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Shifter Squad #2

Zombie King

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Lexi Levine's life changed forever the night she became a werewolf. She was only meant to be a temporary addition to the Shifter Squad, but at barely eighteen, she is now a permanent member of the team.

Well used to facing danger, none of the squad is prepared to meet Lexi's father. Major Philip Levine is a sniper with unparalleled skills. He has returned from his overseas mission to seek answers. Even Lexi isn't sure how he will react when he meets the squad for the first time.

Still coming to terms with her new role as a shifter, she is in denial about the mysterious link that has sprung up between her and Agent Reece Garrett. She hopes in vain that if she pretends that it doesn't exist, it will just go away.

If the team manages to survive her father’s anger, they must then face an even bigger threat. A voodoo practitioner has been raising corpses in New Orleans and the Shifter Squad has been ordered to investigate. If they fail to stop the man who calls himself the Zombie King, his undead minions will soon overrun the city.

Unknown Binding

First published January 5, 2015

59 people are currently reading
231 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Diem

117 books300 followers
I began reading horror and paranormal books when most girls my age were still reading fairy stories. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to write stories that readers could become lost in.

The Mortis, Shifter Squad, Hellscourge and Fate's Warriors series are connected, but can be read as stand alone series. The overarching theme about Fate's chosen champions will come to an end with my fifth series; Loki's Exile.

My sixth series, Hunter Elite, begins a new saga with the seventh series, Half Fae Hunter, as a spin off.

Send me an email at subscribe@jcdiem.com if you would like to receive updates about pre-orders and new releases.

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5 stars
489 (40%)
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448 (36%)
3 stars
219 (17%)
2 stars
48 (3%)
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18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,137 reviews194 followers
July 6, 2019
I don't know what is so special about this book but I sincerely love it!

It's not like it's the best thing I have ever read but I feel myself being pulled into the story and never want to leave. Crazy? Yeah, I know. But it has that affect on me. The writing is captivating and the plot is interesting, just a little woozy at times.

I am still not the biggest fan of Lexi, but I simply HAVE to know about her. At times she feels a little immature, BUT she is only 18, so I guess I will let that slide and see how she will develop.

Reece is a hunk! And I simply adore Kala !

Will I recommend?

Yes, if you are into supernatural books and you don't want it to be too "heavy", this might just be it.
Profile Image for Holly.
333 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2015
Sigh, so once again I liked the overall story, the supernatural elements, mystery and action were all well done. BUT, her mental immaturity is honestly starting to grate on me. Is she really that dense and insecure?! I just thought she would gain some insight but I didnt really feel like she grew as much as she should have over the course of this book. The other characters grew and we get more insight into them, but she is just a little too, I guess just plain immature. I do plan on reading the next book anyway, want to see what happens with all the characters, but am holding out hope that she grows a bit and figures some obvious stuff out. Maybe Ill check out some other series by this same other since they might be more geared towards adults.
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,235 reviews60 followers
November 30, 2018
The second book in the Shifter Squad series begins with Lexi's dad paying a visit because she is now a werewolf. And not only that but things between Lexi and Reese are getting a little crazy as well. Her crush has turned into more, and she feels that he doesn't like her at all. And now they have to worry about these strange "Zombies" that are attacking people. Lexi and her friends must work together in order to save the city and figure out what's going on with Lexi.

This one was good as well. The only bad thing in this was how Lexi was a lot more emotional. I liked the first one where she could turn off her emotions a lot, but in this one it seemed really hard for her to do. But I loved the storyline of this one, and all the new things we learned about Lexi, and her new friends. I especially loved things between Lexi and Reese. However, I wish more would start to happen between them, I was a little bit frustrated with the way things went towards the end between these two. But I'm hoping it gets better in the next book. I really love this series, and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,229 reviews11 followers
August 20, 2015
Amazing Installment

The author did an amazing installment to the first novel. The new twists and turns, more than enough action, and the constant struggle for love between Reece and Lex was definitely a page turner. Let's add in the long line of family lies and bam you have yourself a killer story that makes you NEED to know what's going to happen next. I am slightly irritated with Reece though. He just needs to grow some and admit how he truly feels. If they would just communicate instead of assume, their confusing romance and lust for one another would be so easier to deal with. Regardless I did like this one much better than the first. Also much less errors on editing.
Profile Image for Jamie.
166 reviews34 followers
February 5, 2015
The only problem I have with this series is that the main problem is kind of solved too quickly. Or at least I feel like it did. Like everything leading up to the end of the bad guy was good, but I just felt like it was too simple.

I don't know, I might be biased because most of the books I read drag the problem on for like three books, so I guess it's a good thing there's a new villain every book. I don't really have an issue with it. Like, it's not enough of a problem for me to be taking away a star because I feel like the book overall was still awesome.

All I know is that I want Lex and Reese to fucking be together and that I'll definitely be reading the next one. (:
Profile Image for Country Goose.
1,131 reviews12 followers
August 25, 2015
Cliffhangers!

Just the same style as the first novel, Zombie King drags out everything, but stays entertaining the entire way through. At first I hated Alexis, but she is growing on me. The tension between Alexis and Reese is still there, and they are still having the same old confrontation: he's not with me because he wants to be. If I don't get some change in their relationship, I am giving up on the series.

I didn't really get a great sense of closure with the villains, but I'm satisfied. The cop situation should have been given a different approach, I think.

J.C. excels in writing good copouts.
Profile Image for Poetic Puppy.
312 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2017
Now an official member of the team, Lexi has a few new skills to learn, unfortunately for her Reece is going to be one of her trainers. While the pair is still doing their best to ignore what happened between them, fate it seems has other ideas when a new threat rises that requires the squads attention.

I’m going to get my only real negative comment about Zombie King out of the way before we begin and that is that the start is a little too repetitive for me. I understand that sometimes important facts need to be reiterated when we follow a series through but you shouldn’t need to summarise the entire plot so far. The recap was a little too lengthy for me and seemed unnecessarily thorough. I was there. I read book one. I don’t need a play by play to remember what I just read.

With that out of the way I can concentrate on what I did like about the book and the fact that the second book was easier to get into; like with most series, we already know a bit about the characters and the world they live in so it’s a little like coming home when the story continues. As the book goes on we learn a little more about Lexi and her mysterious bite mark. Lexi’s age shows in the way she approaches the bond with Reece and while it’s frustrating (for me at least because I want them to talk it out) it’s understandable that the quiet, loner might not be comfortable confronting her crush. Lexi and Reece don’t have an easy romance but then I guess things would be a little dull if they managed to work everything out in book two now wouldn’t it. In some ways it’s kind of sweet watching as Lexi bonds with the squad and begins to understand what it means to have real friends. Kala is her usual loveable self and it’s clear to see that the girls have a true connection with one another. Flynn, while quieter and a little more reserved, also seems to be protective of Lexi but their friendship is much more understated. Surprising us and the team, Flynn also proves himself to be a bit of a strategist and has the uncanny ability to be able to get into the mind of their target and guess what they’re next move might be. Reece is as standoffish as always but the bond is starting to play a little on his protective nature; much to Lexi’s annoyance. Hands down, though my favourite scene is one that revolves around Reece and Lexi, as she comes to his rescue in the graveyard in a most unique and shocking way. Their bond isn’t like anything I’ve read about before, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it progresses as the series continues.

My favourite quote:
(Reece) “You have a bad habit of pointing your gun at my face,” he said evenly.
(Lexi) “You have a bad habit of making me want to shoot you,” I countered.
Profile Image for Shannon Heck.
695 reviews
July 21, 2018
Can Lexington please get smarter?

This book was similar to the first. It was fast paced and the characters are always on the move. Exciting, but this type of book has no room for character development. Lexi acts like a dumb teenager, who keeps making the same stupid mistakes. She needs to get a clue. I can't believe there are so many books in this series. I am willing to possibly read one more book but if Lexington doesn't get smarter and make some progress in her relationship with Reece, I'm done.
Profile Image for Claudia.
87 reviews
July 4, 2023
I'm actually enjoying this a lot, which is surprising as it's slow- going and sometimes quite juvenile. I just wish the miscommunication trope would die already. The fact that Lexi never tells anyone anything that happens to her drives me UP THE WALL. As other commenters have mentioned, I would really love to see some character development and growth from the main character.

I don't know if it's quite a 4, but it's more than a 3, so in the absence of half stars I'll err towards 4. There's some good writing here and some good tension, but the plotting is a little weak.
32 reviews
August 8, 2017
It's okay but juvenile

I enjoyed the first book but I found this book to be irksome. It is the same old theme of the lead female who seems to be strong and capable but makes poor decisions and everybody has to take care of her. I find this theme is frustrating since this series is obviously written for a YA audience. The plot of this book was an agonizing slow crawl. I will not be reading anymore of this series or from this author.
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2017
What a really good read. This book draws you in, then leaves you hanging. I love the mix of paranormal and crime. It is a little basic at times and does get a little stuck when the immaturity of our mc rears it’s head. Lexi is slowly growing on me - she can be a little painful though. Hopefully she develops more in the next book.
344 reviews10 followers
October 8, 2017
Good

This is a very good book. Full of action, friendships, mystery, magic, shifters and love. The story line is great and the characters are strong . So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
Profile Image for Lena.
716 reviews11 followers
February 11, 2021
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It started keeping my attention about halfway through. I enjoyed it enough to probably pick up the next one in the series.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books572 followers
July 28, 2016
I really enjoyed book one and was excited to start book two, Zombie King. Once again, the reader is in the first -person narrative of Lexi. This is great, except we know stuff she has forgotten, so it can be confusing when incidents happen afterward and we, the readers, must keep track of what we know that Lexi doesn't. This narrative also takes out some of the suspense. While I liked the story, there wasn't substantial character development-- which is not to say there wasn't more of the back-and-forth romance attempts between Lexi and Reece. Again, I was disappointed the writer chose to make their liaison 'forced' circumstances rather than letting them resolve some of their issues. This may be the last book for me. I over-looked the reluctant sex scenes in book one, but if book two indicates a trend, I'm not willing to stick with the series.
Profile Image for India.
Author 14 books97 followers
September 2, 2015
This book is more than your average supernatural romance. The paranormal world interacts without the majority of humans, even knowing it exists. The dynamics between the werewolves and the other shifters evolve into something new and exciting.
Zombie King is the second book in the series Shifter Squad and is based in New Orleans. As the title suggests the enemy is the undead. Lexie and her PIA team have enough to deal with; an ambitious Bokor, a horde of hungry zombies that seem intent on eating human flesh, not to mention their weird fixation with Lexie, but also a strange presence in the mist that keeps calling to her. Things become even more complicated with her relationship with Reece, leaving them confused about their role in each other’s lives.
Profile Image for Jessica.
949 reviews14 followers
September 24, 2017
Daddy dearest is fucking mad as hell. He comes into this book in person and is such a great father. Lexi has turned into a werewolf by Reese in the last book all on pure accident...or so it. This book continues right after the first and on the team is going to New Orleans to stop the Zombie King... Stupid name is all I have to say. I love each character in my own way. I really like Flynn, great guy, hot within my mind and just as sweet. Reese the bad boy of the group is an idiot but I still like him. Lexi is just marvellous within this book. She finds out that she has a different power too. One that she never wanted.


Just read the whole series its Marvellous!
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews134 followers
May 7, 2017
Walk carefully through that boneyard...

I like the characters and the way they interact with each other. It seems the style of writing handles a lot of stuff [or story line] for the reader to follow. I'm not sure one book should try to manage that many different story threads and try to manage a smooth conclusion. I'm getting a little tired [spoiler alert] of making the main characters have sex to [save] them. It is getting old...life or death sex is not sexy.
Profile Image for Gia.
338 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2015
A definite improvement on book 1 so, 3.5!

I do find Lexie juvenile in not only her actions but also in her thinking at times and I also saw the twist at the coming, like literally a mile off.

But despite all this I did find this to be an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to book number three!
Profile Image for Gwen.
346 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2015
Still going strong

I thought it was better than the first book. So we find out the consequences of the last psychics order. I like how Lexi is taking the information in and trying to make sense of it for herself. We learn quite a bit of lore this book. Still don't like Reese. He really needs to step up a be honest. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for Alan.
143 reviews
May 11, 2015
This is book two and things are picking up very quick with Lexi having to deal with now understanding that she is a werewolf and how she adapts to that knowledge. As the name of the book suggests; there be Zombies in this book. I like how the author has put a new twist on Zombies. Another great new series to read for those interested in this genre.
Profile Image for Olivia.
549 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2020
Loved it

Absolutely love this book, just bought the next one. All the characters make you love them. Though I will admit wanting to get in the book and strangle garett, it can't be that hard to say I like you.
Profile Image for Stevie.
811 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2016
I bought this without a second thought since book one was a CH. I enjoy the author's story telling and I am intrigued with the characters and the kindling romance. I also love the fact that this series has so many books. Not sure if its for all, but for me, I'm pretty much hooked
Profile Image for SJ.
2,364 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2022
Continuing on from book one but with a new case it’s all hands on deck in Nee Orleans. As well as dealing with her new life and the case, Alexis finds herself having to deal with other strange things happening to her. Well written with an interesting storyline I am looking forward to book three
8 reviews
June 21, 2015
Amazing

Slow at time but this is a fantastic series. The price is a little iffy but the material is definitely worth it.
Profile Image for Silvia.
358 reviews
August 8, 2015
Better than Book 1
Enjoyed this but.....
A) I wish Lexi would grow up a little
B) Lexi and Reece would finally get together properly

I will read book 3
Profile Image for Mo.
350 reviews25 followers
August 30, 2015
Lexi and Reece have incredible chemistry. This book is more detailed than the first and keeps my attention enough to want to continue the series. She's special but doesn't know why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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