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Life of the Dead #3
The Ark
They survived the zombie apocalypse, but that might be the least of their problems… After discovering The Ark, a mysterious island compound founded by Ramey's father, Wim and his companions soon realize that it's not the Utopia they'd imagined and find themselves oppressed by the brutal and often bizarre leadership. With threats mounting both within and outside the walls, Wim and Ramey's relationship becomes strained, even as the mystery regarding the undead deepens. Wim questions whether safety and companionship is worth such sacrifice. Can Wim and Ramey salvage what's left of their lives, and find where they truly belong? Or will the dead take over and triumph at last? The Ark is the third in an undead saga of post-apocalyptic zombie novels. If you enjoy fascinating characters and nail-biting action, then you'll love this gory tale. Get it today and find out what happens when you're pushed to your limits.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2017
520 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Tony Urban
66 books205 followersA professional photographer, writer and fan of general weirdness (both real and imagined), Tony has traveled tens of thousands of miles seeking out everything from haunted locations, UFO crash sites and monsters like Bigfoot and the Mothman. In a previous life, he worked in the independent movie industry but he finds his current career much more exciting.
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 4, 2019
This edition is exceptionally graphic. I enjoy the no-holds-barred books, and thought this one was excellent in both thrills/action and character development.
May 6, 2020
The market for post-apocalyptic literature is flooded these days, and with a pandemic currently sequestering us all, we have more time to see what's available. Take your pick: EMPs, nukes, aliens, viruses, and of course..ZOMBIES.
Tony Urban has churned out a 5-book series of pulp gore and mayhem that satisfies our insatiable thirst for carnage, blood and guts. There is graphic violence of some sort on nearly every page. He doesn't bother to weigh his narrative down with things like wordy dialogue, unnecessary character exposition or in-depth world building. This obviously expedites the reading process, but ultimately leaves us feeling a bit cheated, like we're getting the Cliff Notes version, or the abridged short story version of what could easily have been a lengthier and more engaging novel. The first book in the series was more difficult to follow, as characters were piled on one after the other, each getting a 7-10 page chapter (if that) and then, boom, on to the next character, just jumping right in and good luck remembering which one this is, or where, or when.
Thankfully now that a few characters have been either ceremoniously dispatched or unsatisfyingly put down, the books have been able to slow down and focus on whole groups. The story and characters get to marinate a bit longer before getting tossed back into the inexorable fire again. These are page turners, to be sure. You'll plow through the 250-300 pages of each book like a hot machete through rotted flesh, hungry for the next installment.
I do have one caveat. These books are in desperate need of a diligent editor. Spelling and grammar mistakes abound ("then" instead of "than", "to" instead of "too", really?) If you lack a discerning eye for grammatical correctness, then you will be unfazed; however, if you spot every glaring mistake, it momentarily takes you out of the story. But hey, with all the violence on each page, it's only fitting (and fair) that English grammar gets butchered too. :)
Tony Urban has churned out a 5-book series of pulp gore and mayhem that satisfies our insatiable thirst for carnage, blood and guts. There is graphic violence of some sort on nearly every page. He doesn't bother to weigh his narrative down with things like wordy dialogue, unnecessary character exposition or in-depth world building. This obviously expedites the reading process, but ultimately leaves us feeling a bit cheated, like we're getting the Cliff Notes version, or the abridged short story version of what could easily have been a lengthier and more engaging novel. The first book in the series was more difficult to follow, as characters were piled on one after the other, each getting a 7-10 page chapter (if that) and then, boom, on to the next character, just jumping right in and good luck remembering which one this is, or where, or when.
Thankfully now that a few characters have been either ceremoniously dispatched or unsatisfyingly put down, the books have been able to slow down and focus on whole groups. The story and characters get to marinate a bit longer before getting tossed back into the inexorable fire again. These are page turners, to be sure. You'll plow through the 250-300 pages of each book like a hot machete through rotted flesh, hungry for the next installment.
I do have one caveat. These books are in desperate need of a diligent editor. Spelling and grammar mistakes abound ("then" instead of "than", "to" instead of "too", really?) If you lack a discerning eye for grammatical correctness, then you will be unfazed; however, if you spot every glaring mistake, it momentarily takes you out of the story. But hey, with all the violence on each page, it's only fitting (and fair) that English grammar gets butchered too. :)
July 9, 2018
The action ramps up considerably in this book as many of the characters collide in an all out battle for control.
The writing continues to be good but there is a feeling that a lot of the story has come from the TV shows ZNation and The Walking Dead, what with the collecting of Zombies in trailers, attacking of an island that houses many people who aren't aware that the person in control is a maniac though this one is even more so when you discover why.
The editing has also slipped quite a bit in this third installment though overall, it doesn't detract from the story too much even if it does seem familiar. The biggest difference in this series compared to TWD is that lot of people do die, including many of the characters that you started out with, some through accidents, others by design of others or bad timing in the zombie apocalypse.
Overall, it's still worth reading even if you've seen any of the zombie TV shows as the writing is pretty graphic and for the most part, well conveyed.
The writing continues to be good but there is a feeling that a lot of the story has come from the TV shows ZNation and The Walking Dead, what with the collecting of Zombies in trailers, attacking of an island that houses many people who aren't aware that the person in control is a maniac though this one is even more so when you discover why.
The editing has also slipped quite a bit in this third installment though overall, it doesn't detract from the story too much even if it does seem familiar. The biggest difference in this series compared to TWD is that lot of people do die, including many of the characters that you started out with, some through accidents, others by design of others or bad timing in the zombie apocalypse.
Overall, it's still worth reading even if you've seen any of the zombie TV shows as the writing is pretty graphic and for the most part, well conveyed.
April 19, 2024
I like this series! Gore, zombies, quirky come backs, the characters, the plot.... Yes! Again, it's a quick zombie read that made me laugh out loud! And his kills, they are so gory and heart wrenching (especially when it's one of the characters I liked)
I couldn't believe the turn of events! Funny I never expected it. I could have done without the romance(one particular relationship) but..... I guess the relationships are what kept the zombie apocalypse interesting!
Doc! OMG he is hilarious. 😂😂 And there is no way I could have taken one for the team ! (This was the funniest part)
Fun series!
I couldn't believe the turn of events! Funny I never expected it. I could have done without the romance(one particular relationship) but..... I guess the relationships are what kept the zombie apocalypse interesting!
Doc! OMG he is hilarious. 😂😂 And there is no way I could have taken one for the team ! (This was the funniest part)
Fun series!
December 20, 2024
Happy. Sad. Anger. Disgust.
Tony. You’re breaking my heart, my dude. Making me fall in love with these kind characters and doing them, and me, so dirty.
I knew where the ark was heading, being a zombie nut, daddy dearest is a sick sob. I love Wim, but that man has to toughen up. He’s going to end up getting himself and/or Ramey killed. He’s too soft for this world, like Rick Grimes in the early days of TWD, when Shane kept trying to tell him it’s not the old ways. Ready for the next installment! Well done. Also, Prince and Aben deserve so much better. I hope Saw dies painfully and slowly.
Tony. You’re breaking my heart, my dude. Making me fall in love with these kind characters and doing them, and me, so dirty.
I knew where the ark was heading, being a zombie nut, daddy dearest is a sick sob. I love Wim, but that man has to toughen up. He’s going to end up getting himself and/or Ramey killed. He’s too soft for this world, like Rick Grimes in the early days of TWD, when Shane kept trying to tell him it’s not the old ways. Ready for the next installment! Well done. Also, Prince and Aben deserve so much better. I hope Saw dies painfully and slowly.
April 14, 2019
Another great chapter
I finished book three of this series and was a little taken back. I read on at the constant heart break and trials these characters face and the fates that come their way. The relatable Characters draw you in and you end up rooting for them or hating along with them. Kudos to the author. I recommend this book to any fan of the series or fan of zombie books in general.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
I finished book three of this series and was a little taken back. I read on at the constant heart break and trials these characters face and the fates that come their way. The relatable Characters draw you in and you end up rooting for them or hating along with them. Kudos to the author. I recommend this book to any fan of the series or fan of zombie books in general.
J.L. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
February 3, 2020
Half bakedd
Took me a while to read this book, finally finished it! Ole Doc is crazy mad, and I think he's going to meet his maker soon. If any indications that Saw was a stone cold killer, Mitch better watch his back...little punk. He's a coward to run-tell what Aben suspected Saw capable of. Have only four stars because the plot is drawn out, and not able to hold my attention.
Took me a while to read this book, finally finished it! Ole Doc is crazy mad, and I think he's going to meet his maker soon. If any indications that Saw was a stone cold killer, Mitch better watch his back...little punk. He's a coward to run-tell what Aben suspected Saw capable of. Have only four stars because the plot is drawn out, and not able to hold my attention.
December 28, 2020
Nothing really bad to say about this one. in fact I really enjoyed it.
as mentioned in my posts on books 1 and 2, this book really feels like it concludes a full story. there was much joy, sadness, horror, and other emotions stirred up as I read. this one even has a bit of graphic sex to go along with the graphic violence of the world... that is always a plus.
I just wish Doc had ate a bullet in the end.. but hey can't have everything.
as mentioned in my posts on books 1 and 2, this book really feels like it concludes a full story. there was much joy, sadness, horror, and other emotions stirred up as I read. this one even has a bit of graphic sex to go along with the graphic violence of the world... that is always a plus.
I just wish Doc had ate a bullet in the end.. but hey can't have everything.
July 1, 2024
Crude..
I am all for gore and carnage and just terrible things happening in an apocalypse. But this book felt like every sick fantasy was just praised. The villians were cruel and every character in the book despite a handful were all mean, selfish diabolical and it just felt like they kept winning for the sake of winning. The first two books were good. Even with the sad things that happened it wasn't so depraved morally and ethically.
I am all for gore and carnage and just terrible things happening in an apocalypse. But this book felt like every sick fantasy was just praised. The villians were cruel and every character in the book despite a handful were all mean, selfish diabolical and it just felt like they kept winning for the sake of winning. The first two books were good. Even with the sad things that happened it wasn't so depraved morally and ethically.
March 9, 2025
Good zombie action
I am enjoying this series. The first book was a lot of character introduction which I struggled with a bit to keep them straight. Book 2 allowed you to get to know them better with some leaving and new being added. Book 3 really gets down to the good versus evil aspect of any apocalyptic event. I would recommend. I do tend to like the standard zombie books and these are keepers.
I am enjoying this series. The first book was a lot of character introduction which I struggled with a bit to keep them straight. Book 2 allowed you to get to know them better with some leaving and new being added. Book 3 really gets down to the good versus evil aspect of any apocalyptic event. I would recommend. I do tend to like the standard zombie books and these are keepers.
November 20, 2017
Gory yet compelling..
You might think if you've read one zombie series, you have read them all, not true! I have read quite a few, Mark Tufo, Bobby Adair, TW Brown, TJ Weeks, to name a few of my favorite authors, but let me add Tony Urban, his characters are despicable or flawed but lovable, or a mix of the two. I'm excited to see where his imagination is going to take me next!
You might think if you've read one zombie series, you have read them all, not true! I have read quite a few, Mark Tufo, Bobby Adair, TW Brown, TJ Weeks, to name a few of my favorite authors, but let me add Tony Urban, his characters are despicable or flawed but lovable, or a mix of the two. I'm excited to see where his imagination is going to take me next!
April 25, 2020
But wrenching
Book 3 of the Life of the Dead will keep you in the edge of your seat. It is an emotional roller coaster that Mr. Urban brings you on in this installment. I am not sure I can handle much more but I will press forward because this story is just too good! An exceptional read!
Book 3 of the Life of the Dead will keep you in the edge of your seat. It is an emotional roller coaster that Mr. Urban brings you on in this installment. I am not sure I can handle much more but I will press forward because this story is just too good! An exceptional read!
November 8, 2017
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book, it brought different twists and turns. You didn't think you knew what would happen next. Although, you hoped you did. There were however, a lot of missing words. But non-the-less, still a great read.
I enjoyed reading this book, it brought different twists and turns. You didn't think you knew what would happen next. Although, you hoped you did. There were however, a lot of missing words. But non-the-less, still a great read.
January 19, 2018
I'm sad every time I end a book in this series.
I stumbled upon this and am so glad I did. All three of these books are great. The characters are easy to love and hate, depending on who we're talking about.
You have to read this series! Trust me. You can thank me later.
I stumbled upon this and am so glad I did. All three of these books are great. The characters are easy to love and hate, depending on who we're talking about.
You have to read this series! Trust me. You can thank me later.
Read
April 1, 2020Whoo, big out rush of air. I am still shaking.
What more can Wim and the rest have to put up with? Did has shown his true self, now everyone has to pay the price. Anticipation is going to kill me.
What more can Wim and the rest have to put up with? Did has shown his true self, now everyone has to pay the price. Anticipation is going to kill me.
April 8, 2020
Lots of Hardships
Great story! Our friends endure many hardships and adventures with quite a few unexpected twists!! The reason I only gave it four stars is it needed more proof reading.
Great story! Our friends endure many hardships and adventures with quite a few unexpected twists!! The reason I only gave it four stars is it needed more proof reading.
May 13, 2020
Brilliant
The more books in this series I read the more hooked I am becoming. Fast paced the characters are solid and the bad guys totally believable to the point you love to hate them and really want them to come unstuck.
The more books in this series I read the more hooked I am becoming. Fast paced the characters are solid and the bad guys totally believable to the point you love to hate them and really want them to come unstuck.
September 7, 2021
Action packed. Wim and Ramey make it to The Ark but Wim feels something is not right with Ramey’s father. Wim and Ramey’s relationship seems to have changed. When The Ark is broken into no one is safe.
January 25, 2022
Interesting
This series started out with a lot of characters but in this book quite a few were ended. I think the author should have told more of a background story on some of the characters but I still have enjoyed this book.
This series started out with a lot of characters but in this book quite a few were ended. I think the author should have told more of a background story on some of the characters but I still have enjoyed this book.
March 4, 2022
Keeps getting better with each book.
Took a chance and started reading these books. It has only gotten better with each one. I am going to start the next one, can’t wait to get started.
Took a chance and started reading these books. It has only gotten better with each one. I am going to start the next one, can’t wait to get started.
December 8, 2022
Awesome!
I've read lots of Zombie Apocalypse books, some are better than others, but this series is one of the best. Well written, graphic, and fun. But it went somewhere I've NEVER seen any other book go. No spoilers, just read it!
I've read lots of Zombie Apocalypse books, some are better than others, but this series is one of the best. Well written, graphic, and fun. But it went somewhere I've NEVER seen any other book go. No spoilers, just read it!
February 13, 2018
Enjoyed the first series. Felt like I was there and watching over my shoulder. All it takes is one deranged megalomaniac to change everything.
June 16, 2018
Ramey and Wim have finally found her father on an island that he calls The Ark, a safe place with no zombies roaming around. A safe haven founded by her father. Ramey is happy to finally get the chance to spend time with her dad and get to know him better but the more she learns about the man the less she wants to know. What is he hiding in that lab of his?
Wim wants to be with Ramey but he is not so sure that that is ever going to happen with her father around. Wim is not sure about the Doc if he is someone to be trusted. He surely does not like the man’s leadership and how he handles the running of the island. Ramey and Wim are becoming more and more distance the longer they are on the island.
Meanwhile there is a man, Saw, a very dangerous man on the outside who wants to take over the island. They seem to have a nice safe and happy place to live. I don’t think Saw likes anyone being happy. I think he is like kid who just wants something because he thinks the other dude’s toy is bigger than his. He is the kind of person that wants what someone else has no matter what it is.
So everybody is making plans in one fashion or another and only a few have a good heart. But they are still a whole lot of zombie killing with lots of blood and gore.
I love this amazing zombie killing world that the author Tony Urban has created for the Life of the Dead. There are a lot of characters that we get to see this zombie killing world through their eyes. Yeah lots of characters I will admit that at first it was a little bit confusing trying to keep them all separate. But you know if you think about it with having so many characters in one book really makes for an author with a brilliant mind to keep them all straight to remember where they have been what they have done and where they are headed.
The Ark is just as fast paced and just as good as the first two books in the series. There is so much zombie killing and blood around every corner that will keep you glues to your seat and burning up those pages. I can’t wait to start the next book in the world of Life of the Dead book 4 I kill the Dead.
I would recommend The Ark to all zombie fans and fans of The Walking Dead or The Stand. Pick up your copies today of the Life of the Dead and start your journey with Ramey while she kills a few zombies.
Wim wants to be with Ramey but he is not so sure that that is ever going to happen with her father around. Wim is not sure about the Doc if he is someone to be trusted. He surely does not like the man’s leadership and how he handles the running of the island. Ramey and Wim are becoming more and more distance the longer they are on the island.
Meanwhile there is a man, Saw, a very dangerous man on the outside who wants to take over the island. They seem to have a nice safe and happy place to live. I don’t think Saw likes anyone being happy. I think he is like kid who just wants something because he thinks the other dude’s toy is bigger than his. He is the kind of person that wants what someone else has no matter what it is.
So everybody is making plans in one fashion or another and only a few have a good heart. But they are still a whole lot of zombie killing with lots of blood and gore.
I love this amazing zombie killing world that the author Tony Urban has created for the Life of the Dead. There are a lot of characters that we get to see this zombie killing world through their eyes. Yeah lots of characters I will admit that at first it was a little bit confusing trying to keep them all separate. But you know if you think about it with having so many characters in one book really makes for an author with a brilliant mind to keep them all straight to remember where they have been what they have done and where they are headed.
The Ark is just as fast paced and just as good as the first two books in the series. There is so much zombie killing and blood around every corner that will keep you glues to your seat and burning up those pages. I can’t wait to start the next book in the world of Life of the Dead book 4 I kill the Dead.
I would recommend The Ark to all zombie fans and fans of The Walking Dead or The Stand. Pick up your copies today of the Life of the Dead and start your journey with Ramey while she kills a few zombies.
June 10, 2018
Where to go when Zombies are roaming the country? A Island that you can only reach by boat sounds safe, but is it?
Very good Si-Fi
Very good Si-Fi
December 29, 2019
Excellent
Excellent third book. Good story, sad sometimes, horrifying and gross too, but I loved it. I appreciate a good zombie story and the characters are great too.
Excellent third book. Good story, sad sometimes, horrifying and gross too, but I loved it. I appreciate a good zombie story and the characters are great too.
August 1, 2020
Awesome book!
Loved this story.
Romance - check
Zombies - check
Gore - check
Madness - check
Loss - check
Deception - check
Excitement - check
Loved this story.
Romance - check
Zombies - check
Gore - check
Madness - check
Loss - check
Deception - check
Excitement - check
January 10, 2021
More action. More death and destruction. Twists in the plot. I enjoyed it all. Moving on to the next one in the line.
February 21, 2021
Good
Enjoyable series with a different characters plot twist. I have enjoyed the series so far. I am looking forward to the next.
Enjoyable series with a different characters plot twist. I have enjoyed the series so far. I am looking forward to the next.
March 2, 2021
Zombies!
A gory and interesting continuation of this intense series. If you get emotional over characters in books then don't read this series, no one is safe!!!!
A gory and interesting continuation of this intense series. If you get emotional over characters in books then don't read this series, no one is safe!!!!
March 2, 2021
Great
This series get better and better and better. Love my zombie books and have adored this story line,characters and writing style.
This series get better and better and better. Love my zombie books and have adored this story line,characters and writing style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews