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The Morgan Strain #1
Point Of Transmission
One little hiccup with human experimentation will lead to our demise… A deadly virus has been unleashed. A virus so vicious that it reduces the infected to a terrifying version of themselves that could lead to the end of our race as we know it. Elaina has been identified as the point of transmission and the reason for the chaos and havoc. She created the virus and let it out. Now, more than just the infected would like to see her head served up on a platter. When havoc unfolds in the city, law enforcement officer Alec is involved in an accidental shooting. Put on paid leave, he bitterly lays low during the madness until he’s called back to help control the alarming spread of the virus, while hoping to put an end to the person responsible for the virus and his near-shattered career. Elaina is trying to stay under the radar too, but she can’t hide forever. She has to help stop this and come up with a cure before it’s too late. When Alec and Elaina cross paths, they’ll have to decide what’s more important… revenge, redemption, or survival.
- GenresZombies
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2017
93 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Max Lockwood
17 books19 followersMax Lockwood writes suspenseful, post-apocalyptic thriller and dystopian fiction while living in New York.
Growing up with parents who were preppers and always planning for the worst, but hoping for the best, got him interested in writing in the first place. “What would happen if the world were to change?” is something he asked himself his whole life. Until one day he decided to put it down on paper.
His stories will have you reading on the edge of your seats…you have been warned!
Growing up with parents who were preppers and always planning for the worst, but hoping for the best, got him interested in writing in the first place. “What would happen if the world were to change?” is something he asked himself his whole life. Until one day he decided to put it down on paper.
His stories will have you reading on the edge of your seats…you have been warned!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2024
I listened to this Audible all at once 🤣 zombie slaying, awesome read! Can't wait to listen to the rest! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 3, 2025
A bit young, has holes for an apocalyptic story, but good. Has cliff hangers which kept me interested.
December 20, 2017
A YA/Female Driven 28 Days Later
3.5 out of 5 stars
In my title of this review I said it was a YA/Female Driven 28 Days Later, let me explain that a little. First, the easy part. It’s a lot like 28 Days Later. The virus that was released is a “rage virus” and the people are pretty calm until provoked (or they know that you are there). There weren’t as many of them (or seemingly so) as in the movie(s) but they seemed to attack with a similar ferocity. The YA and female-driven part was the fact that the story is told from a young females perspective. Not quite YA (except for the 17-year-old who I won’t name) but close enough to feel that way. It almost had a little feel of “Girl With All The Gifts” too but in a different way form that storyline.
The story itself was good but was slightly unbelievable. Some things went together a little too well. The characters gelled and trusted a little too easily and the hasty modifications to the virus (all three times they were mentioned) bugged me a bit. The science in this was lacking, but I don’t think that Lockwood was trying to write a “sciencey” (what I would call a Bio-Thriller) tale, but more set the stage for the virus and its spread across Seattle and more.
Elaina was an interesting character. Someone who people probably wouldn’t like outside of the circumstances that she was thrown in and (of course) the odds were stacked against here her — she was surprisingly likable. Sure, there were parts where I thought ‘oh you’re so naive’, but I know that Lockwood threw those curveballs in to make sure she didn’t seem too mature or old.
I would consider the virus itself one of the main characters, and I thought that it was better than some but not overly original. I like that it just didn’t say “zombie” or that the people weren’t instantly sick/dead/killing other people. I also liked that Lockwood tried to explain how it got out and how it spread. I assume that some of the other details around the virus (and its spread) were kept from this book to make the other books more mysterious. Upon finishing this story I can tell that Lockwood has more in store for the three main characters.
Overall, a good starting book that was a little rough around the edges. I had some issues with it but I’ve read a lot of books in both genres I would put this in and it missed just slightly on both. But, with that said, I did enjoy reading it and I do want to know what happens to the characters, so that says a lot about its potential.
The narration done by Chris Andrew Ciulla was good. I had no issues with it and I felt that he was able to move the story along nicely. I did enjoy listening to it partially because of his narration.
3.5 out of 5 stars
In my title of this review I said it was a YA/Female Driven 28 Days Later, let me explain that a little. First, the easy part. It’s a lot like 28 Days Later. The virus that was released is a “rage virus” and the people are pretty calm until provoked (or they know that you are there). There weren’t as many of them (or seemingly so) as in the movie(s) but they seemed to attack with a similar ferocity. The YA and female-driven part was the fact that the story is told from a young females perspective. Not quite YA (except for the 17-year-old who I won’t name) but close enough to feel that way. It almost had a little feel of “Girl With All The Gifts” too but in a different way form that storyline.
The story itself was good but was slightly unbelievable. Some things went together a little too well. The characters gelled and trusted a little too easily and the hasty modifications to the virus (all three times they were mentioned) bugged me a bit. The science in this was lacking, but I don’t think that Lockwood was trying to write a “sciencey” (what I would call a Bio-Thriller) tale, but more set the stage for the virus and its spread across Seattle and more.
Elaina was an interesting character. Someone who people probably wouldn’t like outside of the circumstances that she was thrown in and (of course) the odds were stacked against here her — she was surprisingly likable. Sure, there were parts where I thought ‘oh you’re so naive’, but I know that Lockwood threw those curveballs in to make sure she didn’t seem too mature or old.
I would consider the virus itself one of the main characters, and I thought that it was better than some but not overly original. I like that it just didn’t say “zombie” or that the people weren’t instantly sick/dead/killing other people. I also liked that Lockwood tried to explain how it got out and how it spread. I assume that some of the other details around the virus (and its spread) were kept from this book to make the other books more mysterious. Upon finishing this story I can tell that Lockwood has more in store for the three main characters.
Overall, a good starting book that was a little rough around the edges. I had some issues with it but I’ve read a lot of books in both genres I would put this in and it missed just slightly on both. But, with that said, I did enjoy reading it and I do want to know what happens to the characters, so that says a lot about its potential.
The narration done by Chris Andrew Ciulla was good. I had no issues with it and I felt that he was able to move the story along nicely. I did enjoy listening to it partially because of his narration.
August 4, 2017
A complimentary ARC was provided to this reviewer for an honest, unbiased review.
Imagine the world is collapsing, people dying everywhere you look, and you are being blamed for all of it. That's the dilemma for Elaina Morgan, a brilliant young scientist. Without her knowledge, someone has stolen a virus she created, mutated it clumsily, and accidentally released it upon the population.
Now Elaina must not only survive the apocalypse, she must find the origin of the plague and develop a cure -- all while avoiding the police and the military who want to arrest her. Soon she will be on the run with two unlikely allies from the streets, and together they will try to save themselves and the world.
Max Lockwood has written a real page turner, a can't-sleep-till-I-finish novel that ticks all the emotional and science-fiction boxes for dystopia lovers.
Our heroine makes some progress, but all is not resolved in this book, the first of a series. No, expect a cliffhanger that leaves you eagerly anticipating book two.
This book contains little to no profane language, and the characters are so busy surviving that nobody has any time for raunchy, explicit sex (Yay!), so the novel is appropriate for all readers of any age.
Imagine the world is collapsing, people dying everywhere you look, and you are being blamed for all of it. That's the dilemma for Elaina Morgan, a brilliant young scientist. Without her knowledge, someone has stolen a virus she created, mutated it clumsily, and accidentally released it upon the population.
Now Elaina must not only survive the apocalypse, she must find the origin of the plague and develop a cure -- all while avoiding the police and the military who want to arrest her. Soon she will be on the run with two unlikely allies from the streets, and together they will try to save themselves and the world.
Max Lockwood has written a real page turner, a can't-sleep-till-I-finish novel that ticks all the emotional and science-fiction boxes for dystopia lovers.
Our heroine makes some progress, but all is not resolved in this book, the first of a series. No, expect a cliffhanger that leaves you eagerly anticipating book two.
This book contains little to no profane language, and the characters are so busy surviving that nobody has any time for raunchy, explicit sex (Yay!), so the novel is appropriate for all readers of any age.
August 18, 2017
Great story line
So I am really torn about my rating for this book. I love anything to do with the end of the world and post apocalyptic settings, and of course are a big thing with me. I wanted to give this book an automatic five star rating just for that. Especially because I found this book really enjoyable and I devoured it in one sitting.
But I can't give it five star. I absolutely hate how Elaine Morgan was described as this beautiful and desirable person who is also like a genius. I get sick of seeing those types of characters over and over again. I could see the beginnings of an instant attraction, but was glad to see nothing really come off it. The characters interactions seemed a little off to me. But eh, that was too big of a deal I suppose. I absolutely hate that it ended on a cliffhanger!!! I wanted more; I wanted to know what happened. I got invested in the story and that ending wasn't enough!
Despite the ending and the almost insta-love and my dislike of almost too perfect main characters, I really enjoyed this book. 3 1/2 to 4 stars. I would read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for an ARC.
So I am really torn about my rating for this book. I love anything to do with the end of the world and post apocalyptic settings, and of course are a big thing with me. I wanted to give this book an automatic five star rating just for that. Especially because I found this book really enjoyable and I devoured it in one sitting.
But I can't give it five star. I absolutely hate how Elaine Morgan was described as this beautiful and desirable person who is also like a genius. I get sick of seeing those types of characters over and over again. I could see the beginnings of an instant attraction, but was glad to see nothing really come off it. The characters interactions seemed a little off to me. But eh, that was too big of a deal I suppose. I absolutely hate that it ended on a cliffhanger!!! I wanted more; I wanted to know what happened. I got invested in the story and that ending wasn't enough!
Despite the ending and the almost insta-love and my dislike of almost too perfect main characters, I really enjoyed this book. 3 1/2 to 4 stars. I would read the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for an ARC.
August 13, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book and I liked the storyline. Not the usually post apocalyptic book. I feel like the book was a little slow but still good. Definitely picked up at the end of the book! Great cliffhanger at the end. What will she do....
The author did a good job world building and character building. Being able to connect with the character is huge and the author did a great job with that. I can't imagine being blamed for something you didn't do and then having a raging psycho trying to come in and save the day. Yikes!
Can't wait for book 2.
I liked this book and I liked the storyline. Not the usually post apocalyptic book. I feel like the book was a little slow but still good. Definitely picked up at the end of the book! Great cliffhanger at the end. What will she do....
The author did a good job world building and character building. Being able to connect with the character is huge and the author did a great job with that. I can't imagine being blamed for something you didn't do and then having a raging psycho trying to come in and save the day. Yikes!
Can't wait for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
So this was another find on the audible plus catalogue and I have binge listened to the entire series (before writing reviews so it may impact on it). This was my first exposure to the author and narrator and I really enjoyed it. It was interesting that this was written pre pandemic - thank goodness it wasnt like this.
The characters are developed and come along well - would have liked more re the 'evil one' being careful of spoilers.
This story is what I call a 'clean' book in this genre - it is an easy read and something that I can listen to on my alexa devices with no fear of my young adults judging me.
As I really enjoyed book 1 went onto book 2 which brings the character development more on.
The characters are developed and come along well - would have liked more re the 'evil one' being careful of spoilers.
This story is what I call a 'clean' book in this genre - it is an easy read and something that I can listen to on my alexa devices with no fear of my young adults judging me.
As I really enjoyed book 1 went onto book 2 which brings the character development more on.
August 19, 2017
Solid 4.5 star
Thoroughly enjoyably read and can't wait to read the next book in the series. The pace of the book is great and there is enough going on the keeps reading without being to overdone. The characters are well developed and real so you really connect with them. There are some great surprises as well as twists and suspense. I look forward to reading more books by Max Lockwood.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Thoroughly enjoyably read and can't wait to read the next book in the series. The pace of the book is great and there is enough going on the keeps reading without being to overdone. The characters are well developed and real so you really connect with them. There are some great surprises as well as twists and suspense. I look forward to reading more books by Max Lockwood.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 12, 2018
Not my usual sort of book but the ending did leave me wanting more! I do not usually read post apocalyptic tales and this one started off slowly but once i got into it i found that i was actually enjoying it!
Without trying to spoil things for others, I really hope that Dr Vincent gets his comeuppance and soon!
The characters are developing nicely and I look forward to the continuation of this tale - I do want to know what happens next!
I highly recommend this!
Without trying to spoil things for others, I really hope that Dr Vincent gets his comeuppance and soon!
The characters are developing nicely and I look forward to the continuation of this tale - I do want to know what happens next!
I highly recommend this!
October 20, 2018
POINT OF TRANSMISSION
A good book that's got a few new ideas to kick around. Characters that I liked, and a plot that stuck in my head till I finished reading the book. Plus I was happy to see a book 2 waiting for me! The book has a very not so nice guy, and some really good people. 📚
A good book that's got a few new ideas to kick around. Characters that I liked, and a plot that stuck in my head till I finished reading the book. Plus I was happy to see a book 2 waiting for me! The book has a very not so nice guy, and some really good people. 📚
August 15, 2017
I like the concept of a virus that changes a person mental state. This is a believable event, but there is something about the telling of the story that didn't really click with me. Overall still a decent read that may leave you waiting for the next book. There is more coming, right?
August 24, 2017
Point Of Transmission
Greed and unfulfilled dreams turns Seattle into a war zone how will anybody survive
The main characters are great and they leave you wanting to know what will happen next
"I Voluntary state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
Greed and unfulfilled dreams turns Seattle into a war zone how will anybody survive
The main characters are great and they leave you wanting to know what will happen next
"I Voluntary state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
December 22, 2019
I am on a bit of an end of the world, zombie book kick lately for my own reads in between book club reads and even though I did enjoy this one and will continue to read the rest, it just wasn’t my favourite, but was okay.
August 9, 2017
Damn
Just when it was getting good. 4 stars for the story until the cliffhanger. The story could have easily gone on longer. Wait for the next I guess.
Just when it was getting good. 4 stars for the story until the cliffhanger. The story could have easily gone on longer. Wait for the next I guess.
February 2, 2019
Really good storyline !
August 12, 2019
Simple. If you like authors such as Frank Herbert or Douglas Adams, this book will be an easy read. Will read the second one - hope it is better.
September 4, 2020
Boring. Not memorable.
August 2, 2017
Point of Transmission
Max Lockwood
Wow if you love stories like this, your in for a treat peeps. This has it all minus the zombies ripping into bodies to get brains and flesh.
Elaine Morgan is a doctor that studies Virology. She was working on a strain of virus she that she named the Morgan strain. It's intent and purpose was a secret that she was working on. What has been released onto the world is nothing short of a nightmare. A nightmare that she is blamed for doing. That is why she is on the run from everyone including the government. Who she no doubt will not listen to at all about the mutated virus strain. She knows that she didn't release. But if she didn't release it l, who did and why?
Max Lockwood
Wow if you love stories like this, your in for a treat peeps. This has it all minus the zombies ripping into bodies to get brains and flesh.
Elaine Morgan is a doctor that studies Virology. She was working on a strain of virus she that she named the Morgan strain. It's intent and purpose was a secret that she was working on. What has been released onto the world is nothing short of a nightmare. A nightmare that she is blamed for doing. That is why she is on the run from everyone including the government. Who she no doubt will not listen to at all about the mutated virus strain. She knows that she didn't release. But if she didn't release it l, who did and why?
Read
August 14, 2017This book was good, but I am not going to leave a review on it because it had a cliffhanger. Nowhere did I see it advertised and it left me on a bit of a sour note. If you don't mind cliffhangers, I would give this about a 4. With the cliffhanger though, it does not give me the resolution I need.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews