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The Infected Dead #2
Survive for Now
This is an alternate cover edition for B01GBQWC48
The end of civilization did not come suddenly. There was no flash of light, no blast from a nuclear explosion, and no mushroom cloud. There was no earthquake, no furious storm, nor cataclysmic event such as a meteor or massive solar flare. The end came gradually as a few people attacked and bit family members. Secrecy became more important than family bonds as people hid their bites from those closest to them. When those who were bitten died from the infection in their wounds, they rose from the dead and sought their own victims. Soon, there were millions of the infected dead searching the world for the living, and then the infection spread more quickly.
A small group of people brought together by chance have survived in a shelter on an island near the coast of South Carolina, but although they are safe, they cannot bring themselves to sit by and wait for all of civilization to die. They are forced to make the hard choices that include leaving the shelter when it is for the good of others.
Out of necessity, they make the decision to bring a father and his daughter, Tom and Molly, into their shelter. Not content to simply rescue the pair, they believe it is possible to reunite them with their family in Alabama. Driven by a feeling of moral responsibility to do more than just exist, they set out on a risky quest to accomplish the impossible by traveling through a devastated world.
This is the story of that group of friends as they encounter and overcome the dangers of the infected dead.
The end of civilization did not come suddenly. There was no flash of light, no blast from a nuclear explosion, and no mushroom cloud. There was no earthquake, no furious storm, nor cataclysmic event such as a meteor or massive solar flare. The end came gradually as a few people attacked and bit family members. Secrecy became more important than family bonds as people hid their bites from those closest to them. When those who were bitten died from the infection in their wounds, they rose from the dead and sought their own victims. Soon, there were millions of the infected dead searching the world for the living, and then the infection spread more quickly.
A small group of people brought together by chance have survived in a shelter on an island near the coast of South Carolina, but although they are safe, they cannot bring themselves to sit by and wait for all of civilization to die. They are forced to make the hard choices that include leaving the shelter when it is for the good of others.
Out of necessity, they make the decision to bring a father and his daughter, Tom and Molly, into their shelter. Not content to simply rescue the pair, they believe it is possible to reunite them with their family in Alabama. Driven by a feeling of moral responsibility to do more than just exist, they set out on a risky quest to accomplish the impossible by traveling through a devastated world.
This is the story of that group of friends as they encounter and overcome the dangers of the infected dead.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2016
191 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Bob Howard
15 books64 followersMeet the Charleston, South Carolina Author
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
The author Bob Howard (1951-) was born in New Jersey to parents who met in Germany during WW II. His father was from Ohio and his ancestors were from the UK. His mother was born in Romania. He grew up as an Army dependent, and lived overseas in Germany and Okinawa for most of his childhood.
Bob is a veteran of both the Navy and the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. He fell in love with the city and made it his home. As a graduate of the College of Charleston (1978) with a degree in Psychology, he has worked in the field of social services. Bob has lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 25 years then moved to Columbia, South Carolina because of a promotion with his job for the last ten years. Bob will retire soon and will live in Charleston, South Carolina to be near his children.
Bob and his wife Dawn (College of Charleston 1979) have been married 31 years and raised a son and a daughter both born in Charleston, SC. Bob has finally reached a time when he can enjoy writing, and the zombie apocalypse is his favorite genre.
Bob Howard's passion has always been writing. Bob's book, Alive for Now (http://www.realbobhoward.com/), is his first installment to the science fiction post apocalyptic genre, and he wants nothing more than to know that his readers enjoy his work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 11, 2018
Not bad but not great.
Book 1 was a great setup for book 2. But book 2 was slow and predictable. Characters had way too many skill sets for who they are. The rookie cop is all of a sudden an expert sharpshooter. The cruise line worker is all of sudden an expert in everything nautical. The writer attempts to explain the actions of everything around instead of the story just tell him that self. I will give book 3 a try just to see if things improve.
Book 1 was a great setup for book 2. But book 2 was slow and predictable. Characters had way too many skill sets for who they are. The rookie cop is all of a sudden an expert sharpshooter. The cruise line worker is all of sudden an expert in everything nautical. The writer attempts to explain the actions of everything around instead of the story just tell him that self. I will give book 3 a try just to see if things improve.
August 26, 2016
I loved this book and the first one. I am hoping you will be coming out with a book number 3 soon, very soon please. Once I started reading this book I just couldn't put it down until i was at the end and wondering how it had ended so quickly without me knowing it. You have become one of my most favorite authors now.
dnf
August 7, 2025DNF at 14%
Soooooo like idk If I like the recap they did for the first 10% of the book. I feel like if we got the dad and daughter POV just like we did with Jean, Kathy and chief it would be so much better! 🫠
Also the constant mention of “Families protecting bitten loved ones until it’s too late” like I GET IT I PROMISE! I let it slide in the first book but COME ON am I supposed to accept this phrase over and over for the REST OF SERIES?
She’s pregnant. Are you fucking kidding me they dead ass talked about this HUGE box of condoms and she STILL got pregnant?
Soooooo like idk If I like the recap they did for the first 10% of the book. I feel like if we got the dad and daughter POV just like we did with Jean, Kathy and chief it would be so much better! 🫠
Also the constant mention of “Families protecting bitten loved ones until it’s too late” like I GET IT I PROMISE! I let it slide in the first book but COME ON am I supposed to accept this phrase over and over for the REST OF SERIES?
She’s pregnant. Are you fucking kidding me they dead ass talked about this HUGE box of condoms and she STILL got pregnant?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
Ooo wee, I love a good rescue and this book has more than a few. So good!
May 7, 2017
FROM THE FIRST PAGE TO THE LAST, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE!!!
As Ed and his new friends & family leave the shelter to try to help a father and a daughter, little do they know that it will take him and his newly created family on path to help them reunite with their family in Alabama. What they all find out is theirs is not the only shelter that was built, that there were a group of people, builders that had built more than 30 of them scattered throughout the United States. A super great read and one book that I couldn't put down as I went right from the first book to this one. I think this is such a great story and believe anyone who reads this book will love the way Bob Howard has written it. From the first page to the last, this book will leave you wanting more!!!!
As Ed and his new friends & family leave the shelter to try to help a father and a daughter, little do they know that it will take him and his newly created family on path to help them reunite with their family in Alabama. What they all find out is theirs is not the only shelter that was built, that there were a group of people, builders that had built more than 30 of them scattered throughout the United States. A super great read and one book that I couldn't put down as I went right from the first book to this one. I think this is such a great story and believe anyone who reads this book will love the way Bob Howard has written it. From the first page to the last, this book will leave you wanting more!!!!
August 9, 2016
Survive for now
First this is a great series I'm enjoying very much. I enjoy seeing these characters evolve and bond together. The only down side is waiting for the next book.
First this is a great series I'm enjoying very much. I enjoy seeing these characters evolve and bond together. The only down side is waiting for the next book.
January 18, 2018
Another new favorite
I have read so many good books recently, almost all of them in the ZA/infected dead genre, I have many favorites and I knew during book one of “The Infected Dead” series that I found another favorite series to add to my ever growing list.
ALL of the other series I read are on Kindle Unlimited, that way I can read 10-15 books per month without going hungry. This series (to my horror) is not on KU. I don’t know when I bought book one but I’m pretty sure it was either on sale for 99c or it was offered for free, either one will grab my attention, and I’m glad it did. (Kindle version)
When I finally started book one, I was immediately blown away by the pace of the story. It started strong and not only had a great deal of “wtf?” moments, it also had a healthy dose of mystery and horror.
He (the author) manages to go against the norm of the genre by telling the story through the eyes of an average Joe -not a strong military type- and by doing so, he manages to create a world where the average reader can identify with the main character telling the story through his POV. (Keep in mind though, it’s not 100% first person)
It took me a day to read book one and I knew right away that I had to buy the whole series.
Book two (this book) kept the same momentum, mystery, horror, and general silliness going while building a world unlike the one we live in, with its own rules that we learn along the way at the same time as the main character(s).
So far I have really enjoyed books one and two, even getting a wee bit excited when the author mentioned Huntsville AL (my home town) and other areas I have spent time in. (Not going to say anything more so there won’t be possible spoilers)
I can’t wait to read the next book, and luckily I won’t have to, because I went ahead and bought books 2-5 as soon as I finished book 1.
If you enjoy ZA/Infected Dead series, this one is great and on the lighter side (I’ve read some seriously intense series in the genre and I don’t always want to have a heart attack from start to finish) though it doesn’t skimp on heart stopping situations.
I would definitely recommend this series to any fan of the genre. Any fan, hardcore or casual will enjoy it.
I have read so many good books recently, almost all of them in the ZA/infected dead genre, I have many favorites and I knew during book one of “The Infected Dead” series that I found another favorite series to add to my ever growing list.
ALL of the other series I read are on Kindle Unlimited, that way I can read 10-15 books per month without going hungry. This series (to my horror) is not on KU. I don’t know when I bought book one but I’m pretty sure it was either on sale for 99c or it was offered for free, either one will grab my attention, and I’m glad it did. (Kindle version)
When I finally started book one, I was immediately blown away by the pace of the story. It started strong and not only had a great deal of “wtf?” moments, it also had a healthy dose of mystery and horror.
He (the author) manages to go against the norm of the genre by telling the story through the eyes of an average Joe -not a strong military type- and by doing so, he manages to create a world where the average reader can identify with the main character telling the story through his POV. (Keep in mind though, it’s not 100% first person)
It took me a day to read book one and I knew right away that I had to buy the whole series.
Book two (this book) kept the same momentum, mystery, horror, and general silliness going while building a world unlike the one we live in, with its own rules that we learn along the way at the same time as the main character(s).
So far I have really enjoyed books one and two, even getting a wee bit excited when the author mentioned Huntsville AL (my home town) and other areas I have spent time in. (Not going to say anything more so there won’t be possible spoilers)
I can’t wait to read the next book, and luckily I won’t have to, because I went ahead and bought books 2-5 as soon as I finished book 1.
If you enjoy ZA/Infected Dead series, this one is great and on the lighter side (I’ve read some seriously intense series in the genre and I don’t always want to have a heart attack from start to finish) though it doesn’t skimp on heart stopping situations.
I would definitely recommend this series to any fan of the genre. Any fan, hardcore or casual will enjoy it.
February 27, 2024
We are now in the zombie apocalypse! Book 2 in the series begins where Book 1 left off.
In a secret underground hideaway refuge, our friends are dealing with the problems of survival. Something has caused humans to become infected and through bites infect others. And they are HUNGRY! Throwing them into the water didn't kill them it just left them walking on the bottom of the oceans and bodies of water.
And not only do our friends have to deal with zombies but they also have to figure out why there are Russians on Mud Island. Two more members join the group, Tom and his daughter Molly are rescued and become part of the family. BUT Tom has a wife who is living in another shelter.
This book was just as the first one. Granted a few characters do some really stupid things like leaving the underground compound by herself and getting in trouble with a group of Russians who are docked on the island. Not only does she endanger herself but she is pregnant. AND she was told to never leave the refuge while the others were off reuniting Tom and his daughter with their wife and mother and brings her back to the compound.
The characters are very well-written. The author gives very good information so the reader is never unaware of what is going on. In fact, he often gives the reader useful information in general such as types of planes and boats and how and why they are useful. The plot is very well written and never leaves the reader hanging or wondering.
The best part of all is that the story has NOT dissolved into human vs human and the zombies are just an afterthought. The zombies are a real part of the story though they never say a word.
I will say that I was upset when the one character was killed because I hoping for a romance between them in the future. :(
In a secret underground hideaway refuge, our friends are dealing with the problems of survival. Something has caused humans to become infected and through bites infect others. And they are HUNGRY! Throwing them into the water didn't kill them it just left them walking on the bottom of the oceans and bodies of water.
And not only do our friends have to deal with zombies but they also have to figure out why there are Russians on Mud Island. Two more members join the group, Tom and his daughter Molly are rescued and become part of the family. BUT Tom has a wife who is living in another shelter.
This book was just as the first one. Granted a few characters do some really stupid things like leaving the underground compound by herself and getting in trouble with a group of Russians who are docked on the island. Not only does she endanger herself but she is pregnant. AND she was told to never leave the refuge while the others were off reuniting Tom and his daughter with their wife and mother and brings her back to the compound.
The characters are very well-written. The author gives very good information so the reader is never unaware of what is going on. In fact, he often gives the reader useful information in general such as types of planes and boats and how and why they are useful. The plot is very well written and never leaves the reader hanging or wondering.
The best part of all is that the story has NOT dissolved into human vs human and the zombies are just an afterthought. The zombies are a real part of the story though they never say a word.
I will say that I was upset when the one character was killed because I hoping for a romance between them in the future. :(
October 12, 2019
This book has a 4.31 rating at the time of this review. I don’t get it at all. I have 3 main issues with this book.
1. Lack of editing. I paid for this book so I expect that typos and extra words to be fixed. Instead of the word seven, he has even. How about some random words that don’t make any sense in the sentences they appear in. Let’s throw an extra “but” in this sentence. No matter how many times I reread it, I couldn’t figure out why it was there.
2. The zombies or “infected dead” as they are called are not at all scary or interesting.
3. I think the characters in the book had some free magic wishes to have the things they have and meet the people they meet. Wow, good thing we met that Doctor that also can fly the plane and happens to be built like a grizzly bear and is a survivalist. You get the picture. 1 star and it doesn’t deserve any better.
1. Lack of editing. I paid for this book so I expect that typos and extra words to be fixed. Instead of the word seven, he has even. How about some random words that don’t make any sense in the sentences they appear in. Let’s throw an extra “but” in this sentence. No matter how many times I reread it, I couldn’t figure out why it was there.
2. The zombies or “infected dead” as they are called are not at all scary or interesting.
3. I think the characters in the book had some free magic wishes to have the things they have and meet the people they meet. Wow, good thing we met that Doctor that also can fly the plane and happens to be built like a grizzly bear and is a survivalist. You get the picture. 1 star and it doesn’t deserve any better.
January 10, 2020
A good book, not as well conceived as the first. But it is passable.
I enjoyed this book but not as well as the last one. I do enjoy the eclectic group of characters, but if it wasn’t for the chief I believe all of them would be dead. In the previous book they seem to be highly intelligent except for Add, and they did not make stupid mistakes. Now in this book it seems they’ve lost their minds especially Jean. You are a pregnant woman why would you put yourself and your child in harms way. Not real bright thinking if you ask me. Since Add is the main protagonist I think his character needs to grow a bit more so he can become the leader that he supposed to be.
I really enjoyed this cast of characters so I am going on to read the next book. You may enjoy it as well.
I enjoyed this book but not as well as the last one. I do enjoy the eclectic group of characters, but if it wasn’t for the chief I believe all of them would be dead. In the previous book they seem to be highly intelligent except for Add, and they did not make stupid mistakes. Now in this book it seems they’ve lost their minds especially Jean. You are a pregnant woman why would you put yourself and your child in harms way. Not real bright thinking if you ask me. Since Add is the main protagonist I think his character needs to grow a bit more so he can become the leader that he supposed to be.
I really enjoyed this cast of characters so I am going on to read the next book. You may enjoy it as well.
June 19, 2020
I wasn't sure I was gonna enjoy these,I've read so many like it I'm must admit after a few pages I didn't think I was gonna stick with them, but I did, even started a couple of other books. But I did and I'm glad I did. I like to read a book that grabs me straight away, admittedly it took a bit longer, but I thoroughly enjoyed them, I would say to anyone have a go and persevere with it the book grabbed me hook line and sinker,defo worth reading. Thank you Bob Howard, you got my through lockdown of covid.
July 23, 2019
Feel Good Zombie Novel
Nothing really bad happens in this book. Everything gets worked out. This book might just be a peppers dream, as the dream is being completely prepared for everything in a disaster. Theres laughter, safe trips by air across state lines, and nice encounters with strangers. This book is a nice light heart for people who are used to reading traumatic, devastating, Zombie Apocalypse series.
Nothing really bad happens in this book. Everything gets worked out. This book might just be a peppers dream, as the dream is being completely prepared for everything in a disaster. Theres laughter, safe trips by air across state lines, and nice encounters with strangers. This book is a nice light heart for people who are used to reading traumatic, devastating, Zombie Apocalypse series.
November 4, 2024
It’s well into the zombie apocalypse and now our little group of survivors in the perfect bunker, stocked with everything a group would need to survive for years, keep finding reasons to leave their safe little sanctuary.
Somehow they keep managing not to get bitten and they all get along with each other so well that two of them have paired up and made a baby. Well at least one of them is pregnant.
Then the Russians show up!
Somehow they keep managing not to get bitten and they all get along with each other so well that two of them have paired up and made a baby. Well at least one of them is pregnant.
Then the Russians show up!
September 6, 2025
Book 1 had me hooked and now book 2 is just feeding this addiction I love the book. Lively unique characters that lead you though the end of times and flesh eating monsters. They use out of the box thinking combined with thier skills to survive. Weather you enjoy strong female characters who dont lose thier feminine charm or you like a male leads who are ready to fight tooth and nail for the people they openly care for this is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
This was as much fun as the first book in this series. I like the characters. They are all different and kind of fearless. And they all have their own stories playing out and it isn't just about the immediate chaos.
The zombie apocalypse is well under way and this group of survivors are committed to staying "unbitten". So, still 4 stars.
The zombie apocalypse is well under way and this group of survivors are committed to staying "unbitten". So, still 4 stars.
October 7, 2017
Loving this series!
I cannot get enough of this fun, fast paced zombie apocalypse series!!! If zombie novels are your thing, then you have found your next zombie adventure series!!! Great characters too...
I cannot get enough of this fun, fast paced zombie apocalypse series!!! If zombie novels are your thing, then you have found your next zombie adventure series!!! Great characters too...
January 27, 2022
Gotta love them Zombies!
If you like (or love) post apocalyptic zombie stories, start with book one and read. Lots of action, friendships made, loyalties tested, everything that makes a story great. Characters you just wanna go hang out with. I’m on to the next one.
If you like (or love) post apocalyptic zombie stories, start with book one and read. Lots of action, friendships made, loyalties tested, everything that makes a story great. Characters you just wanna go hang out with. I’m on to the next one.
June 2, 2023
a heart racer
It’s rare to get a book series that gets better as it goes but this one does. My heart was racing for our characters on they’re journey. Such a good read I can’t wait to see what’s next!
It’s rare to get a book series that gets better as it goes but this one does. My heart was racing for our characters on they’re journey. Such a good read I can’t wait to see what’s next!
June 10, 2025
I normally don't consume "zombie" related content because it's been overdone, imoimo. However, I got this for free on Audible and figured I'd give it a try. I loved it! Some things were a little ridiculous but I enjoyed it and overall at the end I wanted more.
August 27, 2025
3.5 Stars - DNF'ing the rest of the series. This book wasn't awful. Just annoyingly unrealistic and unconvincing. Everything was just so convenient, and all the relationships and character work felt rushed.
September 6, 2025
This author... They're leaving their safe sanctuary yet again for someone who thinks it's as stupid a f****** idea as we do as readers. But they do it anyway and that's where I stopped reading. Technically I stopped reading as he's the voice of reason and they still start plans to leave
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2017
Love, love, loved this book! The author is amazing!!!!!
10 out of 10!
His zombie series are amazing!!!! The series keeps me locked in until the last word, awesome!
10 out of 10!
His zombie series are amazing!!!! The series keeps me locked in until the last word, awesome!
September 13, 2017
Good author. Liked the series. Would read more from author.
November 26, 2017
Second book in Series.
Second book as good as first. Good story and characters. Talented writer. As one adventure ends, another begins. Will be reading the entire series.
Second book as good as first. Good story and characters. Talented writer. As one adventure ends, another begins. Will be reading the entire series.
January 2, 2018
Good
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I liked this book. The author's prose was interesting creative a positive addition to the genre. I'm looking forward to reading more.
May 4, 2018
For zombie lovers
Very good. Hold your breath and remember to breathe good. If you like this genre, then you must read this series.
Very good. Hold your breath and remember to breathe good. If you like this genre, then you must read this series.
October 30, 2018
Page turning fun for zombie fans
This aint dickensian but its good fun, fast paced apocalyptic nonsense for fans of the genre. Probably only for fans of the genre...
This aint dickensian but its good fun, fast paced apocalyptic nonsense for fans of the genre. Probably only for fans of the genre...
February 6, 2023
True to the first book. Still great if you want a classic zombie story.
April 19, 2023
interesting fantasy
April 29, 2023
Picked up right on the tails of Alive. Taking risks brings good rewards but harrowingly close to the "not zombies"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews