Zero

Zombie Fallout #0.5

by Mark Tufo, Sean Runnette (Reader)

In this audio-exclusive prequel listeners are brought back to the days before outbreak; to the origins of a virus capable of raising the dead, its patient zero, and the events that set in motion the destruction of the human race.

Those who would seek a new world order have unleashed the most devastating virus onto mankind, and even they do not know the secrets hidden in their weapon. Follow along as Harry, a CDC scientist, races to figure out what exactly the virus is and how to stop it. It will be up to him and a group of marines led by Major Sanders to stop the zombie fallout before it ravages an unsuspecting world.

Genres: Horror, Zombies, Audiobook, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, Fiction, Action

MP3 CD

First published December 13, 2016

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the fall, once the temperatures start to fall and the trees on the mountains here in western NC start to change color, I start getting that feeling.....that Halloween I-Want-to-Read-All-Things-Horror feeling! And there is nothing I like better than a good apocalyptic zombie tale! I found this lovely little series starter on Audible+ and dove right into the zombie goodness!

The basics: The government rolls out a flu vaccine. All personnel on military bases and civilians are required to get the shots. The vaccine is distributed world-wide in fact. Millions line up.... But there's more involved than a simple flu vaccine. Something else was added....something vile and purposeful. And....out of control. Instead of a controlled culling...the military creates the zombie apocalypse. Ooooooops....

This story has a lot of action and suspense.....and gore, biting and shuffling hordes. Perfect! I liked the military vibe of this prequel. Tufo also adds in some humor and sarcasm. Makes for a fun read!

I have not read any of the Zombie Fallout series yet. Mark Tufo is a new-to-me author. I did read in other reviews that this story is a prequel to the Zombie Fallout series and doesn't really involve most of the characters from the actual series. It's more of an origin story for how the zombie invasion got started. I like series prequel stories. It gives me a chance to try out a bit of the author's writing and story to see if it's something I want to investigate further. For readers of the Zombie Fallout series, this story just gives some background to how events unfolded.

Narrated by Sean Runnette, the audio is just under 3 hours long. Runnette does a great job of voice acting. He brought the characters to life and kept the action exciting. Great listening experience!

I'm definitely going to read the Zombie Fallout series. I like Tufo's story telling style, and I'm always up for a great zombie tale!

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this four stars with one huge caveat. The story is good, well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as I have with much of Mark Tufo’s work. The biggest drawback for me is is this story necessary. It really isn’t. If you are a huge fan of this series, like I am, by all means read, since you will love it. But it does not pertain to the series substantially. So if just starting out with Turo, skip this one and read the first in the series, come back to this one when you are good and hooked and it will be a much better experience for you.

[Badseedgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Added to TBR October 2022

I'm torn about this short story. On one hand It has nothing to do with the Talbot family and hanger-ons, and that sort of sucks. On the other hand if you jus listen to it as a zombie short story, it's pretty good. I'll give it a very middle of the road three stars.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice start to the series. Zombie land is here to stay and the adventure is just beginning

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin Story of the Zombie Fallout

Tufo regails us with a deeper look into the beginning of the zombie outbreak. The story follows a couple of CDC workers who discovered the truth behind the new flu shots just before they were administered around the world. They scrambled to stop their usage before it was too late, only to be stopped themselves by the husband of ZF menace of all nightmares and things unholy, Mrs. Deneaux. The senator himself, who is in on the plan to use the virus to reshape the world, is caught unaware of the blunder which has doomed them all. The rest of the story follows Major Sanders as he and his men fight to save the remaining survivors on base.

I'm not typically impressed by many prequel books, but this one was perfectly on par with Tufo's usually stellar work. It ended up seeming longer than it really was; and, the best part, it actually told a decent story which would be good even on its own. The majority of short novellas and fractional series installments are usually unworthy of their purchase price and don't contribute much to the overall saga. ZF: Zero, however, is actually worth the time.

This is a good teaser for anyone looking to start the series, although, it doesn't have the best aspect in it - Mike Talbot. And, if you are already a fan of Tufo, then, it's just one more good read to add to the collection.

[Michelle {Book Hangovers} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to one audiobook about zombies about three days ago and now I can’t stop! I’m a bit obsessed with these stories.

[Thia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could be read prior to the other Zombie Fallouts in the series or at any point as it is a prequel with different characters and a separate timeline.

Great new characters and a prequel timeline. Narration was great as always. A MUST for Tufo fans, Sean Runnette fans, or a great introduction to the world for newbies. I'm over the moon about the new military characters!

No sexism, appropriately disgusting but not gore porn, lots of violence, no sex, no rape (thank you) moderate "soldier" swearing. Loved it! Hoping for a follow up.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out this review and more at Disorderly Daydreams blog!

Audio-exclusive prequel to Zombie Fallout series.

This short story covers the details of what happened leading up to the zombie outbreak from Patient Zero, how the government was involved, and how evil some people in positions of power can truly be.

We follow CDC scientist Harry through his work to identify and try and stop the virus that's spreading like wildfire across the world. He discovers that people are being intentionally infected with this zombie virus through a vaccination that's meant to help curb a particularly bad form of the flu that's arisen. Someone intentionally hid this virus inside the vaccination - the implications are insane.

This zombie tale has everything that's great about zombie stories. It's gory, it's detailed, it's got parallels to our actual real life. It's also pretty frightening for those new to zombie-books. Mark's writing is also great. He says that he's "long winded" but I didn't find any of that in this story. The pace was excellent, descriptions were only as long as they needed to be, and his characters were well developed which given the length of this short story, was really top-notch.

Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5.

I enjoyed every minute of this prequel and it's got me excited to pick up the rest of the very long series. I think there are... a bunch of them, plus I have an interest in his other stories as well.

[Lonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard of Zombie Fallout, but never got around to reading it. I just started with the prequel and - wow - very entertaining. Soon to be promoted Colonial Saunders (a cute nod to KFC) before he foolishly held his commanding troops back from taking a mandatory flu shot (*ahem), and behold: his squad is the only squad that hasn't been turned into a zombie. It's a very short prequel that won't make anyone new a zombie fan, but I'm definitely interested in reading more.

[Juanita Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn't read this book because . author's portrayal of the women. However, in glad that I read it. I'm ready to read the entire series. And I'm sure that the author's skills will become more well-rounded as I move through this world

[Misha Lowenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

as far as zombie apocalypse stories go the whole series is pretty good. dude is funny and relatable

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

Currently on Audible Plus

Solid intro to the series! Not a bad short. =)

[Cecilia Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I felt like a good zombie apocalypse read and thought I’d give this one a try. Glad I did, and even better with an Audible membership. I’m down the road well into the series and haven’t been disappointed yet. This short prelude sets the stage for the series somewhat and I’m looking forward to the rest of the story!

[Jason Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lacks the main character (who sucked me in to the series) as it is a deeper dive into the beginning of the Zombie pandemic but it is still enjoyable. You'll get introduced to a few of the characters found later in the series. I didn't get around to this book until after book 16.

[Dasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ni fu, ni fa. Esta era la prueba de fuego para decidir si empezaba esta saga.
Va a ser que no.

[AudioBookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My original Zombie Fallout: Zero audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

If you are a fan of zombie fall-out books by Mark Tufo, one must hear this one. It introduces a deeper darker reason for the spread of the zombie apocalypse plus we as listeners are given some an early introduction to one of Michael Talbot’s thorns in his side!

Zombie Fall-Out Zero shows the darker side of human nature and those who exploit. We learn who patient zero was, how he came into being and what happened. We are given a brief yet poignant look into the beginning of the end.

While there is no Michael Talbot to save the world, it is Major Sanders and his team of new recruits who must try. Will the Marines be enough?

As usual Mark Tufo does not disappoint. Although Michael Talbot does not have a role in the book, we are still highly entertained with the bucking of the establishment/authority figures. I enjoyed seeing how intertwined all the major characters are in this series from the beginning.

I enjoy Tufo’s writing style and his ability to create strong characters in a short time period. This story left off where Zombie Fall-Out 1 picks up. Everything flowed and set the stage but also gave his listeners valuable information.

Sean Runnette as usual did an excellent job of narrating and owning the book. I love his ability to assume the roles in the book and own them.

There were no audio issues with this publication, everything was clear and concise.
This is a must listen to all Tufo and Michael Talbot fans everywhere!

Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.

[Douglas Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zero - Zombie Apocalypse is a fast read for me. It happens when an author takes the horror genre and snaps it back to reality. This is what Mark Tufo did with the first book of his Fallout series. Yes, it's on audio book and even with the close to deadpan reader, I enjoyed it. The only issue is the story is too telly, thus dropping the ranking a little.

This novel sets up the story and tells us how everything came to be. I'm hoping a few of the character in it will continue, but not holding my breath. We see the downfall of the US in this work, but then again, this is the introduction only. There are eleven books in the series.

Many of the characters have a real feel to them. It makes you wonder if this almost happened from the way it unfolds before you. Mark seems to have put the outline down first and followed it to the letter. This is the sign of a good planner, and a writer who will not stray far from their plan. It also gives the reader a good grounding. When something happens in one part, it happens in all the parts. For this, I am thankful.

Over the last year I read a number of Zombie Apocalypse series. This one so far seems to be the one straddling a line between gross and funny. Little things like the guy with a bullet hole in his leg still being able to fall asleep, or the interplay between the ranks standing out well. It makes you smile inwardly and confirms that not everything is doom and gloom, even when your best friend tries to take a bite out of your arm.

Having the first one under my belt tells me the author will not only have me enjoying his writing, but smiling as I do.

Good work, Mark! Keep it up.

[Jennifer Brauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best books, honestly. They are all rather good, but MAJ Sanders is a great character. He is a phenomenal leader and should be the one that is saving everyone throughout the zombie apocalypse. As much as I love Mike Talbot, MAJ Sanders is just a better man. I wish he had more than a little face time in one book. I'm glad he got his own book, though. And I'm glad at least one of his guys made it as a regular for the later books, though it would have been better if both the guys had gone off with Mike as part of what made them great was their comradery. Kind of like Mike/BT lite. Oh well. Again, one prequel is better than nothing.

I highly recommend this book. And I recommend it as a standalone. You don't even need to read the series. But don't do what I did and read it first with the hope that MAJ Sanders was the main character. I would have even been happy if he had been a regular character. But sadly, you won't see him again for a while. And even then, it won't be much. He'll be amazing then, too, but not for long. So don't get your hopes LOL But enjoy this book. It's fun like the rest of the series interlaced with bits of dark, but not so much to turn you off, like the Walking Dead loves to do. There is enough lightheartedness to keep your spirits up.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Negative stars. Poorly written, the initial battle scene makes no sense the way it is written. Monochromacy is insanely rare, most people who are color blind have protanopia (can't perceive 'red' light, deuteranopia can't perceive 'green' light and tritanopia can't perceive 'blue' light. The author has no idea what they are talking about with science at all (not commenting on the blatant conspiracy theory anti-vax and anti-doctor baloney) but you do not "Cure cancer." You cure types of cancers as they all have drastically different characteristics, genetic abnormalities, grading systems, etc. This is an early grade school understanding of "cancer." It's like saying you play professional sports and play professional soccer, baseball, football, NRL rugby, volleyball, gymnastics, run track, etc. They are all "sports" but besides the scheduling absurdity they have drastically different skill sets. Also, a doctor at the CDC who specializes in infectious disease would not also be the one simplistic cringe "curing cancer." They are oncologists. Yes gene therapy can use vectors and infectious disease knowledge but they are in general insanely different specialties with insanely different residencies and fellowships. If I want this level of political shenanigans I will turn on Fox "News".

[JPT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook
Story: B, Narration: A

Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.

No summary for this book.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but decided to pick this prequel up during an Audible sale because it has some of my catnip themes: EOTWAWKI, dystopia, and zombies.

I might have enjoyed it a bit more if I was familiar with some of the characters, but it was still a good entry point for me. I liked most of the storyline and characters and was as invested as I could be for such a short novella.

I didn't care for a couple of characters, tho--or, rather, how they were portrayed. The conniving Senator was so OTT that all he needed was a mustache to twirl. But he was the kind of self-serving, self-entitled politico who wasn't as smart as he thought he was. We've seen his kind many times. And, sorry, but his NWO rhetoric was laughable. And the by-the-book colonel was also a stereotype often seen. So unimaginative.

But the rest was a pretty good mix of scary, horrifying, and fun. I may need to check out the rest of the series.

The narration was a plus, with the narrator doing a nice job with the various characters and hitting the right tonal notes.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, this could have been a solid 3 star short for me but three things completely ruined it for me.
1) this world has zombie pop culture. The Walking Dead and Night of the Living Dead are name dropped and referenced a few times and the zombies in the story are compared directly to Night of the Living Dead. And yet, the term "deaders" is used, which sounds a bit like deadites for Evil Dead. Having established zombie lore in an apocalypse story is always iffy because every choice the characters make is ridiculous and makes them look stupid if they don't do everything perfectly. And if every choice is perfect, than there is no story and no suspense.
2) The scene with the senator. New World Order, conspiracy theories and some low-key antivaxx BS. It felt forced and some what out of place. The best zombie media always has the element of the unknown. The survivors don't know why or how the virus spread and honestly, they don't need to know.
3) It felt like two very different stories, one in the CDC lab and the other on the military base. This made the pace jump from a slow burn to and action novel at a very odd point in the story. While this isn't the biggest issue, but it's still an issue.

[Richard L. Haas III · Rating 2 out of 5]

After finishing a book and now getting a trial for coming back to Audible, I figured I'd listen to an audio-only zombie book. And I guess I could have done worse? There really are only two problems with it. The first is the narration by the insufferable Sean Runnette, who sounds like Jim Carrey's Fire Marshall Bill doing an impression of John Wayne with the cadence of Zapp Brannigan. And the other is that the story is as generic of a zombie outbreak story as you can get with a lot of forced humor. Put that all together and you get me having to rewind it every so often because I spaced out. It got to a point where I just wanted it to end so much that I put it on 1.5x speed (which is something I rarely do). That last chapter was so disjointed that it really put me off. I tried listening to it twice before I was able to finish it. In the end, while the characters were vaguely interesting, as well as the generic story, I just don't care enough to even bother continuing with the series or ever reading a book by Mark Tufo again. I'll just go back to Brian Keene.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel flashes back to the time the engineered virus was discovered before the following outbreak. It was CDC scientist Sean Runnette err…I mean Harry that discovered the viral bug hiding in the flu shots scheduled to be given to the entire U.S. Armed Forces. One U.S. Army company commanded by Major Sanders refused to cancel SEAR training for his men so avoided becoming infected. Major Sanders will resurface in the following volumes along with CDC scientist Harry. Let’s get ready to rumble!

[Marty Solotki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean Runnette was an interesting pick as narrator for Audible, as he has this amazing folksy voice that brings a bit of whimsy to a fairly serious and gory tale about the start of the zombie apocalypse. Not that this grisly tale isn’t peppered with well-timed humour; which can be hard to do but Tufo does it well.

The stuff about the government and vaccines being the cause is…a little eye-rolling, but it’s done well. I hope the rest of the books aren’t gonna beat me over the head with an anti-vaxx diatribe.

[Mountaintop.Bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to the Fallout series, available only on audible. Fast listen, pretty interesting from a military tactics perspective. The most unbelievable aspects of this story were a) thinking that a 95% "flu" vaccination rate would be possible and b) that in any world the military could achieve that high achievement on anything across their people in such a short time period.

Came for the zombies, stayed for the brotherhood between Bitty and Winters. Worth it to provide more to the world building leading up to Talbot's storyline.

Author: Mark Tufo
Audible only - 2hrs 44mins

Xo Merry

[Felicia B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really hard to find any zombie content I don't love, and this quick listen gets a B+ from me. My only criticism is that this story is set in our universe, characters reference the Walking Dead and zombie movies multiple times, and yet everyone's still like "what do you mean a body shot does nothing" and "we call them deaders". You can't have it both ways. That took me out of the immersion a bit.

[read by Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this a 5 🌟 IF we had gotten a little better transition, I understand WHY the change up but a bridge from one section of the book to the other would have rounded it out for me.

Reading this in 2021 is kind of a mind-twister (so want to drop the F 💣 there) and I am hook for the entire series on the plot basis alone.

Audiobooked this and I MAY have enjoyed it getter as a read, I'm torn on that as the naration is great but the characters weren't very dynamic, if you know what I mean.

[Creatively Asha Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I guess I’m into zombie stories now… I saw this on audible and thought “why not start from zero?” Glad I did. I never think about the people in the CDC trying to figure out what it is. There’s always the tell-tell news broadcaster reporting something like “we don’t know what this is but we know it’s incurable!” So I liked that aspect. Now I’m ready to see what all happens in the series. Zombie stories can only be told so many ways. Let’s see what this one has to offer.

[Mr Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new.

Simple enough zombie story which starts as the backdrop for the 10plus book series. I gave it a go to see if was worth my time but wasn't too impressed with the story. It seemed rather like a standard Zombie book.
People get infected, no one listens to the scientists, the army gets overwhelmed, everyone dies, and ]on to the next book.

I would recommend the mountain man series if you want a good Zombie series. [book:Mountain Man|13254665

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MARK AND SEAN ARE THE DREAM TEAM!!!! This is how it all began...and it is not a pretty story...It tells us how some people tried to stop it, but ultimately it was planned and forced on the public for personal gain...Great Info and a really cool story!!!

A MUST LISTEN FOR ANY ZOMBIE FALLOUT FAN!!!!

I RECOMMEND!!!!