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The End Time Saga #2
The Breaking
The dead have been ravaging the planet for months. Both the East and the West coasts of the United States have collapsed and the U.S. military is in full retreat. All their attempts to stem the tide of the dead have failed.
Former Counterterrorism Agent Mark Steele and his fellow survivors have been bushwhacked in the West Virginia hills. The fringe West Virginians are teaching him a valuable lesson in the new rules of the apocalypse. The mountain folk are as resilient as they are ruthless and Steele must find a way out to save his people.
In a desperate gamble to stop the virus, retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick has been entrusted with finding Dr. Joseph Jackowski who’s gone missing in West Virginia. Kinnick’s depleted unit of Special Forces soldiers are to the breaking point as the dead assault them at every step.
Outside of Pittsburgh, Dr. Joseph Jackowski’s quest to find Patient Zero has stalled. Unwillingly conscripted into the National Guard, he has been enlisted into Colonel Jackson’s rapidly depleting force. As the military quarantine disintegrates around Pittsburgh, death marches closer, and time is running out.
Steele is forced to go further than he ever imagined in order to save his loved ones, but when he is done, will anyone still recognize him? Will he recognize them? And will he recognize himself?
In this thrilling sequel to End Time, Daniel Greene continues his fast paced and gripping apocalyptic saga. The Breaking, transports us to a near future composed of death, honor, destruction and hope as the United States falls and lives crumble before a devastating zombie virus.
Former Counterterrorism Agent Mark Steele and his fellow survivors have been bushwhacked in the West Virginia hills. The fringe West Virginians are teaching him a valuable lesson in the new rules of the apocalypse. The mountain folk are as resilient as they are ruthless and Steele must find a way out to save his people.
In a desperate gamble to stop the virus, retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick has been entrusted with finding Dr. Joseph Jackowski who’s gone missing in West Virginia. Kinnick’s depleted unit of Special Forces soldiers are to the breaking point as the dead assault them at every step.
Outside of Pittsburgh, Dr. Joseph Jackowski’s quest to find Patient Zero has stalled. Unwillingly conscripted into the National Guard, he has been enlisted into Colonel Jackson’s rapidly depleting force. As the military quarantine disintegrates around Pittsburgh, death marches closer, and time is running out.
Steele is forced to go further than he ever imagined in order to save his loved ones, but when he is done, will anyone still recognize him? Will he recognize them? And will he recognize himself?
In this thrilling sequel to End Time, Daniel Greene continues his fast paced and gripping apocalyptic saga. The Breaking, transports us to a near future composed of death, honor, destruction and hope as the United States falls and lives crumble before a devastating zombie virus.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2017
228 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Greene
13 books167 followersDaniel is the award-winning author of The End Time Saga and the historical fiction Northern Wolf Series. Whether it’s a saber charge in the American Civil War or a gun battle between two rival bands surviving a hellish landscape, he is known for his ability to embed every page with fast-paced action, thrilling suspense, and gritty realism.
He is an avid traveler and physical fitness enthusiast with a deep passion for history. The works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, Robert Jordan, and George Romero, have inspired his work. Although he is a Midwesterner for life, he's lived in Virginia long enough to consider it home.
He is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Military Writers Society of America.
Contact him on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DanielGreene...
Or his website: http://www.danielgreenebooks.com/
He is an avid traveler and physical fitness enthusiast with a deep passion for history. The works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, Robert Jordan, and George Romero, have inspired his work. Although he is a Midwesterner for life, he's lived in Virginia long enough to consider it home.
He is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Military Writers Society of America.
Contact him on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DanielGreene...
Or his website: http://www.danielgreenebooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 18, 2021
I don’t write reviews.
Alright I’ll admit it! This one was better than the previous offering. If you twist my arm I’ll even say I liked some of the characters. Again this is a book about things happening. So many things happen in so many places that the chapters are labeled by the character and place. Stuff galore.
I’m up in the air on the female character. I’ve grown to like her more, but it’s tough. I understand the situation: she’s the only girl. Her motives are shady and unclear to everyone she’s around. Are we women all like that? Maybe. The writer pulls out all the tropes for her character and I think he kind of had to do it. The other characters continue to grow a bit.
Alright I’ll admit it! This one was better than the previous offering. If you twist my arm I’ll even say I liked some of the characters. Again this is a book about things happening. So many things happen in so many places that the chapters are labeled by the character and place. Stuff galore.
I’m up in the air on the female character. I’ve grown to like her more, but it’s tough. I understand the situation: she’s the only girl. Her motives are shady and unclear to everyone she’s around. Are we women all like that? Maybe. The writer pulls out all the tropes for her character and I think he kind of had to do it. The other characters continue to grow a bit.
May 11, 2017
The Breaking is a dark and gripping thriller and is incredibly effective thanks to the writing skills of author Daniel Greene. The interwoven stories provide something for everyone; a band of loyal (mostly?!!) friends, lovers, scientists, federal agents, military operatives and Appalachian hillbillies. Book Two in the Saga starts where we left off in End Time- leaving D.C. and taking us on a trip through the Appalachian Mountains in to Pennsylvania, Ohio and eventually Michigan in search of respite, a cure, each other and themselves.
This is a complex story of survival, love, will and the human condition. I wasn't certain before of how much story-telling could really been accomplished within the zombie apocalypse genre but Mr. Greene has once again shown me that the story isn't in the setting and it isn't in the genre, it's in the way that he is able to illustrate the depth and complexity of characters that are somehow so familiar. Pick it up, you won't regret it.
This is a complex story of survival, love, will and the human condition. I wasn't certain before of how much story-telling could really been accomplished within the zombie apocalypse genre but Mr. Greene has once again shown me that the story isn't in the setting and it isn't in the genre, it's in the way that he is able to illustrate the depth and complexity of characters that are somehow so familiar. Pick it up, you won't regret it.
June 5, 2019
The Breaking is the second book in the End Time Saga series. As I said in my review of the first book, End Time, I'm not usually into zombie books. However, I liked the first book enough to keep going with the series. This book definitely assumes you read the first one. So it doesn't hold up as a stand alone. This one picks up right after the cliffhanger from the first book and finds the virus spreading, the hunt for patient zero on going and the heroes finding out that there are worse enemies than the undead.
This book is long, but it is very fast paced and the time I spent listening to the audiobook flew by. It's full of action, danger and suspense. Once again, we follow several perspectives. Steele is, by far, my favorite character out of all of the main ones. That guy has more lives than a cat. I don't want to get into spoilers, but there were some tense moments that had me holding my breathe more than once. Some loyalties changed, which was surprising. Also, new allies join the crew.
This is a series I will be recommending to anyone who likes The Walking Dead or stories like that one. I will definitely be continuing with the series. The next book is The Rising, so stay tuned.
This book is long, but it is very fast paced and the time I spent listening to the audiobook flew by. It's full of action, danger and suspense. Once again, we follow several perspectives. Steele is, by far, my favorite character out of all of the main ones. That guy has more lives than a cat. I don't want to get into spoilers, but there were some tense moments that had me holding my breathe more than once. Some loyalties changed, which was surprising. Also, new allies join the crew.
This is a series I will be recommending to anyone who likes The Walking Dead or stories like that one. I will definitely be continuing with the series. The next book is The Rising, so stay tuned.
September 30, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Strike 2! While the writing smooth out a bit, the plot doesn't hold up well.
Currently on Audible Plus
Strike 2! While the writing smooth out a bit, the plot doesn't hold up well.
May 19, 2017
I read the first book and couldn't wait to get into this one. I’m an avid reader of Fantasy, Comics, and especially Stephen King. I used to love military style books but I really saturated myself with them and now I feel I've lost interest. But this Book/Series is much, much more. When I heard about this first time author Daniel Greene and how he uses different genre elements in his storytelling, I thought it would be really interesting, and I wanted to see how he was able to do that. Not only is it horror and splashes of fantasy themes, but an age old epic heroes journey in a world that is very familiar, but wildly different with characters that are tortured so wonderfully. It came highly recommended from a good friend, of which we always talk about these story elements that make for great reading, really lighting up the imagination. At my first sitting I was hooked and devoured the first book, End Time, within and matter of days, needless to say I’ve been waiting for Book 2 ever since. And man, Sai Greene did not disappoint. I love how he uses point of view writing which is extremely difficult to do, but makes it more enjoyable for the readers, in that, I love getting to my favorite characters part in the story much as in the Game of Thrones novels. And he pulls it off masterfully. I really think he relishes in finding ways of torturing the small band of heroes forcing them to come together, and in some instances, quite literally, apart. Greene does it in way that keeps the action moving, and giving just enough time for the reader to catch inner thoughts of reflection characters may have. That allows them to grow each time before moving onto the next set of challenges.
I really enjoy the villains in this story. I believe the hero(s) in any story are only as good as their nemesis. In order to have really good, strong, and worthy heroes you have to have the absolute definition of evil. That pure evil, in turn, gives way to your heroes being super strong strengthening them and propelling them to their best. I really get a sense that Greene has found his stride and pace in this 2nd book and created some of the best baddies. I think the best of which, the one that will make our Protagonists be remembered the most, is the cruel bitter world in which they exist. It is very much a character in its own, and I cant wait to dive into the rest of this Saga.
Footnote: I read an article about D. Greene and his writing process, he said he listens to The Sword while writing. I should have just led with that. If you don't listen to The Sword, stop what you are doing and GO LISTEN TO THE SWORD!! You will love these books even more!!!
I really enjoy the villains in this story. I believe the hero(s) in any story are only as good as their nemesis. In order to have really good, strong, and worthy heroes you have to have the absolute definition of evil. That pure evil, in turn, gives way to your heroes being super strong strengthening them and propelling them to their best. I really get a sense that Greene has found his stride and pace in this 2nd book and created some of the best baddies. I think the best of which, the one that will make our Protagonists be remembered the most, is the cruel bitter world in which they exist. It is very much a character in its own, and I cant wait to dive into the rest of this Saga.
Footnote: I read an article about D. Greene and his writing process, he said he listens to The Sword while writing. I should have just led with that. If you don't listen to The Sword, stop what you are doing and GO LISTEN TO THE SWORD!! You will love these books even more!!!
June 16, 2017
*I received a copy of this book to be honestly reviewed*
Okay, WOW! Let's just jump right in with the thrills, shall we? This was heart pounding, action packed awesomeness! Gotta be honest here, I liked it even more than the first one, and that's unusual for a sequel!! It's very fast-paced, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire ride. Just excellent, I really love this author's writing! If you're wondering if you should start this series, the answer is an emphatic YES!
These characters are so well written, and is the story, I'm super impressed with it all.
Bob says: 5 massive Platypires!
Okay, WOW! Let's just jump right in with the thrills, shall we? This was heart pounding, action packed awesomeness! Gotta be honest here, I liked it even more than the first one, and that's unusual for a sequel!! It's very fast-paced, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire ride. Just excellent, I really love this author's writing! If you're wondering if you should start this series, the answer is an emphatic YES!
These characters are so well written, and is the story, I'm super impressed with it all.
Bob says: 5 massive Platypires!
January 23, 2018
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (01/18)
“The Breaking” is Book 2 in The End Time Saga by Daniel Greene. An epic, fast-paced adventure, featuring a diverse cast of characters, non-stop action, and of course, zombies – this apocalyptic thriller is a sure victory for the genre.
The dead, known as the infected, have been devastating the planet for months, and with all attempts to stop them falling short, hope for the future of humanity appears bleak. On their mission of delivering CDC doctor, Joseph Jackowski to government officials, former counterterrorism agent Mark Steele and his troop are ambushed by a gang of ruthless mountain men, who have their own agenda during the apocalypse. Not knowing who is alive or dead, Steele knows he must find his people at any cost.
Dr. Jackowski is the only person in the world qualified to develop a cure for the virus infecting the world, but he must find Patient Zero first. His efforts are stalled when he is forcefully enlisted into a failing military force. Retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick is tasked with finding Dr. Jackowski. With his own unit at their breaking point, will Colonel Kinnick and his men muster up the strength needed to find the one person crucial to the survival of the human race?
“The Breaking” is one of the finest military/sci-fi/zombie/apocalyptic thrillers I have read in quite some time. There is so much going on in this story, with furious action and suspense until the very last page. It successfully avoids the redundancy of zombies-devouring-the-human-race scene after scene, by incorporating creative and equally devastating sub-stories, with characters that should be feared more than the infected. Indeed, the West Virginian mountain folk are especially treacherous and disturbing, and the masterful writing and development of these characters generate far more fear and horror than the prospect of being eaten alive. Truly intense.
Told from the perspective of each of the five major players in the saga, Greene invites us directly into his character’s heads to live through the action first hand. It is this multiple viewpoint approach that provides a clear path when delivering a complex story and I appreciate being able to feel the experience of each character.
Gripping and chilling with an intensity that never ends, “The Breaking” by Daniel Greene is a must-read book for all fans of the genre.
“The Breaking” is Book 2 in The End Time Saga by Daniel Greene. An epic, fast-paced adventure, featuring a diverse cast of characters, non-stop action, and of course, zombies – this apocalyptic thriller is a sure victory for the genre.
The dead, known as the infected, have been devastating the planet for months, and with all attempts to stop them falling short, hope for the future of humanity appears bleak. On their mission of delivering CDC doctor, Joseph Jackowski to government officials, former counterterrorism agent Mark Steele and his troop are ambushed by a gang of ruthless mountain men, who have their own agenda during the apocalypse. Not knowing who is alive or dead, Steele knows he must find his people at any cost.
Dr. Jackowski is the only person in the world qualified to develop a cure for the virus infecting the world, but he must find Patient Zero first. His efforts are stalled when he is forcefully enlisted into a failing military force. Retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick is tasked with finding Dr. Jackowski. With his own unit at their breaking point, will Colonel Kinnick and his men muster up the strength needed to find the one person crucial to the survival of the human race?
“The Breaking” is one of the finest military/sci-fi/zombie/apocalyptic thrillers I have read in quite some time. There is so much going on in this story, with furious action and suspense until the very last page. It successfully avoids the redundancy of zombies-devouring-the-human-race scene after scene, by incorporating creative and equally devastating sub-stories, with characters that should be feared more than the infected. Indeed, the West Virginian mountain folk are especially treacherous and disturbing, and the masterful writing and development of these characters generate far more fear and horror than the prospect of being eaten alive. Truly intense.
Told from the perspective of each of the five major players in the saga, Greene invites us directly into his character’s heads to live through the action first hand. It is this multiple viewpoint approach that provides a clear path when delivering a complex story and I appreciate being able to feel the experience of each character.
Gripping and chilling with an intensity that never ends, “The Breaking” by Daniel Greene is a must-read book for all fans of the genre.
March 27, 2020
Awesomeness Continues
This is one of my favorite series. Agent Steele is a great character and reading this book only reinforced his hero status in my book. Left for dead, no clothes, only a knife in his briefs, he is still able to save his crew from death and slavery. The story shows how these horrific events affect even the bravest person and can change their moral compass. The crew continues to search for patient zero as the country dies around them. Even the best in the military begin to lose their compassion and some fracture off to begin a survival of the fittest band of soldiers. This book shows even the deepest friendships can fall during times of war. I loved the reunion at the end, but hope Steele, Gwen, and and Ahmed continue to have a major part of saving the country in the next book. I look forward to the reunion of Steele and Mauser. This was a twist I did not see coming and look forward to learning how Daniel Greene will resolve this. If you have not read this series, please do not hesitate. The author has done an outstanding job of integrating well developed characters into an exciting storyline in the fight to save what is left of the human race and showed in his writing how the insanity of war and killing can make even the best of humans become selfish and evil. I wait for the next volume and hope it will be available soon! Great series, awesome characters both make and female, and a wonderfully written and well Paced plot. Keep the awesomeness coming Mr. Greene and we'll done!
This is one of my favorite series. Agent Steele is a great character and reading this book only reinforced his hero status in my book. Left for dead, no clothes, only a knife in his briefs, he is still able to save his crew from death and slavery. The story shows how these horrific events affect even the bravest person and can change their moral compass. The crew continues to search for patient zero as the country dies around them. Even the best in the military begin to lose their compassion and some fracture off to begin a survival of the fittest band of soldiers. This book shows even the deepest friendships can fall during times of war. I loved the reunion at the end, but hope Steele, Gwen, and and Ahmed continue to have a major part of saving the country in the next book. I look forward to the reunion of Steele and Mauser. This was a twist I did not see coming and look forward to learning how Daniel Greene will resolve this. If you have not read this series, please do not hesitate. The author has done an outstanding job of integrating well developed characters into an exciting storyline in the fight to save what is left of the human race and showed in his writing how the insanity of war and killing can make even the best of humans become selfish and evil. I wait for the next volume and hope it will be available soon! Great series, awesome characters both make and female, and a wonderfully written and well Paced plot. Keep the awesomeness coming Mr. Greene and we'll done!
September 9, 2020
You don't need to be a fan of the zombie apocalypse genre to enjoy reading End Time and The Breaking. What draws you in is the character development - Agent Steele, his "way better half" Gwen, and Mauser. What's going to happen to them next?
The author gives you a great look inside of the minds of his characters, whether they're government officials, military or counter-terrorism officials, or medical personnel. Easy to read, easy to follow with an excellent level of subject matter knowledge, weapons expertise and drama/action.
I'm also impressed with the author's ability to mix humor and sarcasm into the personalities of his characters - if you can't laugh while you're trying to save the world........it wouldn't be worth it.
Bottom line - great read, great story, and I'm going to want to see Steele, Gwen and Mauser again and again (if they survive......)
PS. Pittsburgh Fans will love the book - you'd expect that Steele ends up eating at Primanti Brothers as he's trying to plan Operation Anaconda.
The author gives you a great look inside of the minds of his characters, whether they're government officials, military or counter-terrorism officials, or medical personnel. Easy to read, easy to follow with an excellent level of subject matter knowledge, weapons expertise and drama/action.
I'm also impressed with the author's ability to mix humor and sarcasm into the personalities of his characters - if you can't laugh while you're trying to save the world........it wouldn't be worth it.
Bottom line - great read, great story, and I'm going to want to see Steele, Gwen and Mauser again and again (if they survive......)
PS. Pittsburgh Fans will love the book - you'd expect that Steele ends up eating at Primanti Brothers as he's trying to plan Operation Anaconda.
January 12, 2018
Great series
Enjoyed reading both books and will continue with the series. However there were times I wanted to scream due to Gwen's reaction to Mark leaving.
Enjoyed reading both books and will continue with the series. However there were times I wanted to scream due to Gwen's reaction to Mark leaving.
May 22, 2017
The Breaking is a wonderful sequel to End Times. It picks up right where the first book left off. The nonstop action make this a quick read I didn't want to put down. More than the End Times, The Breaking addresses society's evolution during an outbreak. This made for a complex story that kept me wondering what would happen next. It's a great book.
One of Greene's strengths is telling a single story through multiple points of view. Each character has his/her own voice and story arc which makes each chapter unique and engaging. Those voices change and evolve as the book advances. I could really feel a sense of impending doom and what it would do to the human in all of us.
I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
One of Greene's strengths is telling a single story through multiple points of view. Each character has his/her own voice and story arc which makes each chapter unique and engaging. Those voices change and evolve as the book advances. I could really feel a sense of impending doom and what it would do to the human in all of us.
I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
May 30, 2017
Mr. Greene didn't mess around at the beginning of this one. There was no slow review or refresher about the action in End Time. Instead it hit the ground running and never looked back. And it was awesome.
This author has the great ability of keeping the energy level high and the fear of dead seem real. The scenes he sets are perfect and the actions of his characters seems natural. I really enjoyed the action with the zombies but the addition of human "bad guys" made this one extremely fun.
This was a very worthy sequel to a great book. In many ways I think it was better, so no pressure on the third book Daniel.
This author has the great ability of keeping the energy level high and the fear of dead seem real. The scenes he sets are perfect and the actions of his characters seems natural. I really enjoyed the action with the zombies but the addition of human "bad guys" made this one extremely fun.
This was a very worthy sequel to a great book. In many ways I think it was better, so no pressure on the third book Daniel.
July 16, 2017
This book did not disappoint!! Just as good, if not better (if that's possible), than the first one. This story is so riveting and exciting and every plot twist is more unexpected and interesting than the last. I'm so invested in the characters that I hated to see this book end. I hope there are a lot of books in this series because I want to walk with these characters for a long time. So excited to see what happens to Steele, Gwen, Kinnick and the rest. I'm also very anxious to see what happens with Mauser. Book 3 can't come soon enough!!
November 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Great plot and sequence of events. The way it all unfolded was actually believable and makes you think. I also liked the way you heard from many of the characters and I was able to see the goings on from different points of view. I cant wait until the next one is ready to read. I'm sure it will be great like the first.
June 26, 2017
Book 2 builds the momentum started in book 1
One of the better written books of this genre with good storylines and character s that you can relate to
One of the better written books of this genre with good storylines and character s that you can relate to
August 23, 2017
Great story Great characters!
I am throughly enjoying this saga. The characters are relatable and the action is terrific! Can't wait for the next adventure!
I am throughly enjoying this saga. The characters are relatable and the action is terrific! Can't wait for the next adventure!
January 2, 2018
Very pleased
Much better plot and characters than usual Z stories. Look forward to series continuing and plot developing as you write.
Much better plot and characters than usual Z stories. Look forward to series continuing and plot developing as you write.
March 14, 2018
Rarely do you find any work of fiction, be it movies, TV spin-offs, or novels that out shine the original. But Daniel Greene has done it! I loved book 1 in this series (The End Time) for it's "slow burn". It artfully established the main characters and how an outbreak of this magnitude would systematically break down civilization. The Breaking is anything but a "slow burn". Expecting the same pacing I started reading this sequel before going to bed thinking I would just check out the first chapter to see where the characters I'd come to love were now. Huge mistake. The Breaking starts off with a gut punch and doesn't stop to let you breathe at all. In a style that reminds me of George R. R. Martin or Tolkein, every chapter ends in a mini-cliff hanger. I found myself reading until 2am, saying to myself, "Ok, I'll just find out how Gwen gets herself out of this situation" or "Well, I gotta find out what happens to Steele or Mauser before I call it a night". The best way I can explain this novel is, once you start, the only good stopping point is at the end.
The Breaking is packed with action and compelling storytelling that it feels almost as if it is two novels in one. The group that I assumed was going to be the “big bad” with a climatic confrontation at the end of the novel had their storyline completed at the halfway point. This surprised me, but in a good way as there was so much more story to tell. The first half of the story focuses on Gwen and Mauser heavily. I really enjoyed diving deeper into these characters and seeing what they were going through. These two are certainly badass survivors! Later in the novel, I found myself blown away by decisions they made. While asking myself why they would do something like this I was reminded of what they had been through already and how those situations would affect someone going forward. This gives us a glimpse into their psyche and leads us to understand a bit more as to why they make the profound choices they do. This is something Daniel Greene does very well. There are no “throw away” moments in either of the books in this series. Minor comments or previous decisions always seem to come back in a big way. Probably the most profound is Agent Steele and his inner struggle between duty and family. In book 1 he fought constantly with those two parts of himself and the choices he made. Going into this book you can still see that struggle and it gets him into trouble.
"The Breaking" is the perfect title for this novel. So many institutions, people, relationships, and ideologies break throughout this novel. These are not the same characters we first met in The End Time. That is what I found so compelling about this novel. The stress, pressure, fear, and uncertainty eventually cause everyone to “break” in one way or another. Those who are inflexible or unable to adapt are destroyed. But those who survive their breakage and learn from it are (in a way) reborn and created anew. That is one reason I am so excited to read book 3 since these are now hardened and determined operators who have made their choices and are ready to fight.
Overall, The Breaking is a must read. If you enjoyed The End Time, you’ll love this one even more. I would say that any fan of post-apocalyptic fiction would thoroughly enjoy this novel. And even though that is true, I wouldn’t limit it to just those fans. The great thing about Daniel Greene books is that he does character studies within a zombie narrative. The zombies are almost secondary to the drama between characters and the edge of your seat action. You really get a sense of how these events would affect real people like us and how an outbreak of this scale would actually look. The subtle moments that lead to huge decisions, cliffhanger chapter endings, and jaw dropping twists were a masterful touch. I could not put this book down and I don’t think you’ll be able to either.
The Breaking is packed with action and compelling storytelling that it feels almost as if it is two novels in one. The group that I assumed was going to be the “big bad” with a climatic confrontation at the end of the novel had their storyline completed at the halfway point. This surprised me, but in a good way as there was so much more story to tell. The first half of the story focuses on Gwen and Mauser heavily. I really enjoyed diving deeper into these characters and seeing what they were going through. These two are certainly badass survivors! Later in the novel, I found myself blown away by decisions they made. While asking myself why they would do something like this I was reminded of what they had been through already and how those situations would affect someone going forward. This gives us a glimpse into their psyche and leads us to understand a bit more as to why they make the profound choices they do. This is something Daniel Greene does very well. There are no “throw away” moments in either of the books in this series. Minor comments or previous decisions always seem to come back in a big way. Probably the most profound is Agent Steele and his inner struggle between duty and family. In book 1 he fought constantly with those two parts of himself and the choices he made. Going into this book you can still see that struggle and it gets him into trouble.
"The Breaking" is the perfect title for this novel. So many institutions, people, relationships, and ideologies break throughout this novel. These are not the same characters we first met in The End Time. That is what I found so compelling about this novel. The stress, pressure, fear, and uncertainty eventually cause everyone to “break” in one way or another. Those who are inflexible or unable to adapt are destroyed. But those who survive their breakage and learn from it are (in a way) reborn and created anew. That is one reason I am so excited to read book 3 since these are now hardened and determined operators who have made their choices and are ready to fight.
Overall, The Breaking is a must read. If you enjoyed The End Time, you’ll love this one even more. I would say that any fan of post-apocalyptic fiction would thoroughly enjoy this novel. And even though that is true, I wouldn’t limit it to just those fans. The great thing about Daniel Greene books is that he does character studies within a zombie narrative. The zombies are almost secondary to the drama between characters and the edge of your seat action. You really get a sense of how these events would affect real people like us and how an outbreak of this scale would actually look. The subtle moments that lead to huge decisions, cliffhanger chapter endings, and jaw dropping twists were a masterful touch. I could not put this book down and I don’t think you’ll be able to either.
March 23, 2019
End Time Saga Continues
This book in the End Time Saga has Steele and his small group searching for Patient Zero. Right from the start they are stopped by West Virginia bootleggers. It appears to the group that Steele is dead after being shot by a hidden bootlegger. The rest of the group are imprisoned by seriously deranged people. Steele finds himself without memory or clothes or any weapons when he comes to after he was shot. He manages to find a farmer to recuperate at and subsequently gains a partner. Steele and Kevin rescue the others. However, the Doc is gone. So they go off searching for him. The status of the remaining military is revealed. The Doc ends up conscripted into the military. More adventures occur for Steele and friends. Each step forward seems to out them back by ten. Every Time they are reunited forces seem to pull them apart again. The goal of finding Patient Zero almost seems unreachable. In the end they are successful but there is quite a cost. The book is definitely a page turner and the reader is really engaged with the band of survivors. The degree of depravity and change depicted in this America is bonechilling. I would highly recommend this novel and series.
This book in the End Time Saga has Steele and his small group searching for Patient Zero. Right from the start they are stopped by West Virginia bootleggers. It appears to the group that Steele is dead after being shot by a hidden bootlegger. The rest of the group are imprisoned by seriously deranged people. Steele finds himself without memory or clothes or any weapons when he comes to after he was shot. He manages to find a farmer to recuperate at and subsequently gains a partner. Steele and Kevin rescue the others. However, the Doc is gone. So they go off searching for him. The status of the remaining military is revealed. The Doc ends up conscripted into the military. More adventures occur for Steele and friends. Each step forward seems to out them back by ten. Every Time they are reunited forces seem to pull them apart again. The goal of finding Patient Zero almost seems unreachable. In the end they are successful but there is quite a cost. The book is definitely a page turner and the reader is really engaged with the band of survivors. The degree of depravity and change depicted in this America is bonechilling. I would highly recommend this novel and series.
August 4, 2019
I wondered why this book was called The Breaking? I'm not sure but I suspect it's because this author had the courage to stress the relationships of lovers and best & trusted friends to the breaking point. There always seem to be logical and compelling reasons for opposing beliefs and decisions. When people cut-from-the-same-cloth are on the opposing sides, the behaviors can become dramatic. This is the underlying dynamic to many of the events and issues experienced in the second segment of this exciting series.
One of the things I like about Daniel Greene's book endings in his series is that they don't feel like cheap "cliff hanger" endings designed solely to compel the reader to buy the next book in the series. Each book finishes satisfactorily while obviously letting you know there's more to come. I personally hate endings where Timmy has just fallen down the Well and we're waiting for Lassie to find Timmy's parents and bring them in time to save Timmy before the water level rises...etc. This isn't one of them.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
One of the things I like about Daniel Greene's book endings in his series is that they don't feel like cheap "cliff hanger" endings designed solely to compel the reader to buy the next book in the series. Each book finishes satisfactorily while obviously letting you know there's more to come. I personally hate endings where Timmy has just fallen down the Well and we're waiting for Lassie to find Timmy's parents and bring them in time to save Timmy before the water level rises...etc. This isn't one of them.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
March 10, 2018
Still BA
Okay. I get that a zombie apocalypse would be a heck of a thing to have to live in. And I get that absolute power corrupts absolutely. And I am well acquainted with the fact that the men and women who serve our country do so at great cost, and they do so carrying the weight of the cost for the orders they carry out. I know that. I clarify that PTSD is very real and absolutely horrible. I cannot even begin to imagine how devastating a scenario would be for soldiers and Marines such as Colonel Jackson and troops. I don't do reviews with spoilers. So, carefully wording this... I don't believe for even one second that 900 service members would go there. I don't even believe 9 would. Call Me naive if you will but I don't believe that a certain character would either.
Okay. I get that a zombie apocalypse would be a heck of a thing to have to live in. And I get that absolute power corrupts absolutely. And I am well acquainted with the fact that the men and women who serve our country do so at great cost, and they do so carrying the weight of the cost for the orders they carry out. I know that. I clarify that PTSD is very real and absolutely horrible. I cannot even begin to imagine how devastating a scenario would be for soldiers and Marines such as Colonel Jackson and troops. I don't do reviews with spoilers. So, carefully wording this... I don't believe for even one second that 900 service members would go there. I don't even believe 9 would. Call Me naive if you will but I don't believe that a certain character would either.
February 9, 2023
Oooh I had to take a break after this one, in like the last hour of the book there is a betrayal that messed me UP, considering it was done by my favorite character of rhese first two books. I want to keep going but I was too mad to jump right I to the next book. I hope my character is in the next book but I have a feeling I am not going to be too happy with the final outcome. I understand the characters are in over the top stressful circumstances bit I feel that the choice my character made was a bit too 180 from their character thus far in two books. At the same time, all thay stress can make people make bad decisions.
June 20, 2018
Second down can’t wait to start the third!
I loved this book as I did the first one. It again left me breathless with excitement and anticipation. As stated in previous reviews I read to immerse myself in the story, not to pick apart inaccuracies (not saying there are any or not, I don’t know!). The only reason for four stars is the girlfriend Gwen got on my last good nerve and it was hard to read her sections. Jeez, your boyfriend is saving the damn world, get over yourself! Pissed me off lol!
I loved this book as I did the first one. It again left me breathless with excitement and anticipation. As stated in previous reviews I read to immerse myself in the story, not to pick apart inaccuracies (not saying there are any or not, I don’t know!). The only reason for four stars is the girlfriend Gwen got on my last good nerve and it was hard to read her sections. Jeez, your boyfriend is saving the damn world, get over yourself! Pissed me off lol!
November 27, 2018
This remains a very good zombie series and this book added to it substantially. The writing is good with not a lot of errors. My main issues that I have are that Gwen seems to be such a problem in that she does not work well with others and her perceived need to not be dependent on men, creates issues that endangers herself and others. I also don't think that the military would become so predatory (Colonel Jackson's group) so quickly. This story is fairly harrowing (which this kind of event would be) and I have, thus, decided that I would not really want to survive a zombie apocalypse.
March 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out this book was set in Pittsburgh. However, my one pet peeve was the author calling the Ft. Pitt Tunnel the Ft. Penn Tunnel. Other than that, I thought it was a quick read/listen, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 9, 2019
Fantastic story
This book was thrilling and exciting from the first page to the last. I never knew what was going to happen next and it kept me that way till the end. Onto the next book in the series to see where it will take me in this adventure.
This book was thrilling and exciting from the first page to the last. I never knew what was going to happen next and it kept me that way till the end. Onto the next book in the series to see where it will take me in this adventure.
January 10, 2019
Continuing another saga about zombies, but we are not calling them zombies anymore. They are just the undead, but it is a bit of a different storyline. I do enjoy the main characters and the traitor gets his due. Still a fun read.
October 14, 2022
A solid zombie novel. Good pacing and character development mixed with the blood and gore expected from the genre. I appreciate that the author gives good technical information about weaponry and the like without bogging down the pace of the read. Excited to see where this series goes!
February 27, 2018
Action packed and fast-paced.I was on the edge of my seat. Couldn't stop reading it, had to see what was around the bend. Zombie dystopian readers will enjoy this series.
May 6, 2018
Good Book
Different plot then a lot of the zom-poc books I’ve read. I think book one was better but still really looking forward to next one in series.
Different plot then a lot of the zom-poc books I’ve read. I think book one was better but still really looking forward to next one in series.
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