero Hour: The Complete Novel

Zero Hour #1-6

by Eamon Ambrose

5 hrs 3 min

A sole survivor. A quest for answers. A deadly race against time. Nothing is as it seems, in this breakthrough robo-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller. Expanded from an original short story to a best-selling serial, Zero Hour is now collected in a single volume.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Apocalyptic, Thriller

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2016

Reviews

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

++SPOILERS++

5 Stars. Thank you Netanella, for it was you who inspired me to read this. Bought to own even though it's KU.

I must confess that it was a little hard at first for me to get into since it is mostly written in the 2nd person, something that I've never read before. I wasn't sure if the "you" (or the reader) was male or female at first, but it all became clear soon after and I was happy (being female) that the MC was female. I wonder if that would make it more difficult for a male reader?

I thought it was unique and interesting but a bit confusing as well when the POV switched to 1st person as we got into Alex's head.

Hell the whole book was unique and interesting. This was nothing like I have ever read before and I loved it.

The writing was excellent, the characters extremely well developed. The plot unique and full bodied.

The pace was perfect, steady, I never skimmed. I read it in one day.

The only thing I hope for is a continuation, a part 7 (this version had all 6 parts combined into one book). I want more! I want to know what happens next!

Unfortunately I do not posses the skills to adequately summarize the book, so I will have to leave that up to more skilled reviewers. I can say that it is basically about humanity and their survival, which depends on transferring their consciousness to an AI body while their human bodies lay in stasis until the world is rebuilt, then they can if they wish transfer back to their human bodies and re populate the species. Before all this can happen they must defeat the antagoinst who is the one responsible for the destruction.

I hope this helps you decide if this book is for you.

I wil say that I personally do not give 5 stars easily, in fact I rarely do. This one deserved all five if not more. I would definately recommend and will read more by this author.

Safety-cursing, violence blood and gore.

[LenaRibka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up



An indeterminate future of emotional robots and humans with android bodies. Oh, well, not without bad guys who dream to destroy/posses the world.

A quick entertaining audio book that is is well-suited for your afternoon's household chores but nothing special to remember for more than one day.

Could be interesting for the fans of The Murderbot Diaries Series, though without Murderbot's humour.



***Fits into slot 1 of my Reading Challenge 2022 - A Second-Person Narrative

[Ernie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner that is unique and new. One of my favorite books of the past year.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Zero Hour. Great story, loved the premise and the characters had some real heart. Didn’t want it to end to be honest!

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omnibus Editions of any author's serial fall into one of two categories:
1. AMAZING - This is for those serial collections that have the best of the best writing and that are so freaking engaging that you don't even think about the fact that you have spent literally every available extra minute with your nose buried in its pages.
Or
2. JUST TOO MUCH - (This is the category to which most Omnibus collections fall) - Too much of one story all at once.

ZERO HOUR by Eamon Ambrose falls FIRMLY into the first category. Much to my delight, since this was my first time reading anything by this author, I found myself firmly immersed in this story (the dishes in my sink and my unfinished laundry can attest to the truth of this statement.)

The characters are vivid and realistic. The plot-line is heart-poundingly good. This collection of Eamon Ambrose's serial is engaging and thoroughly entertaining.

All in all I can find absolutely nothing negative to say about ZERO HOUR.

I rate this Omnibus Collection as a firm 5 out of 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book. I am Eamon Ambrose's newest fan.

[Teri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

To infinity and beyond!

I have read each book as it came out, but reading it like this - in complete novel form has been such a wonderful treat! Thank you Mr. Ambrose, you are an amazing author.

Truthfully lately I've been kind of 'over' the whole apocalyptic (pre and post), and the whole dystopian thing. It's been done to death as far as I can see. So I kept wondering what it was about this book that kept drawing me back to it. About halfway through it hit me! It's the characters. If you put these characters on Mars, in the Bermuda Triangle, or a haunted castle being stalked by a zombie vampire, they would evoke love from me.

These characters, Sarah, Alex, Al, all of them, are the best from all of humanity. The ones we want to be, wish we were, and certainly they are the best choice for our survival. Thank you again and again Mr. Ambrose...and again.

[John Braine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to be a big sci-fi fan, but burnt myself out and don't read much any more. It was nice to return to it for a change and this was a great page-turning romp. Interesting themes about AI and humanity wrapped by a great story and the action was really well written; no mean feat. I very often find it hard to follow action scenes in books, or frankly get bored, but not with Zero Hour, top job. I thought invoking the already-creepy robot dogs from Boston Dynamics and imagining how they might end up was a masterstroke.

[Liefie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant writing. Gripping story telling. I was hooked from the get go. I often read reviews claiming that a book was "unputdownable" and smirk, but this was a genuine case of having to be dragged away from reading and then opening up the book again at the first opportunity.

Thank you Eamon Ambrose. It has been a while since I have read a really good sci-fi novel. Simple and elegant. Higly highly recommended.

ARC received via netgalley. This is an honest review.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won in Goodreads Giveaway
A fast paced Post apocalyptic robo fiction. Put`s you right in the action almost as you are there yourself. I felt connected to the story and characters. Well written characters and backstories. I feel some of this would likely happen in a post apocalyptic world for humanity to survive if some of the technology was still there. Cant wait for what Eamon has next.

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://koeur.wordpress.com/2017/04/2...

Publisher: Eamon Ambrose

Publishing Date: October 2016

ISBN: 9781540345592

Genre: SciFi

Rating: 3.6/5

Publishers Description: A sole survivor. A quest for answers. A deadly race against time. Nothing is as it seems, in this daring robo-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure from Irish debut author Eamon Ambrose. Already a bestselling serial, Zero Hour is now collected in a single volume at a reduced price.

Review: A futuristic look down the post-apocalyptic road. Androids and robots with transferred humans residing within and killer robots on the verge of sentience.

This was a pretty fun read. Compelling characters and a quickly paced story line made for a late night. Get this, you won’t be disappointed.

[Gerardo Delgadillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 fast-paced, stars. :)

ZERO HOUR: THE COMPLETE NOVEL is one of those stories that you breeze through it--page after fast-paced page, and zoom! you're done. The narrative feels a bit like WOOL and THE MAZE RUNNER combined, but it stands on its own with unexpected turns and action and crazy-weird stuff.

Overall, an excellent, fast-paced novel with an engaging story without dull moments.

[Jenn Veenstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads giveaways! It's signed and has my name in it and everything! I have to say it was so much better than I expected it to be! It was hard to get into at first being second person constantly saying you do this you do that but it was nothing like I've read before and very much enjoyed this book and would recommend this to others!

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Audio version of this omnibus edition. The narration is done by James Highfield, and he did a top-notch job!
  I had originally started reading the series as each of the 6 stories were released, but had given up by story 4 or 5 as I had completely lost the thread of the story,  so when the audible omnibus edition came out, I jumped on the chance to reacquaint myself with the characters and story, and finish the book that had started out so well. I'm glad I did!
  Get the omnibus copy so you can get the full impact of Eamon's work!

[Emer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought part one of the Zero Hour series last year not quite thinking sci fi would be my thing. Parts 2 to 4 quickly followed & while I purchased 5 & 6, I wanted to wait for this to come out before saying goodbye to the series. Only 195 pages in total, the writing is sharp with every sentence created pushing the momentum forward until you realise you’re on a train you really don’t want to get off of. I felt I was there, in that futuristic wasteland, fighting for “tomorrow”. While “sci fi” might put some off, at it’s core it’s a story of courage & friendship. Beautifully & smartly written I’m gutted it’s over.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting dystopian tale, switches between third and 2nd person during the narrative. Glad I won it from Goodreads.

[Dennis Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a bit tired of reading post apocalyptic fiction, but I decided to take a chance on this one. I found it incredibly fast paced and a great read. The story line is also very good, like, the last desperate moments of the human race boiled down to raw survival. Wow. Get this one!

[Chanda Shae Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I was so captivated by all the characters. This is by far the best Sci-Fi I have ever read..The song ,it's the end of the world as we know it,(Rem),kept playing in my head..What is so great about this book,is it could actually happen.Very drawn in,from the very first till the end. I was left thinking there has got to be more for Sarah a.d the rest of humanity. Adding the Quadra in the last bit,was pure genius. I so love my Indie authors. Read this,you will not be able to put it down.

[Jonathan Ballagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first words of Zero Hour, you know you’re in for something unique. This is virtual reality in written form; a circuit crunching, robo-apocalyptic thriller that throws you straight into the action, slams on the accelerator, and doesn’t let up until the ride is over. And what a ride it is. Pure exhilaration, pure enjoyment -- one of my all time favorites.

[Thais · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I listen this for the first time, I listen the second and is still so good! The story is refreshing, different from the usual storyline present in the genre, the characters are likable and the twists are really well done. I like the narrator, his pacing and his acting skills are really nice.

[Seamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Highfield did an excellent multifaceted and at times very hilarious job on Eamon’s this six-part Artificial Intelligence / Dystopian Saga.

I read and really enjoyed the individual short stories as they came out through 2015 and 2016 and ‘twas great to revisit the Omnibus as an audiobook.

(Below my sometimes overexcitable original reviews -> each FIVE STAR).

Part One:
Great short story! (So good I already bought the second part straight after I finishing reading it, back when it came out as an individual short story)

No spoilers here -> yes there is a few surprises towards the end of of the book!

Part Two:
Speechless/ Sprachlos!

Part Three:
Excellent continuation of Eamon's AI / dystopian saga - number 3, from a total of 5!

Hurry up & get the next one, cause this is great fun & each page a surprise awaits the reader.

Part Four:

Bloody hell this was a great read!

Eamon, you did it again -> left us waiting & wondering WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Can we add a Greatreads feature to Goodreads? Anyone?

An epic story like this is a prime example of the excellent short stories being written by indie writers in the last few years. Good old fashioned dystopian literature in episodes, which has been written fresh 'n' fast, making sure WE the readers stay on the edge of our seats.

Part Five:
Loving it Eamon, but I don't have a clue how this all is gonna rap-up in the up and coming 'grand finale'?

Are you sure that you don't need another couple? Ah go on...

Part Six:
Tremendous ending to an amazing series of short stories from our man Eamon Ambrose!

[Wyatt Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review relates to the audiobook version of the novel.

The book is well written and the narrator does a good job. The story is enjoyable and I never got bored with it.

However, the book is written from a first person perspective: "You see. You hear. You pick up." This was fine for most of the book since it revolves around a single character, Sarah.
However, in part 4 the perspective changes to another character and the time shifts back to a few days before events that have happened in the previous part. The narrative is maintained in the first person perspective which made this was very confusing as I wasn't sure if this was Sarah or another character (until the character's name was mentioned) .

The presence of another character that was a real piece of work and was killed in the previous part also made this confusing. It was again confusing when the other character met up with Sarah and the perspective shifted again. There was the same kind of perspective shift at the end of the book and I had to listen to that part more than once to be sure who was involved.

Overall it was a good book and well worth the time spent listening to it.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and chose to write a review.

[Audiobooks Nest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the free copy I received in return for an honest review.

In short:
The lines between robots and humans blur in this fun post-apocalyptic thriller.

Loved:
- The world as we know it has ended in the grimmest way possible? I’m in.
- The idea: Robots have taken over. Humans become robots, robots start acting like humans. It’s a thinker.
- Oh, the humanity: The characters really drove this story, bringing hope and humour to what could have been (ahem) robotic.
- The deep, dulcet tones of narrator, James Highfield.

Could Have Loved More:
- More vocal distinction between male/female characters. I got confused sometimes as to who was speaking.
- The ending felt a little rushed.

Shall I compare thee to…
William R Forstchen’s optimistic view of humanity in a Hugh Howey world.

Incidentally, Hugh Howey is quoted on the cover describing this book as “grim, dark, inventive”. I LOVE Howey’s books, but they are magnitudes of Armageddon grimmer and darker than this, so it struck me as interesting. Call me, Hugh. We must compare notes.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique twist on the post-apocalypse genre. Told in second-person point of view, it takes a little while to get accustomed to this style. Our protagonist Sarah may be the last living survivor on the earth after a devastating robotic drone attack. Encountering the mad scientist behind the attack, Sarah’s psyche gets up close and personal with an AI-controlled robot, much more than she ever imagined, while the scientist possesses her body. Moving forward, Sarah and the AI search for survivors, ultimately endeavoring to save what remains of the human race. An interesting tale to be sure, although more science fiction than post-apocalyptic IMO. Somewhat confusing with the point of view flips, not one of my favorites. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I found it refreshingly original, a unique perspective on the popular post apocalyptic genre, that had me hooked very quickly. I loved Sarah's character and was soon in love with Al & Alice and the quadraceps, I can't wait for the next book, the narration was good. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book!I was taken in early on and it just kept rolling.The 4 stars is for questions not answered...like how are humans switched to robots and where are their human bodies stored when they aren't in them?
James Highfield was a very good narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Andy Coleman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:

I can't remember the last book I read that was written in first-person. It was like a choose -your-own-adventure but without any choices. Not a fan.

And the story and writing reminded me of the projects aspiring writers start each November: very simple, full of cliches, and in need of editing. But hell, it's one more book than I've ever written!

Skip it!

[Don Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this book in it's serialised form I found myself waiting and waiting for the next part, often discarding my current read in order to delve into "Zero Hour".

A great plot with strong characters. a must for anybody who likes Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable short read, but kind of corny. Barely 3* by rounding up.

OK if you want an afternoon read and be done with it. Reading while watching basketball took me less than 4 hours to complete. Obviously, not much is developed or explored, no character development.

I did enjoy AL the AI.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, great story, loved the characters

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. I enjoyed it