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Slow Burn #1
Zero Day
A new flu strain has been spreading across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Disturbing news footage is flooding the cable news channels. People are worried. People are frightened. But Zed Zane is oblivious. Zed needs to borrow rent money from his parents. He gets up Sunday morning, drinks enough tequila to stifle his pride and heads to his mom's house for a lunch of begging, again. But something is wrong. There's blood in the foyer. His mother's corpse is on the living room floor. Zed's stepdad, Dan, is wild with crazy-eyed violence and attacks Zed when he comes into the house. They struggle into the kitchen. Dan's yellow teeth tear at Zed's arm but Zed grabs a knife and stabs Dan 37 times, or so the police later say. With infection burning in his blood, Zed is arrested for murder but the world is falling apart and he soon finds himself back on the street, fighting for his life among the infected who would kill him and the normal people, who fear him.
©2013 Bobby Adair (P)23014 Bobby Adair
©2013 Bobby Adair (P)23014 Bobby Adair
Audible Audio
First published July 23, 2013
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About the author
Bobby Adair
71 books696 followersA bio is a weird thing to write.
Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?
When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.
It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.
Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.
And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.
On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.
I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.
Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.
I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.
I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.
I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.
Find out more:
http://www.bobbyadair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyAdairAu...
Just trying to imagine presenting the highlights of ME sets off alarm bells in my head. Why would anybody want to know anything about me? What about me is remarkable enough to tell?
When I think about these questions, I recall lying on my bed back in high school, headphones muffed over my ears, heavy metal blasting through my head. As with most teens, music’s power seduced me, and as I listened, I found myself admiring the albums' cover art (yeah, I’m old enough that I used to by LP’s) and I found myself reading about the singers and guitar players and drummers in the liner notes. Why? Because those musicians had created something that was deeply personal, passionate, and wonderfully emotional, and they’d shared it with the world. They’d shared it with me.
It made me want to know them through more than just their music. So, I read.
Through the years, I found myself reading about writers I’d enjoyed, historical figures I’d admired, politicians who weren’t dipshits, and business leaders who’d built great companies. Again, why? Who the hell knows? We’re all just people. I think we find each other interesting. We like to feel connected.
And that was my answer, at least as to the WHY.
On the WHAT I can say about me, for those who feel moved by my work: I’ll give it a quick go.
I was born an Air Force brat and lived in a dozen states before I graduated high school. I’ve worked my way through a wide variety of jobs, left most on a whim, owned businesses, lived through times when I had more money than I knew what to do with, and worried my way through times when I wondered how I’d pay the rent.
Life has been boring at times, and it’s been plenty exciting, too. So far.
I’ve traveled to India, stood atop the tallest mountains around, swam with sharks, smarted-off to cops, and been arrested. I’ve tried beer and weed, but never made a thing of either one. I’ve been brushed too close by death a few times. Thankfully, doctors, EMT’s, and nurses were kind enough to put all the pieces together again. I've ridden my bike so deep into the mountains it felt like I was alone on the edge of heaven, and I've watched the red sun sinking on an evening so clear it looked like it was falling off the edge of the world.
I’ve always had a hard time being where I am, wherever that is. My daydreams forever call from just over the horizon.
I’ve been asked by a dozen bosses where I see myself in five years, and I've lied every time, always telling them what they wanted to hear. Because the only thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to be anywhere but there.
Find out more:
http://www.bobbyadair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyAdairAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
September 20, 2013
Nothing special and utterly disappointing
Utter disappointment. I don't care if there is a second book or what happens to ANY of these characters. No real character development took place so I never grew attached enough to care. I read some of the reviews and really was expecting this to be something fantastic and new. I am wallowing between a one and two star and the only reason it is getting two ON AMAZON on is because of the cover, here on GOODREADS a two means I thought it was OK, it is not OK to me, I did not like it, so GR is a harder rating curve. It is getting a one star because of a somewhat interesting concept (slow burn) and the clever title. Anything more would beto much love unfair and dishonest of me and how I felt. I am not trying to be mean, but I do not get how wonderful this supposedly is!?? Mind boggling. I bothered to write this review for a reason.
This is one book I judged by the cover, and the reviews and I regret it, totally regret it! I also learned a lesson, read on.
This was a fast read and I am still shocked it was over 200 pages since I read it so fast. Perhaps it was because I wanted to get to the great part everyone found which caused them to rate so high. I wanted, hoped that all the reviews I read were true. Apparently people have not read good zombie books because this is not one of them. It presented nothing special to be added to the zombie genre. A somewhat interesting concept with nothing to back up other than some speculation and .. it was just bad. Again a great cover but nothing close to a WOW or even a meh. I LOVE this genre, I read anything I can in it. I grabbed it because a friend shared the link because they know I read anything with zombies. I even like bad ones, the ones that do not take themselves to seriously that is. HECK I am a person who likes watching bad movies (as in Uwe Boll... ) as well as b-books because I love this genre so much.
Specifically, the character development is flat and almost missing entirely. I never really got emotionally attached nor did it make me want to know what happens next. I won't be buying the next one and am glad I didn't buy this but got it on an Amazon free day.**
It is a zombie book! I am suppose to care for survivors, not just like them but care what happens. Have some kind of reaction emotionally to them. Whether it be wanting them to be the next to be ate or to survive! Of the two most developed characters they were still flat and lifeless (and not in the good aka undead way :) ) If the main character (stupid --redact.. how about beyond cliche and a direct pop-culture reference to the point of meme-- name of Zed *rolling eyes*) was killed, I probably would breath a sigh of relief.*** Sorry I just would not waste your time especially if you are a zombie reader!
If I had paid for this I would not have any problem returning it.
** NOT because he (the protagonist) started off a mooch who was only needing rent money because he did not make enough as a barista or whatever else he was doing, but because even if he is suppose to be becoming the hero... it never happened, he never was able to make it BELIEVABLE no matter what cute girl he saves!! I really wish I had liked this, it would saved have me a world of hurt. But when a book has over 80 five star reviews, I felt compelled to give my own critical review because it (the story) fell FLAT for me.
Utter disappointment. I don't care if there is a second book or what happens to ANY of these characters. No real character development took place so I never grew attached enough to care. I read some of the reviews and really was expecting this to be something fantastic and new. I am wallowing between a one and two star and the only reason it is getting two ON AMAZON on is because of the cover, here on GOODREADS a two means I thought it was OK, it is not OK to me, I did not like it, so GR is a harder rating curve. It is getting a one star because of a somewhat interesting concept (slow burn) and the clever title. Anything more would be
This is one book I judged by the cover, and the reviews and I regret it, totally regret it! I also learned a lesson, read on.
This was a fast read and I am still shocked it was over 200 pages since I read it so fast. Perhaps it was because I wanted to get to the great part everyone found which caused them to rate so high. I wanted, hoped that all the reviews I read were true. Apparently people have not read good zombie books because this is not one of them. It presented nothing special to be added to the zombie genre. A somewhat interesting concept with nothing to back up other than some speculation and .. it was just bad. Again a great cover but nothing close to a WOW or even a meh. I LOVE this genre, I read anything I can in it. I grabbed it because a friend shared the link because they know I read anything with zombies. I even like bad ones, the ones that do not take themselves to seriously that is. HECK I am a person who likes watching bad movies (as in Uwe Boll... ) as well as b-books because I love this genre so much.
Specifically, the character development is flat and almost missing entirely. I never really got emotionally attached nor did it make me want to know what happens next. I won't be buying the next one and am glad I didn't buy this but got it on an Amazon free day.**
It is a zombie book! I am suppose to care for survivors, not just like them but care what happens. Have some kind of reaction emotionally to them. Whether it be wanting them to be the next to be ate or to survive! Of the two most developed characters they were still flat and lifeless (and not in the good aka undead way :) ) If the main character (
If I had paid for this I would not have any problem returning it.
** NOT because he (the protagonist) started off a mooch who was only needing rent money because he did not make enough as a barista or whatever else he was doing, but because even if he is suppose to be becoming the hero... it never happened, he never was able to make it BELIEVABLE no matter what cute girl he saves!! I really wish I had liked this, it would saved have me a world of hurt. But when a book has over 80 five star reviews, I felt compelled to give my own critical review because it (the story) fell FLAT for me.
November 7, 2021
Wow! I went flying through this book on my second go around!
A small backstory:
Zed is wanting to head over to his mom's house as he needs rent money and she seems to always give it to him plus anything else he needs, but when he gets to the house things are not what they seem and he finds his mother dead. His step-dad is a raving lunatic that attacks Zed biting him on the arm. Zed ends up killing his step-dad in self defense and then finally he gets a hold of the police to let them know what happened.
From the moment the police arrive things go from bad to worse as they drag Zed off to jail. While in jail Zed befriends a couple of inmates, but the world turns topsy turvy for them as they end up escaping because zombies have overrun the police station. Zed and his new found friends learn that the world is no longer what it once was as a virus has spread throughout the world and no one is safe.
Thoughts:
I read this book back in 2016 and really enjoyed the writing style of the author. I remembered that the book was fast paced and reading it the second time around kept me just as much on my toes as the first time around.
The story is wrapped around a flu epidemic disease that starts in Africa, then spreads throughout the world, turning everyone into mad crazed zombies. There are handful of survivors that band together (including Zed) that are somehow immune to the disease and this book provides an in-depth look at the struggles they face ahead as they do not know what the future holds.
From the first chapter of the book it is very fast paced and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book draws you right into the heart of the action and the characters are real enough to the point that you feel like you are there with them enduring their struggle to stay alive.
I am planning on reading all ten books in the series as I want to know what happens to these characters and how they survive in a zombie infested world. Giving this book five "Venomous Virus" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
A small backstory:
Zed is wanting to head over to his mom's house as he needs rent money and she seems to always give it to him plus anything else he needs, but when he gets to the house things are not what they seem and he finds his mother dead. His step-dad is a raving lunatic that attacks Zed biting him on the arm. Zed ends up killing his step-dad in self defense and then finally he gets a hold of the police to let them know what happened.
From the moment the police arrive things go from bad to worse as they drag Zed off to jail. While in jail Zed befriends a couple of inmates, but the world turns topsy turvy for them as they end up escaping because zombies have overrun the police station. Zed and his new found friends learn that the world is no longer what it once was as a virus has spread throughout the world and no one is safe.
Thoughts:
I read this book back in 2016 and really enjoyed the writing style of the author. I remembered that the book was fast paced and reading it the second time around kept me just as much on my toes as the first time around.
The story is wrapped around a flu epidemic disease that starts in Africa, then spreads throughout the world, turning everyone into mad crazed zombies. There are handful of survivors that band together (including Zed) that are somehow immune to the disease and this book provides an in-depth look at the struggles they face ahead as they do not know what the future holds.
From the first chapter of the book it is very fast paced and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book draws you right into the heart of the action and the characters are real enough to the point that you feel like you are there with them enduring their struggle to stay alive.
I am planning on reading all ten books in the series as I want to know what happens to these characters and how they survive in a zombie infested world. Giving this book five "Venomous Virus" stars!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
November 6, 2022
Book 4 of my Zombie-a-thon 2022!
3.5 Stars
I quite like the concept of slow burns and how they don't turn into zombies but are seemingly immune after surviving the initial bite period. A good amount of running, mindless chomping zombies and pants-wetting terror so I am excited to continue on! I am even more excited that the audiobook box set of 9 was only one credit! That's value folks!
3.5 Stars
I quite like the concept of slow burns and how they don't turn into zombies but are seemingly immune after surviving the initial bite period. A good amount of running, mindless chomping zombies and pants-wetting terror so I am excited to continue on! I am even more excited that the audiobook box set of 9 was only one credit! That's value folks!
July 14, 2017
When I first cracked open this book and read the first few pages I was worried that it had been written by a surly, anti-social, twenty-something manchild with no interest in anything other than a gruesomely high body count... just like the protagonist.
However, as I read on, I realised that this book was a bit more sophisticated than that and that the author (who I've since found out is much different from his 'hero') had actually made the brave decision to create a protagonist who starts out pretty loathsome. It's a clever move, too, as it gives the character a great deal of space to grow into and, I hope, become a better person as the series progresses.
What about the story, though? Well, this is a zombie book, landing squarely in the survival horror sub-genre, and, as of the end of this first volume, doesn't really have much to distinguish it from the rest of the genre.
Don't get me wrong; it's not without its strengths. The zombification process is one of the better ones I've encountered, having a scientific rationale that's almost plausible. It's also pretty bloody scary in places; reading this in my darkened bedroom in the middle of the night, I found this book awakening those childhood fears of being chased... or hunted.
Overall, it was entertaining enough for me to want to move on to the second book in the series but I'm hoping the following volume delivers something original enough to warrant my reading all nine books.
However, as I read on, I realised that this book was a bit more sophisticated than that and that the author (who I've since found out is much different from his 'hero') had actually made the brave decision to create a protagonist who starts out pretty loathsome. It's a clever move, too, as it gives the character a great deal of space to grow into and, I hope, become a better person as the series progresses.
What about the story, though? Well, this is a zombie book, landing squarely in the survival horror sub-genre, and, as of the end of this first volume, doesn't really have much to distinguish it from the rest of the genre.
Don't get me wrong; it's not without its strengths. The zombification process is one of the better ones I've encountered, having a scientific rationale that's almost plausible. It's also pretty bloody scary in places; reading this in my darkened bedroom in the middle of the night, I found this book awakening those childhood fears of being chased... or hunted.
Overall, it was entertaining enough for me to want to move on to the second book in the series but I'm hoping the following volume delivers something original enough to warrant my reading all nine books.
September 17, 2024
The parts about the cops were like a little treat for me, I feel like we rarely get enough about how these institutions end up falling apart in zombpocs.
I liked Zed well enough even though he was perhaps not the most fleshed out character and his affects felt pretty flat most of the time.
The type of zombie plague was pretty interesting. The pacing was good enough. Mostly I just wish the characters' interactions gelt a little less forced and that the other survivors were marginally less annoying.
I liked Zed well enough even though he was perhaps not the most fleshed out character and his affects felt pretty flat most of the time.
The type of zombie plague was pretty interesting. The pacing was good enough. Mostly I just wish the characters' interactions gelt a little less forced and that the other survivors were marginally less annoying.
October 16, 2023
4.25 ⭐️— This eerily prescient novel, written in 2013, is not immediately one that feels like it’s anything above average. It’s — pardon the pun — a definite Slow Burn! However, I found it clinging to me like an insecure lover, and before I knew it, I was delightfully hooked! Adair rights with a deliberate, abruptly endearing grittiness. The premise is solid, if not a little familiar, Adair somehow manages to forge a little reading chair into the frontal lobe & makes one feel so comfortable, that it’s almost impossible to get away from it. Like a well-worn-in armchair, this novel commenced the series well, steering clear of anything overly technical, answering few if any questions, this first book merely lays the scene of this pre & post-apocalyptic tale, but does so with a nonchalant tone, and I like it.
In the dimly lit, post-apocalyptic landscape that Bobby Adair paints in "Slow Burn” Volume 1, the ember of a gripping narrative burns steadily. This entrancing tale of a world succumbing to a zombie pandemic is a promising prologue to what seems to be a series of great promise, deserving of a solid four-star accolade.
Adair's writing encapsulates the eerie atmosphere of a world on the brink. His meticulous attention to detail creates a setting so vivid it almost feels tangible. Readers are plunged into an unraveling world of chaos, and it's hard not to be captivated by the tension, the terror, and the struggle for survival.
Yet, while the prose conjures an atmosphere dripping with dread, the true power of this story emerges through its ensemble of characters. From the enigmatic protagonist Zed Zane, whose evolution is both compelling and poignant, to a cast of survivors, each person is etched with complexity. They are imbued with the human essence of fear, hope, and the indomitable will to endure.
However, the story's chief strength is, paradoxically, its pacing. "Slow Burn" is a meticulous work, and it revels in gradually unraveling its mysteries. Some readers may find this unhurried approach captivating, while others might wish for a swifter revelation of secrets. Me? I’m surprisingly content in the dialogue-heavy tones here, where characters shine without ever being truly unwrapped, the highlight being the protagonist Zane & his continual annoyances, primarily derived by the whiny, squeaky, and self-adoring epidemiologist, Jerome.
In "Slow Burn Volume 1," Bobby Adair has laid the groundwork for a series brimming with potential. The plot, character development, and the infectious sense of doom all meld together to provide an enticing narrative. For those with an appetite for meticulously crafted apocalyptic fiction and a willingness to savor the story's slow burn, this is a literary work that promises a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness. A four-star verdict beckons as an acknowledgment of its considerable storytelling prowess.
In the dimly lit, post-apocalyptic landscape that Bobby Adair paints in "Slow Burn” Volume 1, the ember of a gripping narrative burns steadily. This entrancing tale of a world succumbing to a zombie pandemic is a promising prologue to what seems to be a series of great promise, deserving of a solid four-star accolade.
Adair's writing encapsulates the eerie atmosphere of a world on the brink. His meticulous attention to detail creates a setting so vivid it almost feels tangible. Readers are plunged into an unraveling world of chaos, and it's hard not to be captivated by the tension, the terror, and the struggle for survival.
Yet, while the prose conjures an atmosphere dripping with dread, the true power of this story emerges through its ensemble of characters. From the enigmatic protagonist Zed Zane, whose evolution is both compelling and poignant, to a cast of survivors, each person is etched with complexity. They are imbued with the human essence of fear, hope, and the indomitable will to endure.
However, the story's chief strength is, paradoxically, its pacing. "Slow Burn" is a meticulous work, and it revels in gradually unraveling its mysteries. Some readers may find this unhurried approach captivating, while others might wish for a swifter revelation of secrets. Me? I’m surprisingly content in the dialogue-heavy tones here, where characters shine without ever being truly unwrapped, the highlight being the protagonist Zane & his continual annoyances, primarily derived by the whiny, squeaky, and self-adoring epidemiologist, Jerome.
In "Slow Burn Volume 1," Bobby Adair has laid the groundwork for a series brimming with potential. The plot, character development, and the infectious sense of doom all meld together to provide an enticing narrative. For those with an appetite for meticulously crafted apocalyptic fiction and a willingness to savor the story's slow burn, this is a literary work that promises a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness. A four-star verdict beckons as an acknowledgment of its considerable storytelling prowess.
July 31, 2013
Slow burn is the kind of novel that hits you from out of the blue. I started reading and I had no idea what the hell was happening. The situation was similar to the protagonist in the book. A strange series of events start taking place and you have no idea what is happening. The book is gripping and I had to read it from start to finish in one sitting because I could not put it down.. I am glad that there are more novels in the series
January 20, 2015
This is the first zombie book I've read. I've been a fan of zombie movies and comics for as long as I can remember and was intrigued at how the genre would translate to books.
Bobby Adair does an excellent job of translating the relentless struggle of the movies to his books. His main character Zed is suitably clueless, but not entirely without brains or common sense. This means that he thinks about what he's doing rather than stumbling from place to place, which is a mistake many horror books and movies make. He's a likeable protagonist and is often the voice of reason. The characters in general are one of the strengths of this book. Everyone has a motive and a goal and the crazy Christian types turn up just in time to add the comedy!
The plot is simple, but follows a logical and harrowing path through the first few days of an apocalypse. The plot can be narrowed down to a relatively simple set of actions, but then, that's what you expect of a zombie story.
The only drawbacks for me were
1. The brevity of the book. I read it as part of a boxset so I had no idea how far through it I was. Needless to say, I reached the end and went 'what? that's it?' Having purchased the entire box set for 99¢, I'm not complaining in that sense, but it felt quite short in terms of character building and pay off.
2. I suppose I expected more zombie action. There was lots of mention of them and the book opens with a terrific gross out moment, but after that, the zombies actually faded into the background in an odd way. My favourite parts of many zombie moments is the point the bad guy gets torn in half. There was none of that in this book and I'd have liked some. But that may just be me and my sick imagination!
Good fun and I will be getting the second, if only to find out if that damned bunker is real...
Bobby Adair does an excellent job of translating the relentless struggle of the movies to his books. His main character Zed is suitably clueless, but not entirely without brains or common sense. This means that he thinks about what he's doing rather than stumbling from place to place, which is a mistake many horror books and movies make. He's a likeable protagonist and is often the voice of reason. The characters in general are one of the strengths of this book. Everyone has a motive and a goal and the crazy Christian types turn up just in time to add the comedy!
The plot is simple, but follows a logical and harrowing path through the first few days of an apocalypse. The plot can be narrowed down to a relatively simple set of actions, but then, that's what you expect of a zombie story.
The only drawbacks for me were
1. The brevity of the book. I read it as part of a boxset so I had no idea how far through it I was. Needless to say, I reached the end and went 'what? that's it?' Having purchased the entire box set for 99¢, I'm not complaining in that sense, but it felt quite short in terms of character building and pay off.
2. I suppose I expected more zombie action. There was lots of mention of them and the book opens with a terrific gross out moment, but after that, the zombies actually faded into the background in an odd way. My favourite parts of many zombie moments is the point the bad guy gets torn in half. There was none of that in this book and I'd have liked some. But that may just be me and my sick imagination!
Good fun and I will be getting the second, if only to find out if that damned bunker is real...
March 13, 2016
Well, this was an okay read. I mean, I liked it but there's not much happening in the book. It's zombies, killing, killing, escaping, some more zombies and killing, escaping, the end. If you're looking for a super plot, this ain't your book. But, if you're a zombie fan, give it a try. You may like it.
Definitely reading the next part to know what happens with Zed and the other two guys.
Definitely reading the next part to know what happens with Zed and the other two guys.
August 10, 2013
I have to say I am very impressed with this 'breakout' author. I have read his book "Flying Soup" centered within a completely different genre and enjoyed it but when I saw this same author tackling the horror genre (one of my favorite and one where I am most discerning) around an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic vein, I was skeptical to say the least. Adair charted a course poles apart from his first book that I was not expecting anything other than the characteristic template of amateurish zombishness that left me a very disgruntled reader. However, I am very pleased to say that far from leaving me disgruntled, this book left me desiring even more when I exhausted its final pages. I was happy to realize this is the first book of a series he will be authoring.
This is NOT the typical zombie apocalyptic/post apocalyptic tale. I was very surprised with the direction in which Adair took this and shall not reveal any spoilers here in this review. Let us just say that the main character, Zed, is a tragically reluctant hero in the eyes of the reader but to many of the characters sharing his world, he may not come across as a hero at all no matter what he does....it brings to mind a famous speech about the content of character....
There are finite ways in which you can create a zombie-style world unless you possess an innate creativity to go above and beyond. Unfortunately many such novels from new authors have left me more than disenchanted for the reason that they have not expanded the boundaries of the characters, the circumstances or the new world in which the characters live whilst still keeping a sense of believability. Adair has shown that not only can he write successfully in different genres, he possesses that innate creativity which cannot be taught. Adair has found his niche and I look forward to reading the next installment of this "Slow Burn" series.
The only negative I would have to mention for this book is that he may have to utilize other editors. I found quite a few simple oversights in terms of grammar and spelling. This critique, however, is NOT a dig on the author but on the editors. As an author, you need to trust your editor 100% to do what you pay them to do. Those kinds of oversights occasionally overshadow the writing for someone such as myself hence causing the enchantment the author has woven to be broken such that my technical hat exasperatingly materializes. Adair's writing was well enough to have me quickly back under his spell each time, turning each page with anticipation and anxiety as I rode the swells of various emotion and dangers he took Zed through. I am excited to see the depth of character Zed will obtain through his next challenges in a complex new world. Don't miss out on this series. Based on this, I feel this will be a great one. I rarely give a five star but, there I did it.
This is NOT the typical zombie apocalyptic/post apocalyptic tale. I was very surprised with the direction in which Adair took this and shall not reveal any spoilers here in this review. Let us just say that the main character, Zed, is a tragically reluctant hero in the eyes of the reader but to many of the characters sharing his world, he may not come across as a hero at all no matter what he does....it brings to mind a famous speech about the content of character....
There are finite ways in which you can create a zombie-style world unless you possess an innate creativity to go above and beyond. Unfortunately many such novels from new authors have left me more than disenchanted for the reason that they have not expanded the boundaries of the characters, the circumstances or the new world in which the characters live whilst still keeping a sense of believability. Adair has shown that not only can he write successfully in different genres, he possesses that innate creativity which cannot be taught. Adair has found his niche and I look forward to reading the next installment of this "Slow Burn" series.
The only negative I would have to mention for this book is that he may have to utilize other editors. I found quite a few simple oversights in terms of grammar and spelling. This critique, however, is NOT a dig on the author but on the editors. As an author, you need to trust your editor 100% to do what you pay them to do. Those kinds of oversights occasionally overshadow the writing for someone such as myself hence causing the enchantment the author has woven to be broken such that my technical hat exasperatingly materializes. Adair's writing was well enough to have me quickly back under his spell each time, turning each page with anticipation and anxiety as I rode the swells of various emotion and dangers he took Zed through. I am excited to see the depth of character Zed will obtain through his next challenges in a complex new world. Don't miss out on this series. Based on this, I feel this will be a great one. I rarely give a five star but, there I did it.
October 10, 2014
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I've read some really terrible zombie novels and some really good ones. Slow Burn has to be in my top five favorites. It is raw, real and gritty. The main character, Zed, is a guy with no ambition other than getting drunk and high. That is until the zombies show up! This no account human being, who is wasting his life, suddenly realizes that if he wants to live then he has to fight for it. Let me tell you, that's exactly what he does! He fights for it with everything he's got. At first he was grating on my nerves because he just seemed like a cynical jerk. As the novel progresses he's a lovable, cynical jerk and can kick some zombie butt! I will say, this book is not for the young as there is profanity and gore throughout. Adair know how to freak you out as there are several tense moments. At one point I was clutching my tablet, hard, and I didn't realize it until that scene was over. I'm already on Book 3 of the series. Mr. Adair, you have a new fan. The thing that irritated me was that the characters would use each other's name profusely. It was "Zed this, Zed that, Murphy this, Murphy, Zed, Jerome, Zed, Zed, Zed, Murphy, Jerome." It was almost like they began every sentence or ended every sentence with each other's names. It was a bit annoying, but not enough to take away from the story because like I said, I'm finishing the series!
May 31, 2015
I feel like this is a 3.5 star novel. I might normally round it up to 4, but I just couldn't quite justify giving it 4 stars, but I did find it a quick, enjoyable read.
As far as characters go, it took a while for me to warm up to Zed Zane, the novel's protagonist. At first, he came off as juvenile and immature and not overly bright--that's why I had a little trouble accepting the fact that he had a college degree in Philosophy. I thought he acted more like a high school dropout. But in the end, Zane won me over. Why? Zane was extremely loyal, even to people he hardly knew, like Murphy. And on several occasions, Zed put his life on the line for others. He was determined when he needed to be.
This isn't an ambitious novel in the sense of having underlying layers or themes within it, yet it's a fun read. If you're into ZA novels, give it a try. Bobby Adair has written several more novels in this series, and I'll probably give a few more of them a try.
As far as characters go, it took a while for me to warm up to Zed Zane, the novel's protagonist. At first, he came off as juvenile and immature and not overly bright--that's why I had a little trouble accepting the fact that he had a college degree in Philosophy. I thought he acted more like a high school dropout. But in the end, Zane won me over. Why? Zane was extremely loyal, even to people he hardly knew, like Murphy. And on several occasions, Zed put his life on the line for others. He was determined when he needed to be.
This isn't an ambitious novel in the sense of having underlying layers or themes within it, yet it's a fun read. If you're into ZA novels, give it a try. Bobby Adair has written several more novels in this series, and I'll probably give a few more of them a try.
August 2, 2014
-A pesar de los detallitos diferenciadores, más de lo mismo.-
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. Zed Zane comienza su domingo de resaca con unos tequilas y la visita a casa de su madre para comer. Cuando ve a la pareja de su madre comerse a esta en el suelo del cuarto de estar, todo se dispara. Primer libro de la serie Slow burn.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Novela corta.
Lo que nos cuenta. Zed Zane comienza su domingo de resaca con unos tequilas y la visita a casa de su madre para comer. Cuando ve a la pareja de su madre comerse a esta en el suelo del cuarto de estar, todo se dispara. Primer libro de la serie Slow burn.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
February 15, 2024
Going to eat at his mother's house and beg her for rent money is not high on Zed's list of fun days out-neither is finding her mauled and his zombie stepdad biting him. After passing out from the fever of the infected bite and ending up arrested for murder, Zed is in jail when all hell breaks loose in town. Even if he can escape, is there anywhere safe?
I liked Zed. He is the original anti-hero, a guy who is a bit of a waster and scrounges money from his parents, and knows pretty much nothing about surviving prison or zombie apocalypses. He has no clue how to identify a brand of weapon never mind use a gun, which is refreshing, or how to hot wire cars. He relies on Murphy to help him escape. Murphy is a great character and I get the image of Michael Clarke Duncan(The Green Mile, Armageddon)when I think of him. Zed and Murphy are well developed characters who aren't superheroes, who get things wrong and who get into trouble. They are believable and real, and this is part of why I liked the book. You are certainly rooting for them, which is a must in a zombie book!
It's not easy to find a different kind of zombie plot without it going too far away from traditional zombies, but this book has something different. There are those who are infected and die straight away, coming back as zombies. Then there are those like Zed who survive the initial infection-'slow burners' who aren't zombies but they aren't fully human now either and nobody knows when they will turn so nobody trusts them. Slow burners can evade the zombies in some cases but not in others which was intriguing. We get a small bit of back story on the outbreak in Africa without info dumps or lots of scientific stuff-for the most part Zed and the reader are both guessing about what else is happening with government and infection rates.
The plot itself is good. This is a zombie book that is FULL of zombie attacks and dangerous situations, sneaking around looking for supplies, rescues, crazy plans...all the things you want in your book. The action sequences are well written and explosive and there is a good mixture of gore and tension throughout. I'm hoping to get a look at the second part depending on price but I recommend this to traditional zombie and horror fans.
I liked Zed. He is the original anti-hero, a guy who is a bit of a waster and scrounges money from his parents, and knows pretty much nothing about surviving prison or zombie apocalypses. He has no clue how to identify a brand of weapon never mind use a gun, which is refreshing, or how to hot wire cars. He relies on Murphy to help him escape. Murphy is a great character and I get the image of Michael Clarke Duncan(The Green Mile, Armageddon)when I think of him. Zed and Murphy are well developed characters who aren't superheroes, who get things wrong and who get into trouble. They are believable and real, and this is part of why I liked the book. You are certainly rooting for them, which is a must in a zombie book!
It's not easy to find a different kind of zombie plot without it going too far away from traditional zombies, but this book has something different. There are those who are infected and die straight away, coming back as zombies. Then there are those like Zed who survive the initial infection-'slow burners' who aren't zombies but they aren't fully human now either and nobody knows when they will turn so nobody trusts them. Slow burners can evade the zombies in some cases but not in others which was intriguing. We get a small bit of back story on the outbreak in Africa without info dumps or lots of scientific stuff-for the most part Zed and the reader are both guessing about what else is happening with government and infection rates.
The plot itself is good. This is a zombie book that is FULL of zombie attacks and dangerous situations, sneaking around looking for supplies, rescues, crazy plans...all the things you want in your book. The action sequences are well written and explosive and there is a good mixture of gore and tension throughout. I'm hoping to get a look at the second part depending on price but I recommend this to traditional zombie and horror fans.
November 27, 2013
Was a quick good read.
Only took me a couple hours to read, and was my first zombie novel, but wasn't bad by any means. One reviewer went completely off in his review and I can say his opinion was pretty unfounded. The story was well told, and as the first in what I can only assume to be a series, it laid the groundwork for an interesting sequel. Set in a world where there are what can only be described as low and high functioning "zombies", the story covers (I think) what would quickly become something of a "race" prejudice between "survivors" and high functioning carriers. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out how the hero and his band make out.
Only took me a couple hours to read, and was my first zombie novel, but wasn't bad by any means. One reviewer went completely off in his review and I can say his opinion was pretty unfounded. The story was well told, and as the first in what I can only assume to be a series, it laid the groundwork for an interesting sequel. Set in a world where there are what can only be described as low and high functioning "zombies", the story covers (I think) what would quickly become something of a "race" prejudice between "survivors" and high functioning carriers. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out how the hero and his band make out.
December 4, 2023
A brilliant read for any zombie fan.
The book has an easy simplicity, that makes you practically fly through the pages of the book.
It feels like your typical run of the mill zombie apocalypse, but through several unique concepts, it leaps your general zombie book or movie.
To me the greatest selling point of the book is the realistic feel of it and the logic within it. Not only are characters believable and behave and react like a normal human beings should, but the way the whole story plays out, lacks the sudden leaps in logic you can find in some other zombie literature or movies.
The apocalypse isn’t instant, it progresses gradually and you can experience the collapse of civilization in a slow and well written progress. The characters also don’t just know what is happening, but they are just as clueless as the reader and you get to learn about the outbreak together with them. They also don’t instantly know how survive or work a gun, but you get to see them struggle to acquire the necessary information to survive.
What really gripped me and made the story so great, was the medical explanation for the zombies. I loved how they weren’t just brought back to life by the disease, but how they are literally just sick living humans, it gave the book such a unique feel in the zombie genre. And especially the main characters immunity is a brilliant concept. Even more so, since he wasn’t the only one. It made it feels like he wasn’t one of a kind and special, simply because he was the main character.
I love how the characters connect to each other so easily, as if truly the conditions of their meeting bound them together.
The only thing I would have wished for was more gore. For a zombie book, it does feel a little tame.
I’m definitely reading the rest of the series
The book has an easy simplicity, that makes you practically fly through the pages of the book.
It feels like your typical run of the mill zombie apocalypse, but through several unique concepts, it leaps your general zombie book or movie.
To me the greatest selling point of the book is the realistic feel of it and the logic within it. Not only are characters believable and behave and react like a normal human beings should, but the way the whole story plays out, lacks the sudden leaps in logic you can find in some other zombie literature or movies.
The apocalypse isn’t instant, it progresses gradually and you can experience the collapse of civilization in a slow and well written progress. The characters also don’t just know what is happening, but they are just as clueless as the reader and you get to learn about the outbreak together with them. They also don’t instantly know how survive or work a gun, but you get to see them struggle to acquire the necessary information to survive.
What really gripped me and made the story so great, was the medical explanation for the zombies. I loved how they weren’t just brought back to life by the disease, but how they are literally just sick living humans, it gave the book such a unique feel in the zombie genre. And especially the main characters immunity is a brilliant concept. Even more so, since he wasn’t the only one. It made it feels like he wasn’t one of a kind and special, simply because he was the main character.
I love how the characters connect to each other so easily, as if truly the conditions of their meeting bound them together.
The only thing I would have wished for was more gore. For a zombie book, it does feel a little tame.
I’m definitely reading the rest of the series
November 17, 2024
I knew it was only a matter of time before things went to shit. Can't trust a single soul in this story. Gimme the next one in the series, please!
May 10, 2018
You've got red on you... The opening of this short post-apocalyptic work reminds me of Shaun of the Dead, if Shaun was a bit of a d-bag and mostly unlikable. Our low budget Shaun goes by Zed, whose character is a mix of traits that are hard to believe exist, but much like Shaun, he's in the dark when he decides to venture out in what has suddenly become a dangerous world.
Zed also has a BA in philosophy, which as he's originally introduced is pretty hard to believe. The book becomes much better about halfway through, and begins to focus on larger topics of ethics, race and minority concerns, as well as the motivation of fear. Our oblivious protagonist also undergoes some pretty large personality changes around this time that are a bit hard to swallow. The author tries to resolve this change in priorities, and does a reasonably fair job of it, but I'm not sure if the simple motivation of day-by-day living would be enough for a character who didn't even do that before the personal exertion level was as high as it is in a post-civilization world.
Zed and a few others I won't name due to potential spoilers are considered "slow burns", they have been infected with the virus causing all around them to lose their minds, but due to unknown reasons the fever associated with the virus didn't reach high enough temperatures to cause them to completely lose their humanity. They suffer physical changes, most explicitly a lightening of their skin, and permanent dilation of their eyes (and the associated boost in night vision and bright light avoidance).
The physical obviousness of their symptoms and then their interactions with the uninfected made the latter part of this novel much better and has encouraged me to continue with the series. While marketed as a zombie novel, I'd put this closer to 28-days later's rage virus, or maybe I Am Legend, though the infected to have zombie like tendencies when it comes to killability.
Bumped to 3* because I liked it well enough to continue with the series but almost stopped reading after the first 20-30% so overall it would be 2.5* if goodreads allowed that.
Zed also has a BA in philosophy, which as he's originally introduced is pretty hard to believe. The book becomes much better about halfway through, and begins to focus on larger topics of ethics, race and minority concerns, as well as the motivation of fear. Our oblivious protagonist also undergoes some pretty large personality changes around this time that are a bit hard to swallow. The author tries to resolve this change in priorities, and does a reasonably fair job of it, but I'm not sure if the simple motivation of day-by-day living would be enough for a character who didn't even do that before the personal exertion level was as high as it is in a post-civilization world.
Zed and a few others I won't name due to potential spoilers are considered "slow burns", they have been infected with the virus causing all around them to lose their minds, but due to unknown reasons the fever associated with the virus didn't reach high enough temperatures to cause them to completely lose their humanity. They suffer physical changes, most explicitly a lightening of their skin, and permanent dilation of their eyes (and the associated boost in night vision and bright light avoidance).
The physical obviousness of their symptoms and then their interactions with the uninfected made the latter part of this novel much better and has encouraged me to continue with the series. While marketed as a zombie novel, I'd put this closer to 28-days later's rage virus, or maybe I Am Legend, though the infected to have zombie like tendencies when it comes to killability.
Bumped to 3* because I liked it well enough to continue with the series but almost stopped reading after the first 20-30% so overall it would be 2.5* if goodreads allowed that.
March 29, 2015
ABR's full Zero Day audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
At first impression Zed Zane seems to be a dead beat, shiftless bum, living off his abusive parents. When he gets up, hungover from the night before, he goes to his folks for lunch and begging for rent money. He finds his mom dead and his step dad eating her. He is attacked by his step dad and kills him with a knife. But his dad got in one good bite. Zed tries to call 911 but the line is busy. Feeling tired and sick he lays down on a bed and sleeps.
When he wakes up he feels better and calls 911 again. The cops arrive, arrest him for murder, and hall him off to jail. In jail he meets Murphy. Fast forward, Zac and Murphy escaped jail when a riot erupted.
From then on it’s one escape after another. Everyone wants to kill them. Some want to eat them. They just want to survive.
From one tight spot to the next Zac shows his true metal. He just can’t leave a female in distress. Zac and Murphy are low fever infected. They can walk around without the infected bothering them. As long as they are quiet and don’t move too fast.
This story is shorter than most but it just doesn’t let up. I liked the idea of different degrees of zombi. It is something different and lets more action and doesn’t limit the trouble Zac can get into.
Let me say that Jason is one of the best narrators, for this type of book, I have listened to in a long time. He does talk a little fast but I usually have my audio player on 1.5 speed. Jason really gets into it. His first person narration is so real, it’s like he is actually living the part. He has some good rough voices for the other male characters too. I could close my eyes and see what was happening as he talked. His descriptions of the chaos were fantastic. The fire scene alone was so good I could feel the heat.
The audio production was flawless. Everything flowed seamlessly together. Audio was clean and clear. A great job.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
At first impression Zed Zane seems to be a dead beat, shiftless bum, living off his abusive parents. When he gets up, hungover from the night before, he goes to his folks for lunch and begging for rent money. He finds his mom dead and his step dad eating her. He is attacked by his step dad and kills him with a knife. But his dad got in one good bite. Zed tries to call 911 but the line is busy. Feeling tired and sick he lays down on a bed and sleeps.
When he wakes up he feels better and calls 911 again. The cops arrive, arrest him for murder, and hall him off to jail. In jail he meets Murphy. Fast forward, Zac and Murphy escaped jail when a riot erupted.
From then on it’s one escape after another. Everyone wants to kill them. Some want to eat them. They just want to survive.
From one tight spot to the next Zac shows his true metal. He just can’t leave a female in distress. Zac and Murphy are low fever infected. They can walk around without the infected bothering them. As long as they are quiet and don’t move too fast.
This story is shorter than most but it just doesn’t let up. I liked the idea of different degrees of zombi. It is something different and lets more action and doesn’t limit the trouble Zac can get into.
Let me say that Jason is one of the best narrators, for this type of book, I have listened to in a long time. He does talk a little fast but I usually have my audio player on 1.5 speed. Jason really gets into it. His first person narration is so real, it’s like he is actually living the part. He has some good rough voices for the other male characters too. I could close my eyes and see what was happening as he talked. His descriptions of the chaos were fantastic. The fire scene alone was so good I could feel the heat.
The audio production was flawless. Everything flowed seamlessly together. Audio was clean and clear. A great job.
Audiobook provided for review by the author.
July 17, 2014
This book grabbed me immediately, from Chapter 1, and hasn't let go since. I finished reading book 5 in the series (Slow Burn - Torrent), yesterday, in a record 2 evening's reading time, and already I'm hungering for book 6.
What I like about this book is that it's told from the perspective of Zed, your everyday slacker type ... that is, until the virus hits, and the world goes crazy. It is then that Zed becomes the unlikely hero, and saves the day ... several days, and people, actually.
While the virus turns most into cannibalistic, mindless monsters, it turns Zed into something different, something known as a "slow burn" which the title of the book implies.
Completely infected, Zed maintains his mental faculties while struggling day to day to avoid thinking about eventually moving from slow burn, to total burn, and becoming one of them ... one of the infected.
Along the way he meets others like him, some better off, some much worse, along with others who while fortunate enough to remain untouched by the virus, are fighting to survive the angry, hungry mobs surrounding Austin, Texas.
I couldn't put this one down. Whenever I was at work, I was thinking about it, wanting to read more. As soon as I arrived home at night, I grabbed my Kindle, and read I did. Each page made me want to read another, then another, until the last page was in site. I had to know more. I needed to know what would happen to Zed. Would he, in fact, burn out and become one of the infected? What about his friends? Would they survive? Is there a cure? So many questions, so much suspense. I devoured book two, three, and four in about eight days time. It's just that good. I hope this series never ends.
Cheers and kudos to you, Bobby Adair. Thank you for bringing these characters to life in a way that made me feel as if they were my friends. Their shattered, but hopeful world became an escape for me from my own world, and I enjoyed every minute I spent there. In the future I hope to have the pleasure of spending many more minutes in that world, with my new fictional friends, as future books are released.
What I like about this book is that it's told from the perspective of Zed, your everyday slacker type ... that is, until the virus hits, and the world goes crazy. It is then that Zed becomes the unlikely hero, and saves the day ... several days, and people, actually.
While the virus turns most into cannibalistic, mindless monsters, it turns Zed into something different, something known as a "slow burn" which the title of the book implies.
Completely infected, Zed maintains his mental faculties while struggling day to day to avoid thinking about eventually moving from slow burn, to total burn, and becoming one of them ... one of the infected.
Along the way he meets others like him, some better off, some much worse, along with others who while fortunate enough to remain untouched by the virus, are fighting to survive the angry, hungry mobs surrounding Austin, Texas.
I couldn't put this one down. Whenever I was at work, I was thinking about it, wanting to read more. As soon as I arrived home at night, I grabbed my Kindle, and read I did. Each page made me want to read another, then another, until the last page was in site. I had to know more. I needed to know what would happen to Zed. Would he, in fact, burn out and become one of the infected? What about his friends? Would they survive? Is there a cure? So many questions, so much suspense. I devoured book two, three, and four in about eight days time. It's just that good. I hope this series never ends.
Cheers and kudos to you, Bobby Adair. Thank you for bringing these characters to life in a way that made me feel as if they were my friends. Their shattered, but hopeful world became an escape for me from my own world, and I enjoyed every minute I spent there. In the future I hope to have the pleasure of spending many more minutes in that world, with my new fictional friends, as future books are released.
August 12, 2013
I might be biased since it was officially my first Zombie book, but I can honestly say that I loved it and every time I put my Ereader aside, it called me back. I wanted to know what would happen next.
This is not your regular horror story as we see what happens in the first POV through the eyes of a slow burn: one that has been infected but is somewhat resisting the disease.
Zed is a regular guy, not interested in the news, so when all this happened he was taken by surprise. Albeit all that, he never gave up. He is a stand up guy, faithful to his new friend Murphy even though most human beings would have ran and tried to save their own life at some point. So over all, I liked the main character. It is easy to put yourself into his shoes. The story reads well, a few mistypes that are probably the result of the book conversion to ebook, so nothing major. Bobby Adair has a great explanation on how the epidemic started, which makes it plausible (and scary). I would recommend this book for any fan of Zombies, Epidemic or End of the world genre and to any one who likes a good story. I am looking forward to read the second installment.
This is not your regular horror story as we see what happens in the first POV through the eyes of a slow burn: one that has been infected but is somewhat resisting the disease.
Zed is a regular guy, not interested in the news, so when all this happened he was taken by surprise. Albeit all that, he never gave up. He is a stand up guy, faithful to his new friend Murphy even though most human beings would have ran and tried to save their own life at some point. So over all, I liked the main character. It is easy to put yourself into his shoes. The story reads well, a few mistypes that are probably the result of the book conversion to ebook, so nothing major. Bobby Adair has a great explanation on how the epidemic started, which makes it plausible (and scary). I would recommend this book for any fan of Zombies, Epidemic or End of the world genre and to any one who likes a good story. I am looking forward to read the second installment.
August 9, 2013
What an amazing debut to a series! Adair knows exactly how to pick readers' brains with this terrifyingly realistic thriller. Zed Zane is the perfect character to be highlighted throughout this gory book which is definitely not for the faint of heart. Adair has made sure that it is paced perfectly for fans who prepare for the coming of the apocalypse. Pay attention as you read, because many different characters are introduced who may be significant in the next five books to follow. Even if you think you're not hopping on the bandwagon to love zombies just like everyone else in this world, give it a whirl, Adair is relentless until he reels you in and makes you a fan for life...or death.
April 21, 2017
Not bad, pretty quick read. Nine short books in the series and I didn't expect a whole lot of character development or world building in the first book. I found this was enjoyable enough and I'm curious about how it all turns out, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoy end of the world books where the main character is just your average person instead of some uber SOG type. It's fun following a clueless character that gets the snot beaten out of them, learns by their mistakes and grows into a hero. I feel that this could be a fun zombie apocalypse series.
I really enjoy end of the world books where the main character is just your average person instead of some uber SOG type. It's fun following a clueless character that gets the snot beaten out of them, learns by their mistakes and grows into a hero. I feel that this could be a fun zombie apocalypse series.
October 28, 2013
I like zombie stories, so it's surprising this is the first book I read on the subject. I like the scientific explanations of the infection and how it was spreading. The characters seem real, even if the author doesn't give you enough development to really fall in love with any of them (a flaw some might really not like).
April 2, 2021
Overall a solid read. Yes there are some clunky sentences here and there but I don't fault indie writers for editing mistakes. My only complaint really is the characters name. Zed is a little bit too on the nose for me. Also, the plot became too "convenient" at times for the characters. Too many things fell into place.
Look forward to more!
Look forward to more!
September 26, 2020
I am reading this in the Slow Burn Box Set: The Complete Post Apocalyptic Series boxed set
Really good story. This guys lives his life like he's Bruce Willis. The story was good. I liked how like a normal person Zed slowly figured out that not everyone should be helped. Really good story. 5 stars.
Really good story. This guys lives his life like he's Bruce Willis. The story was good. I liked how like a normal person Zed slowly figured out that not everyone should be helped. Really good story. 5 stars.
April 30, 2017
Zed Zane is a zombie killer and first-person protagonist like we've rarely seen in zombie lore, and as a major zompocalypse fan, I Iove it. This guy, who only knows about guns what he learned from playing paintball, is a classic near-hipster millennial, working a dead-end job with a serious case of life ennui only made worse by the crappy upbringing from his crappy parents - the Ogre and the Harpie. He's rootless, aimless, would probably say his own life is pointless, and as such he is perfectly prepared for the apocalypse to come.
What? Why?
Because he's emotionally locked away. But, and here is the thing that makes these books shine, that's not really true. Zed 'feels' the pain of the apocalypse perhaps more keenly than anyone else. This horrific event hurts him bad, though he's better than others at masking that and moving on. I loved the action is this box set, I loved the big set pieces where he fights, he escapes (and this book is entirely about the fighting and escaping early days - covering about a week around the apocalypse's inception) and learns to fight again, but the thing that made it for me is Zed's interior monologue, which is fascinating. His emotional arc is genuine and moving.
You can't kill thousands of zombies and not be changed. You can't see people you care for hurt and not let out that rage somehow. Zed's transition into 'Null Spot the Destroyer' in book 3 was fantastically well set up and earned. Gotta love a little gritty reality coming in, making characters act in ways they may later be ashamed of.
Also- it's funny. Zed's pal Murphy has a great counterpoint philosophy to Zed (basically, don't think about the bad stuff) which means they're always bouncing off each other to approach this catastrophe in the right way. It's also really well written and original to boot - Bobby Adair paints a portrait of a fresh apocalypse - one swept by fire, where zombies roam and act in ways we can't anticipate, where 'slow-burns' like Zed and Murphy face ostracism and danger from their own people. I read the box set books 1-3, and the threat is still going strong at the end, so now I'm moving right along to book 4 to find out what happens next!
What? Why?
Because he's emotionally locked away. But, and here is the thing that makes these books shine, that's not really true. Zed 'feels' the pain of the apocalypse perhaps more keenly than anyone else. This horrific event hurts him bad, though he's better than others at masking that and moving on. I loved the action is this box set, I loved the big set pieces where he fights, he escapes (and this book is entirely about the fighting and escaping early days - covering about a week around the apocalypse's inception) and learns to fight again, but the thing that made it for me is Zed's interior monologue, which is fascinating. His emotional arc is genuine and moving.
You can't kill thousands of zombies and not be changed. You can't see people you care for hurt and not let out that rage somehow. Zed's transition into 'Null Spot the Destroyer' in book 3 was fantastically well set up and earned. Gotta love a little gritty reality coming in, making characters act in ways they may later be ashamed of.
Also- it's funny. Zed's pal Murphy has a great counterpoint philosophy to Zed (basically, don't think about the bad stuff) which means they're always bouncing off each other to approach this catastrophe in the right way. It's also really well written and original to boot - Bobby Adair paints a portrait of a fresh apocalypse - one swept by fire, where zombies roam and act in ways we can't anticipate, where 'slow-burns' like Zed and Murphy face ostracism and danger from their own people. I read the box set books 1-3, and the threat is still going strong at the end, so now I'm moving right along to book 4 to find out what happens next!
May 14, 2024
**What a first entry!**
The virus has arrived, bringing with it an introduction to my first zombie apocalypse. The only thing I was initially worried about was not really getting to know the main character, Zed, before things went to crap. And went to crap they surely did, from Zed's own personal life to the entire world. Fortunately, such a concern was moot because even though you're immediately thrust into the story with an unknown Zed, his character is nicely fleshed out as the story continued on and he's placed into rather harrowing situations.
Not only did I find myself rather loving Zed, I also loved the other characters he meets along the way, particularly Murphy (who I soooo hope will stick around beyond this book). All other side characters were fleshed out enough for me to feel some sort of connection (or even aversion) to them in some type of capacity. No one felt like a generic throw-away, even if they WERE exactly that. I feel like the author is paying proper care to his story and his characters so that they feel like real people going through real situation, and that's always good sign.
If I had to complain about ANYTHING in this perfect book, it was the noticeable typos, as well as several moments when exclamation points weren't implemented when they should have been to better stress when characters yelled. It's a bit of an eye-sore to be told characters are screaming or shouting or whatever, only to have a sentence read as "Hurry up." rather than, "Hurry up!" Other than that, this book was perfection through and through. Looking forward to book two.
The virus has arrived, bringing with it an introduction to my first zombie apocalypse. The only thing I was initially worried about was not really getting to know the main character, Zed, before things went to crap. And went to crap they surely did, from Zed's own personal life to the entire world. Fortunately, such a concern was moot because even though you're immediately thrust into the story with an unknown Zed, his character is nicely fleshed out as the story continued on and he's placed into rather harrowing situations.
Not only did I find myself rather loving Zed, I also loved the other characters he meets along the way, particularly Murphy (who I soooo hope will stick around beyond this book). All other side characters were fleshed out enough for me to feel some sort of connection (or even aversion) to them in some type of capacity. No one felt like a generic throw-away, even if they WERE exactly that. I feel like the author is paying proper care to his story and his characters so that they feel like real people going through real situation, and that's always good sign.
If I had to complain about ANYTHING in this perfect book, it was the noticeable typos, as well as several moments when exclamation points weren't implemented when they should have been to better stress when characters yelled. It's a bit of an eye-sore to be told characters are screaming or shouting or whatever, only to have a sentence read as "Hurry up." rather than, "Hurry up!" Other than that, this book was perfection through and through. Looking forward to book two.
August 17, 2013
I just enjoy a good zombie story - and this is a good zombie story! Zed is just sort of drifting through life, living in Austin with a degree in philosophy and not much to look forward to. One Sunday he goes to his mother's house for lunch, but he finds his mother and a neighbor dead and is inexplicably attacked by his stepfather, Dan, who bites him on the arm. He has to kill Dan by stabbing him in self defense. He then passes out with a fever for a couple of days. When he comes to, he calls the police, who promptly arrest him, throw him in jail, and charge him with his parents' murders. It's when he's in jail that Zed discovers that a virus is infecting people all over the world, effectively turning them into zombies. He breaks out of jail during a riot caused by zombie prisoners and then lives by his wits, avoiding the zombies who want to eat him and the normal people who think he's a zombie and want to kill him. "Slow burn" refers to Zac's condition; he's infected when his stepfather bites his arm but for some reason, when regains consciousness after having his fever, he looks like a zombie but isn't one. He's somehow immune, and he meets others like him as the story progresses. Very exciting and compelling tale as Zed tries to survive on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin. The story ends somewhat abruptly as Zed and two other slow burners set out to cross Austin in search of a safer place to hide out, obviously setting up for Slow Burn: Book 2.
October 4, 2014
This was my first zombie, apocalypse, end of the world book. Getting excited for the return of the TV series The Walking Dead. I wanted to read something that kept me on the edge of my seat. This definitely was a good book to do that and keep me interested! I could of read this in one sitting! I was so wrapped up trying to figure out what's gonna happen next! Now I'm moving on to book 2 Infected.
The book takes place in Austin, Texas, a smaller city but still so used to our now electronic way of living. Been so used to electricity, food, stores no crazies running around eating at you and attacking you. Zed actually pairs up with two guys Murphy and Jerome. With no plan in not knowing what exactly is going on in the world around them. If it's just the flu or if it's the end of the world. Nobody knows exactly how you can catch the flu and get "infected!" What are they supposed to do now? How are they supposed to live without electricity, running clean water, food? Not knowing exactly how to take care of themselves without our modern technology.
The book takes place in Austin, Texas, a smaller city but still so used to our now electronic way of living. Been so used to electricity, food, stores no crazies running around eating at you and attacking you. Zed actually pairs up with two guys Murphy and Jerome. With no plan in not knowing what exactly is going on in the world around them. If it's just the flu or if it's the end of the world. Nobody knows exactly how you can catch the flu and get "infected!" What are they supposed to do now? How are they supposed to live without electricity, running clean water, food? Not knowing exactly how to take care of themselves without our modern technology.
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