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The Zulu Virus Chronicles #1
Hot Zone
HOT ZONE: Book One in THE ZULU VIRUS CHRONICLES
SOMETHING INSIDIOUS HAS ARRIVED—RIGHT IN THE HEARTLAND OF OUR NATION.
Dr. Lauren Hale, a new hospital resident, is nearly killed by a raving mad emergency room patient, in a senseless, unprovoked attack.
Officer David Olson, veteran cop and former Marine, returns from a father-son camping trip to discover that his ex-wife has vanished under bizarre circumstances, and his police department is on the verge of collapse.
Jack and Emma Harper, a young, upwardly mobile couple, find their hip city neighborhood rapidly descending into madness.
Dr. Eugene Chang, a research scientist for a major pharmaceutical company makes a shocking discovery that might explain the spreading wave of illness and violence gripping the city.
Eric Larsen, leader of a top-secret, rapid-response unit, circles high above the Midwest, in an unmarked military transport. Mission still unknown, his team waits to parachute into the night.
WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, complete strangers from different walks of life will be forced to join together to survive the LIVING NIGHTMARE that has been unleashed on their city—AND THEIR COUNTRY.
This is their story.
WELCOME TO THE HOT ZONE!
SOMETHING INSIDIOUS HAS ARRIVED—RIGHT IN THE HEARTLAND OF OUR NATION.
Dr. Lauren Hale, a new hospital resident, is nearly killed by a raving mad emergency room patient, in a senseless, unprovoked attack.
Officer David Olson, veteran cop and former Marine, returns from a father-son camping trip to discover that his ex-wife has vanished under bizarre circumstances, and his police department is on the verge of collapse.
Jack and Emma Harper, a young, upwardly mobile couple, find their hip city neighborhood rapidly descending into madness.
Dr. Eugene Chang, a research scientist for a major pharmaceutical company makes a shocking discovery that might explain the spreading wave of illness and violence gripping the city.
Eric Larsen, leader of a top-secret, rapid-response unit, circles high above the Midwest, in an unmarked military transport. Mission still unknown, his team waits to parachute into the night.
WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, complete strangers from different walks of life will be forced to join together to survive the LIVING NIGHTMARE that has been unleashed on their city—AND THEIR COUNTRY.
This is their story.
WELCOME TO THE HOT ZONE!
Audible Audio
First published July 11, 2017
About the author
Steven Konkoly
80 books1,284 followersSteven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
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December 31, 2017This is gratis in the UK, States and Canada, until the end of New Years Day!
August 4, 2017
Finally dragged this off my dnf shelf. The only reason for 2-stars is the first half, which I found interesting, while the last half drones on. Turns out, this is 2nd of a trilogy and I will not be reading/listening to the 1st or 3rd. 4 of 10 stars
July 25, 2017
Very good thriller featuring bio-weapons...the future is here
I have loved other books by this author and this series starts off with a bang!! We meet several different groups of people ,from many walks of life,as they go about their day. There is a nurse who works in an emergency room, a police officer and his son, a couple just back from vacation and a scientist who works in a research lab. Many people start showing up at the emergency room,with several different symptoms,including severe headaches, neurological problems and high temperature. Soon the ER is overflowing, when some patients become violent towards others with no reason why! This problem starts in Indiana,as sirens fill the air with sounds of gunshots and screaming, bewildering those not affected. Whew,... excellent writing and intense scenes pull you directly into the city, where you find yourself running from a patient who intends to kill you, or sitting with the police officers as a wife stabs her husband 30 times...
Awesome start to a series , I was unable to put this book down! Realistic and scary, as this could actually be happening somewhere today...even in the USA...
I have loved other books by this author and this series starts off with a bang!! We meet several different groups of people ,from many walks of life,as they go about their day. There is a nurse who works in an emergency room, a police officer and his son, a couple just back from vacation and a scientist who works in a research lab. Many people start showing up at the emergency room,with several different symptoms,including severe headaches, neurological problems and high temperature. Soon the ER is overflowing, when some patients become violent towards others with no reason why! This problem starts in Indiana,as sirens fill the air with sounds of gunshots and screaming, bewildering those not affected. Whew,... excellent writing and intense scenes pull you directly into the city, where you find yourself running from a patient who intends to kill you, or sitting with the police officers as a wife stabs her husband 30 times...
Awesome start to a series , I was unable to put this book down! Realistic and scary, as this could actually be happening somewhere today...even in the USA...
January 18, 2020
It is quite realistic scenario of apocalypse caused by a bio weapon turning people into violent zombies. I really liked the idea of infection and how it was explained. However I have some issues with characterization. There are a few PoV's in this novel and they are likeable, but not one of them was special for me. Also author gives us a lot of details from characters lives, how they spent their vacations, what they liked to eat etc, but in the end I felt like I knew a lot about them, but didn't know them.
It's is a good position for fans of a genre. 3 stars
It's is a good position for fans of a genre. 3 stars
July 16, 2017
A virus has been unleashed and is causing people to turn violent. What would you do if you don't know what is happening and the government have closed the roads? There's no way out and things are getting worse. Well Hot Zone tells us what some of the people do and how they manage to end up meeting.
This was seriously good!! When you finish a book, and still thoroughly enjoy it, even though you don't know what or how the virus came to be, you know you have found a winner!! We get an idea of what it is, and an idea of how it came to be but nothing definite! It just goes to show how good the author is. I flew through this, and even with the amount of questions I had, I still loved it.
The characters in this were all varied but all of them were awesome!!! We have a husband and wife, a police officer and his son, a scientist, a doctor and a top-secret agent. Each of these are way different but I loved how they all inevitably end up meeting. It was well written and well done.
In all, an exciting start to what is sure to be an amazing series!!! I can not wait to see what happens these characters. I also can't wait for more details about the virus to come out. Brilliant!!!
This was seriously good!! When you finish a book, and still thoroughly enjoy it, even though you don't know what or how the virus came to be, you know you have found a winner!! We get an idea of what it is, and an idea of how it came to be but nothing definite! It just goes to show how good the author is. I flew through this, and even with the amount of questions I had, I still loved it.
The characters in this were all varied but all of them were awesome!!! We have a husband and wife, a police officer and his son, a scientist, a doctor and a top-secret agent. Each of these are way different but I loved how they all inevitably end up meeting. It was well written and well done.
In all, an exciting start to what is sure to be an amazing series!!! I can not wait to see what happens these characters. I also can't wait for more details about the virus to come out. Brilliant!!!
February 20, 2018
Interesting, but I didn't rate it high because it dragged on too much and gave details that didn't seem to have a point.
September 2, 2017
I knew Konkoly owned me when I started planning bug out routes from my hometown. Scary good just not scary real (I hope).
July 12, 2017
We meet an entire cast of characters from diverse backgrounds whose lives will intertwine as a result of a maddening viral outbreak. Each of them will tell us their story as they seek to understand what is happening to the world around them. They will do whatever it takes to escape the city as it turns into a murderous chaos. This is a look at a pandemic in the making from the very start from the view of average citizens.
Konkoly’s first novel in the Zulu Virus Chronicles, Hot Zone, is a startling realistic drama that shows us what could easily happen in a major metropolitan area hit by a weaponized virus. Who released it and why? There are too many variables all pointing in a direction that is hard to believe, but with no other conclusion available.
The multiple storylines give it a very personal feel. As you get to know each of the characters you can feel their confusion and desperation. It is clear to me that this series is destined to be a bestseller.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Konkoly’s first novel in the Zulu Virus Chronicles, Hot Zone, is a startling realistic drama that shows us what could easily happen in a major metropolitan area hit by a weaponized virus. Who released it and why? There are too many variables all pointing in a direction that is hard to believe, but with no other conclusion available.
The multiple storylines give it a very personal feel. As you get to know each of the characters you can feel their confusion and desperation. It is clear to me that this series is destined to be a bestseller.
5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book for free from the author for review consideration. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 17, 2025
A good start to the series with a few well developed characters. A few times the author goes into great detail when great detail is not needed, so in those parts, the book drags a little bit. Besides that there are some clever sections and Iam looking forward to book two.
July 13, 2017
Disturbingly realistic!
This latest thriller from author Steven Konkoly will absorb you from the very first page and hold you captive until the last. Loaded with action and suspense, this book is a phenomenal start on what promises to be an exceptional new series.
This latest thriller from author Steven Konkoly will absorb you from the very first page and hold you captive until the last. Loaded with action and suspense, this book is a phenomenal start on what promises to be an exceptional new series.
June 15, 2025
Iesākums kārtējai sērijai par zombiju apokalipsi.
Grāmata savelk kopā vairākas sižeta (varoņu?) līnijas un visus saved kopā, lai... Nu es vēl nezinu un šaubos vai gribu zināt, kas būs tālāk. Ir izstrādāts biovīruss, kas padara cilvēkus par agresīviem indivīdiem, kas māk darboties arī grupās un nogalināt citus....
Es neturpināšu, jo pirmā grāmata ir tāds mazs ievadiņš - nejūtos gribošs tērēt uz visu sēriju savu laiku.
Grāmata savelk kopā vairākas sižeta (varoņu?) līnijas un visus saved kopā, lai... Nu es vēl nezinu un šaubos vai gribu zināt, kas būs tālāk. Ir izstrādāts biovīruss, kas padara cilvēkus par agresīviem indivīdiem, kas māk darboties arī grupās un nogalināt citus....
Es neturpināšu, jo pirmā grāmata ir tāds mazs ievadiņš - nejūtos gribošs tērēt uz visu sēriju savu laiku.
January 4, 2018
Nothing against the author, but I just can't give a good reason I even started this one. Not my cup of tea at all.
July 31, 2017
Hot Zone is Sizzling
This book was terrifyingly amazing. Everything started out relatively slowly and built into a horrifying crescendo. Trapped in a quarantine zone, not knowing what's going on, it's a struggle and a fight to get out. I hope Steven Konkoly can write quickly because I don't know how long I can wait to continue reading this addictive story.
I also loved the lite reference to one of his other novels. No worries if you haven't read it. It's all explained. It was nice to see it in another book. Makes like the world is connected and not just the land of one story book at a time.
This book was terrifyingly amazing. Everything started out relatively slowly and built into a horrifying crescendo. Trapped in a quarantine zone, not knowing what's going on, it's a struggle and a fight to get out. I hope Steven Konkoly can write quickly because I don't know how long I can wait to continue reading this addictive story.
I also loved the lite reference to one of his other novels. No worries if you haven't read it. It's all explained. It was nice to see it in another book. Makes like the world is connected and not just the land of one story book at a time.
July 17, 2017
Great new series
This one was a little slow getting started, but hang in there! It's worth it. I'll be waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
This one was a little slow getting started, but hang in there! It's worth it. I'll be waiting anxiously for the next book in the series.
July 23, 2017
Imagine you are just coming back from vacation and things look okay on the surface. You go about your routine and something isn't right about the people around you. What do you do?
Now imagine you are an intern (novice doctor) and your patients are progressively getting worse despite your best effort. Worse, there are more of the same kinds of patients flooding the hospital and no one else knows what to do. Where do you get answers?
These are just a couple of scenarios that play out in this aptly named book. Can you guess why?
Personally, I think this new series will become a national maybe even an international bestseller. Now is your chance to say you were there before the bandwagon started rolling.
Disclaimer: I was provided with an Advanced Reader's Copy and the opinion expressed above is mine and freely given.
Now imagine you are an intern (novice doctor) and your patients are progressively getting worse despite your best effort. Worse, there are more of the same kinds of patients flooding the hospital and no one else knows what to do. Where do you get answers?
These are just a couple of scenarios that play out in this aptly named book. Can you guess why?
Personally, I think this new series will become a national maybe even an international bestseller. Now is your chance to say you were there before the bandwagon started rolling.
Disclaimer: I was provided with an Advanced Reader's Copy and the opinion expressed above is mine and freely given.
July 17, 2017
I've read a lot of pandemic fiction. I really liked this one. The story was fast paced. I do hope the sequels don't become mostly about military activity the way the Perseid series did.
Possible spoilers ahead
The disease progression was reasonable. The majority of zombie stories require a serious suspension of disbelief.
It's the survival theme that I enjoy in this genre. I like that Konkoly has a range of preparedness in the characters. I found Gene to be particularly refreshing - the super-prepper who really doesn't know what to do outside of his carefully built by someone else survival model.
Possible spoilers ahead
The disease progression was reasonable. The majority of zombie stories require a serious suspension of disbelief.
It's the survival theme that I enjoy in this genre. I like that Konkoly has a range of preparedness in the characters. I found Gene to be particularly refreshing - the super-prepper who really doesn't know what to do outside of his carefully built by someone else survival model.
October 16, 2017
A great start to a series
4.5 out of 5 stars
I can't tell you how long I've had other Konkoly books sitting on my to be read shelf. He just seems to pick genres and topics that I really want to read. I finally bit the bullet when he started writing a bio-thriller based novel. Hot Zone borrows the name of one of my all-time favorite novels and does a pretty nice job showing what would happen if a rage-like virus would sweep the midwest.
The virus itself plays the main character through most of Hot Zone -- allowing the reader to get familiar with it and what it's doing to people. I like that Konkoly based it on seemingly real things. It reminded me a bit of the virus from 28 Days Later -- but a little more docile. People still went crazy, but they weren't crazy all the time. It made it a little scarier to me. I just can't imagine sitting across from my wife who was fine one minute and attacking me with a fireplace poker the next.
The story revolved around a few different people who were all from different aspects of life. A cop, a couple who worked at a biotech company, a mercenary, a doctor, and a researcher. The story bounced around from person to person but ended up weaving into a really nice full story by the end.
The end -- this burned me a little. It dropped it from a 5-star book to a 4.5. It just kind of ended. I know that it had an "ending" but it had a "there is going to be more than one book" ending. Sure, the story was good, the character development was one of the best I've ever read, and the virus was well thought out and explained in a way that made sense -- but the story just kind of stopped.
I will be continuing on with this series (especially if it's on audio). So I think in the end it'll be a wash. But I was genuinely shocked when the story ended.
Overall, a great book that kept me reading. I didn't want to put it down.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I can't tell you how long I've had other Konkoly books sitting on my to be read shelf. He just seems to pick genres and topics that I really want to read. I finally bit the bullet when he started writing a bio-thriller based novel. Hot Zone borrows the name of one of my all-time favorite novels and does a pretty nice job showing what would happen if a rage-like virus would sweep the midwest.
The virus itself plays the main character through most of Hot Zone -- allowing the reader to get familiar with it and what it's doing to people. I like that Konkoly based it on seemingly real things. It reminded me a bit of the virus from 28 Days Later -- but a little more docile. People still went crazy, but they weren't crazy all the time. It made it a little scarier to me. I just can't imagine sitting across from my wife who was fine one minute and attacking me with a fireplace poker the next.
The story revolved around a few different people who were all from different aspects of life. A cop, a couple who worked at a biotech company, a mercenary, a doctor, and a researcher. The story bounced around from person to person but ended up weaving into a really nice full story by the end.
The end -- this burned me a little. It dropped it from a 5-star book to a 4.5. It just kind of ended. I know that it had an "ending" but it had a "there is going to be more than one book" ending. Sure, the story was good, the character development was one of the best I've ever read, and the virus was well thought out and explained in a way that made sense -- but the story just kind of stopped.
I will be continuing on with this series (especially if it's on audio). So I think in the end it'll be a wash. But I was genuinely shocked when the story ended.
Overall, a great book that kept me reading. I didn't want to put it down.
October 27, 2018
Different in a Great Way! Open to Page #1 Now!!......
Not your typical “zombie” book. Fresh infected person perspective - that’s gripping, and fun!
The characters are interesting, and the charactdevelopment is solid. My only slight annoyance is the amount of men. All the names are tough to keep track of at times. Especially as the author constantly switches between using some first and last names, adding to the number of names to decipher. Perhaps if he stuck to one or the other it would have solved the issue??
The characters’ storylines are engrossing, capturing you from page #1! Thinking back now, the flow of how everyone eventually comes together is perfectly natural and not clunky or forced. Brilliant!
The settings and scenes are well crafted. I’d say above average as far as helping the reader become immersed in the world of the story. Not the greatest, but absolutely far, far from the worst. I definitely felt like I “was there” for most of the book.
The plot is not uncommon to the genre. But the way it unfolds within each character’s story helps to make it feel unique. Add in the different approach to the infected, and you feel like you’re reading something fairly different!
Overall, Hot Zone (The Zulu Virus Chronicles Book I) is worth a read by hardcore fans of the (zombie) apocalypse genre. Especially those who enjoy books which include the military, AND as a special plus - a medical or scientific aspect. This one has it all. (And this is my PERFECT combination for the genre, in books and movies!)
I can’t wait to read the next, and I’m already mourning the fact that this series is still in its infancy. As I much prefer those series which have 6 or 9 books already under their belt. I’m not very patient! Lol
Definitely worth your time! You’ll love it!!
And — for sure keep crafting this tale Mr. Konkoly!
Not your typical “zombie” book. Fresh infected person perspective - that’s gripping, and fun!
The characters are interesting, and the charactdevelopment is solid. My only slight annoyance is the amount of men. All the names are tough to keep track of at times. Especially as the author constantly switches between using some first and last names, adding to the number of names to decipher. Perhaps if he stuck to one or the other it would have solved the issue??
The characters’ storylines are engrossing, capturing you from page #1! Thinking back now, the flow of how everyone eventually comes together is perfectly natural and not clunky or forced. Brilliant!
The settings and scenes are well crafted. I’d say above average as far as helping the reader become immersed in the world of the story. Not the greatest, but absolutely far, far from the worst. I definitely felt like I “was there” for most of the book.
The plot is not uncommon to the genre. But the way it unfolds within each character’s story helps to make it feel unique. Add in the different approach to the infected, and you feel like you’re reading something fairly different!
Overall, Hot Zone (The Zulu Virus Chronicles Book I) is worth a read by hardcore fans of the (zombie) apocalypse genre. Especially those who enjoy books which include the military, AND as a special plus - a medical or scientific aspect. This one has it all. (And this is my PERFECT combination for the genre, in books and movies!)
I can’t wait to read the next, and I’m already mourning the fact that this series is still in its infancy. As I much prefer those series which have 6 or 9 books already under their belt. I’m not very patient! Lol
Definitely worth your time! You’ll love it!!
And — for sure keep crafting this tale Mr. Konkoly!
December 6, 2017
I'm being generous with my 4 stars here. The plot was interesting and fairly well-written, but the problem with this book was the amount of gun detail, along with all the military acronyms, which was simply boring and unnecessary. Also it suffered from plodding slowness although this was broken up by occasional action scenes. The characters however were well drawn, had background and could be distinguished from one another, and their dialogue was fairly realistic.
The plot revolves around several mostly likeable characters who have all been away from home (Indianapolis) for a week or two and come back to find increasingly bizarre behaviour amongst their neighbours and colleagues. This situation soon degenerates and we have 'zombie' type incidents with mindless murderous violence aimed at anyone nearby. It does not appear to be a pandemic contagion though - the area is contained under quarantine and the source, infectious agent (or whatever it is) does not affect our little group, who meet up towards the end of this instalment of the book. The story ends abruptly, and continues in part 2 of what is a very long book divided into three parts. There are many unanswered questions at this point, most pressingly what the causative agent is, who released it and why.
I did enjoy this book but think the trilogy would have benefited from some serious editing to bring it down to two or even one standard-length novels.
The plot revolves around several mostly likeable characters who have all been away from home (Indianapolis) for a week or two and come back to find increasingly bizarre behaviour amongst their neighbours and colleagues. This situation soon degenerates and we have 'zombie' type incidents with mindless murderous violence aimed at anyone nearby. It does not appear to be a pandemic contagion though - the area is contained under quarantine and the source, infectious agent (or whatever it is) does not affect our little group, who meet up towards the end of this instalment of the book. The story ends abruptly, and continues in part 2 of what is a very long book divided into three parts. There are many unanswered questions at this point, most pressingly what the causative agent is, who released it and why.
I did enjoy this book but think the trilogy would have benefited from some serious editing to bring it down to two or even one standard-length novels.
October 29, 2021
Why the high rating I cannot understand.
This was read as an audiobook in a couple of sittings. Unfortunately it didn't click to me as much as I hoped. I knew this was the first book and it feels like the first book. It's incomplete and it the story just began.
In this tale we get to know all our characters and the beginning of the "end". It sure looks like the zombie apocalypse or more akin to Hater by David Moody plague is being unleash. Bearing in mind that we are still on our "pandemic" it sure feels like this could have happen -- or not.
I can't understand the high praise to be quite honest since it dragged a lot. It gave too much information for things that had no interested. I don't know but it feels the writers wrote a full length novel probably 600 pages and someone said - okay lets do a trilogy. Write some more fillers and you've got a deal. Alas, this book was born.
Don't take me wrong - it's an interesting START of the apocalypse. Most zombie stuff skip this or give a micro feeling of the stuff. Here we've got visions from people on the ground and what they did before and so on. Maybe this could have been accomplish with flashbacks BUT it's fine. It's not bad. But don't expect the action and fluidity of others. Slow burning... I will hear the 2 and 3. Probably not now but in the next few months.
This was read as an audiobook in a couple of sittings. Unfortunately it didn't click to me as much as I hoped. I knew this was the first book and it feels like the first book. It's incomplete and it the story just began.
In this tale we get to know all our characters and the beginning of the "end". It sure looks like the zombie apocalypse or more akin to Hater by David Moody plague is being unleash. Bearing in mind that we are still on our "pandemic" it sure feels like this could have happen -- or not.
I can't understand the high praise to be quite honest since it dragged a lot. It gave too much information for things that had no interested. I don't know but it feels the writers wrote a full length novel probably 600 pages and someone said - okay lets do a trilogy. Write some more fillers and you've got a deal. Alas, this book was born.
Don't take me wrong - it's an interesting START of the apocalypse. Most zombie stuff skip this or give a micro feeling of the stuff. Here we've got visions from people on the ground and what they did before and so on. Maybe this could have been accomplish with flashbacks BUT it's fine. It's not bad. But don't expect the action and fluidity of others. Slow burning... I will hear the 2 and 3. Probably not now but in the next few months.
March 3, 2018
Well written from a military point of view fused with a mix of police instincts and a scientific analysis against sheer insanity and mayhem.
The mix of characters is an unlikely union, but the author brilliantly makes it work. You meet this odd tribe individually, taking time to view their habits in their native surroundings, in this case - Indianapolis, Indiana. Circumstances will arrange for the group to gather and become a cohesive arrangement of uniquely skilled individuals focusing on survival.
The hospitals in Indianapolis were becoming overwhelmed with a mixture of an extreme flu with terrible injuries and violently raging maniacs. The streets were quickly becoming battle zones. Some people shambled along like zombies, jerky movements contrasting with the maniacal screams as the raging lunatics fastened their attention on someone or something. The rage virus was turning Indianapolis into a killing ground.
In the exciting and realistic action sequences I was captivated with the brilliance of the protagonists as their survival skills are tested. Colorful characters, brilliant action, a twisted and tangled storyline - I could barely put it down! I can't wait to continue with book two in this series.
The mix of characters is an unlikely union, but the author brilliantly makes it work. You meet this odd tribe individually, taking time to view their habits in their native surroundings, in this case - Indianapolis, Indiana. Circumstances will arrange for the group to gather and become a cohesive arrangement of uniquely skilled individuals focusing on survival.
The hospitals in Indianapolis were becoming overwhelmed with a mixture of an extreme flu with terrible injuries and violently raging maniacs. The streets were quickly becoming battle zones. Some people shambled along like zombies, jerky movements contrasting with the maniacal screams as the raging lunatics fastened their attention on someone or something. The rage virus was turning Indianapolis into a killing ground.
In the exciting and realistic action sequences I was captivated with the brilliance of the protagonists as their survival skills are tested. Colorful characters, brilliant action, a twisted and tangled storyline - I could barely put it down! I can't wait to continue with book two in this series.
March 1, 2018
I was very interested in it being a pandemic novel, altho i did not known it was called zombie virus before reading it. I gleaned it was a zombie virus when the infected were described. There is a huge amount of technical description of the guns, military, plane, helicopters, bulletproof glass, and survivalist safehouse. More than I wanted as I like the medical side, but as most readers probably like the realism and accuracy, you will be rewarded with it. It could use a bit more medical information, especially in the ER. The start of the book seemed a bit disjointed learning about the main characters and no sign of a virus but it picks up soon. The amount of weight of a survival hiking backpack an average couch potato could carry versus a trained military soldier may be overstated, but dealing with it is well explained. It is a book I hated to put down, which for me is a sign of an excellent book. I have to charge my kindle now but the fact there is a second book and maybe more in the series is exciting. I have already downloaded the sequel, so I am hooked!
December 10, 2020
Using Indianapolis as the setting was a nice change. The setup for the individual characters dragged on until suddenly within two pages they are all brought together? I think it would have been more interesting if the characters had spent more time becoming a team. The scenes with females are brief and their personalities tepid while the males are dynamic with much longer scenes. The writing is strongest during action scenes where the author shows his knowledge and passion. The narrator voice used vocabulary that didn’t fit the atmosphere or characters. Yes, the narrator is separate from the what’s going on, but during tense moments in two scenes and with two different characters, the narrator uses the word perplexed. One of the scenes takes place outside and at night so how can the character’s perplexed facial expression be seen? I think it would have been less disruptive to use the dialogue for showing the character’s reaction rather than adding a physical response.
Overall I found the book to be a nice escape from my predictable routine.
Overall I found the book to be a nice escape from my predictable routine.
June 8, 2023
The Zulu Virus is back with a vengeance! And so, presumably, are some crazy insane idiots who released it.
This book follows a group of people experiencing the effects of the virus (in others) at ground zero as the outbreak begins. They're a disparate group -- a cop, a couple just returned from holiday, an eminent virologist, a shadowy military operative -- all with very different lives and agendas. Being a Konkoly book, it's a fair bet they'll come together at some point, but will they clash or join together?
I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would if I'm honest. Having just finished the Black Flag series I thought going straight into another series might be too much (as in, I might need a rest from the frenetic pace and action). But as it takes place in a "normal city" with mostly "normal people", it's quite relatable. And the character interactions and inner thoughts are also plausible and understandable.
Of course, the story isn't done at the end of the book! It carries straight over to the next in series, called "Hot Zone".
This book follows a group of people experiencing the effects of the virus (in others) at ground zero as the outbreak begins. They're a disparate group -- a cop, a couple just returned from holiday, an eminent virologist, a shadowy military operative -- all with very different lives and agendas. Being a Konkoly book, it's a fair bet they'll come together at some point, but will they clash or join together?
I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would if I'm honest. Having just finished the Black Flag series I thought going straight into another series might be too much (as in, I might need a rest from the frenetic pace and action). But as it takes place in a "normal city" with mostly "normal people", it's quite relatable. And the character interactions and inner thoughts are also plausible and understandable.
Of course, the story isn't done at the end of the book! It carries straight over to the next in series, called "Hot Zone".
July 17, 2017
Hot Zone. Steven Konkoly
A deadly virus has been unleashed onto the population in Indiana and other Midwestern cities. It's origin unknown, but possibly someone in the government has created it. The probable release mechanism is the water system. One of its many side effects is extremely violent behavior. The military has set up quarantine zones. No one can get out except for one small group. The primary characters in this book. This is an extraordinary read, full of action. There daring behavior to survive borders on insanity and extraordinary bravery. This is an epic read!! The group is close to escaping..... but alas this explosive saga continues with book two which I am anxiously awaiting!! I highly recommend this novel!!
A deadly virus has been unleashed onto the population in Indiana and other Midwestern cities. It's origin unknown, but possibly someone in the government has created it. The probable release mechanism is the water system. One of its many side effects is extremely violent behavior. The military has set up quarantine zones. No one can get out except for one small group. The primary characters in this book. This is an extraordinary read, full of action. There daring behavior to survive borders on insanity and extraordinary bravery. This is an epic read!! The group is close to escaping..... but alas this explosive saga continues with book two which I am anxiously awaiting!! I highly recommend this novel!!
July 17, 2017
I'm a prolific reader across different genres and I like a book that grabs you from the start and keeps on building up. Steve Konkoly's new blockbuster Hot Zone is the first book in the Zulu virus chronicles series. I like the intro that gives you a brief insight into the main characters. The book grabs you from the start and the way the 'cast' are gradually drawn together is very well done.Steve's military background gives credence to the story and the action gallops along at a great pace.
When I read a great book I tend to slow down as I reach the end as I don't want it to end. This book did just that, the only consolation is the next book, the bad part is waiting for it.
If you read just one book this year make it this one, you will not be disappointed.
When I read a great book I tend to slow down as I reach the end as I don't want it to end. This book did just that, the only consolation is the next book, the bad part is waiting for it.
If you read just one book this year make it this one, you will not be disappointed.
June 4, 2018
Not a bad pandemic/bioweapon story. Could have used some more wide view description, but, I get it if he wanted to keep it more localized, keeping with the characters' perspectives. Otherwise, the plot, sequences and characters were done well enough; if a little typical.
All in all, it was probably a more realistic story in regards to the situation for people on the ground in a bioweapon release. The characters themselves were purely fictional, most of them, but it made for an interesting story. Their paths to escape the quarantine zone culminated in a fun little plane-helicopter chase scene. I just kinda feel like there was a lot left unresolved in the bigger picture, forcing you too much to read the next one to even know what's going on.
All in all, it was probably a more realistic story in regards to the situation for people on the ground in a bioweapon release. The characters themselves were purely fictional, most of them, but it made for an interesting story. Their paths to escape the quarantine zone culminated in a fun little plane-helicopter chase scene. I just kinda feel like there was a lot left unresolved in the bigger picture, forcing you too much to read the next one to even know what's going on.
August 11, 2018
Who did it?
In my reading of apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic novels they usually give you the who created the situation fairly early in the story and the reason the disaster occurred. The author often throws together a super prepared group of experts (or not expert but prepared) and follows them through their adventures.
The author takes a different approach that I haven't seen before by describing the characters and the political approaches made in reaction to a massive pandemic. The characters are believably drawn given their individual backgrounds - but the governmental response (often missing) is eerily similar (writ large) to similar tests performed by it on the American public in the past.
An excellent opening!
In my reading of apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic novels they usually give you the who created the situation fairly early in the story and the reason the disaster occurred. The author often throws together a super prepared group of experts (or not expert but prepared) and follows them through their adventures.
The author takes a different approach that I haven't seen before by describing the characters and the political approaches made in reaction to a massive pandemic. The characters are believably drawn given their individual backgrounds - but the governmental response (often missing) is eerily similar (writ large) to similar tests performed by it on the American public in the past.
An excellent opening!
April 17, 2019
Fantastic series and the only reason it missed one star on the review was due to the cliffhanger ending which I tend to dislike in books in general. I get that it sets up the next book but if I were reading this before Killbox was out (thankfully I was not) I would be extremely upset.
Enough has been said about the plot so I won't go into it here but let me add this: I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy's The Division. The books are so aligned to the "feel" of my all-time favorite dystopian setting that I was really really getting into it. Add to that the absence of any "scifi" elements like supernatural powers, aliens, or brain eating and you have a truly realistic thrill ride. Fantastic book and glad I went for the entire series at once!
Enough has been said about the plot so I won't go into it here but let me add this: I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy's The Division. The books are so aligned to the "feel" of my all-time favorite dystopian setting that I was really really getting into it. Add to that the absence of any "scifi" elements like supernatural powers, aliens, or brain eating and you have a truly realistic thrill ride. Fantastic book and glad I went for the entire series at once!
August 2, 2017
Outstanding story concept! Well written story from multiple characters points of view. The transition from character to character is smooth and only adds to the reality of the story. The story moves quickly and with growing intensity.
I have been reading post-apocalyptic and science fiction for over 63 years and I found this story to be very frightening because it is so real and so plausible. In fact I found the story so intense that I had to stop occasionally and take some breaks. It has been a very long time since I rated a book at 5, but this book deserves it! I have already pre-ordered the second book and can hardly wait. Thank you Steven!!!!!
I have been reading post-apocalyptic and science fiction for over 63 years and I found this story to be very frightening because it is so real and so plausible. In fact I found the story so intense that I had to stop occasionally and take some breaks. It has been a very long time since I rated a book at 5, but this book deserves it! I have already pre-ordered the second book and can hardly wait. Thank you Steven!!!!!
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