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Zombie Fallout #3.5
Dr. Hugh Mann
Before there were zombies there was the virus.....
Audible Audio
First published June 19, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 1, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.
It was short and a bit boring at times, but it does explain more about the virus and the Talbot history. It's worth a short read if you wanna know a bit more in-depth about the virus and its origin story.
Likes:
~Good info and backstory
~Audio done by the same narrator
~An appearance by a familiar character
Dislikes:
~Short
~A bit technical at times which I found boring
It was short and a bit boring at times, but it does explain more about the virus and the Talbot history. It's worth a short read if you wanna know a bit more in-depth about the virus and its origin story.
Likes:
~Good info and backstory
~Audio done by the same narrator
~An appearance by a familiar character
Dislikes:
~Short
~A bit technical at times which I found boring
July 2, 2021
Story 3/5
Narration 5/5
Narration 5/5
February 13, 2014
This short story nestles itself between book 3 and 4 of the Zombie Fallout series and is a prequel to the series. As a reader I find that prequels can be fraught with risk and I often find myself asking questions like:
Is this just a grab for some cash?
If it is so important to the story the why not include it in the first book?
Will it add any value to the story and series?
Is this a result of lazy story development?
What I got in this prequel was a valued pack story that not only added to the series but stood alone as a separate story. Mark Tufo has nodded his cap to his readership by adding some great tongue in cheek references to the series. The book tells the tale of the discovery of the virus that will one day bring the world to its knees and adds a tantalizing link and teaser to what is to come in the series. I for one want to know what the hell is in that suitcase.
I always come away from Mr Tufo's books feeling greatly entertained and for some reason craving pop tarts. For those of you yet to sample what this author has to offer it's time you jump in with both feet and immerse yourself in his world.
Is this just a grab for some cash?
If it is so important to the story the why not include it in the first book?
Will it add any value to the story and series?
Is this a result of lazy story development?
What I got in this prequel was a valued pack story that not only added to the series but stood alone as a separate story. Mark Tufo has nodded his cap to his readership by adding some great tongue in cheek references to the series. The book tells the tale of the discovery of the virus that will one day bring the world to its knees and adds a tantalizing link and teaser to what is to come in the series. I for one want to know what the hell is in that suitcase.
I always come away from Mr Tufo's books feeling greatly entertained and for some reason craving pop tarts. For those of you yet to sample what this author has to offer it's time you jump in with both feet and immerse yourself in his world.
July 20, 2017
Oh, for heaven's sake.
Alright, I know I said I was taking a break from this series because I was getting a bit burnt out on them, but since this was a prequel, I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not particularly happy that I did.
This short novella, tucked between books three and four of the series, gives some history of the virus that causes the Zombie Apocalypse in the Fallout series. It follows Dr. Hugh Mann (yes, it's really that ridiculous), a physicist around the turn of the 20th century, who discovers a tiny race of humans that are engaged in a full-out war with dust mites.
I'm actually not kidding.
Without the humour that peppers the other books in this series, I found this novella falling flat for me. The history was so outrageous, so impossible to quell the stirrings of "Too far" in my brain, that I couldn't turn on the suspension of disbelief that makes zombie novels so much fun to read. I feel like the author was trying to take things too seriously (beyond the name which was too punny for me). The fact that he was, additionally, supposed to be a family ancestor of the main characters in the series, and that he had met Tommy just pushed it too far for me.
My brain snapped. I could almost hear it.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it's short - about three hours - and it occupied me while I was doing housework. If I'd been reading this instead of listening, I wouldn't have made it through. If I hadn't had other things to occupy my thoughts as well while listening, I wouldn't have made it through. What was the author thinking? Just... why?
Okay, usually I'm all about the in-between novellas in a series, but not here. Don't do it. Don't read it. If you are enjoying this series? Just keep reading the regular books. This is not worth three hours of your life. You can't get those hours back, man! Pet a cat or go for a walk or listen to some bad music instead. You'll thank me someday, I think.
Alright, I know I said I was taking a break from this series because I was getting a bit burnt out on them, but since this was a prequel, I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not particularly happy that I did.
This short novella, tucked between books three and four of the series, gives some history of the virus that causes the Zombie Apocalypse in the Fallout series. It follows Dr. Hugh Mann (yes, it's really that ridiculous), a physicist around the turn of the 20th century, who discovers a tiny race of humans that are engaged in a full-out war with dust mites.
I'm actually not kidding.
Without the humour that peppers the other books in this series, I found this novella falling flat for me. The history was so outrageous, so impossible to quell the stirrings of "Too far" in my brain, that I couldn't turn on the suspension of disbelief that makes zombie novels so much fun to read. I feel like the author was trying to take things too seriously (beyond the name which was too punny for me). The fact that he was, additionally, supposed to be a family ancestor of the main characters in the series, and that he had met Tommy just pushed it too far for me.
My brain snapped. I could almost hear it.
I listened to this on audiobook, and it's short - about three hours - and it occupied me while I was doing housework. If I'd been reading this instead of listening, I wouldn't have made it through. If I hadn't had other things to occupy my thoughts as well while listening, I wouldn't have made it through. What was the author thinking? Just... why?
Okay, usually I'm all about the in-between novellas in a series, but not here. Don't do it. Don't read it. If you are enjoying this series? Just keep reading the regular books. This is not worth three hours of your life. You can't get those hours back, man! Pet a cat or go for a walk or listen to some bad music instead. You'll thank me someday, I think.
September 5, 2014
wtf?
Look, I have read a lot of zombie novels. A LOT of zombie novels, not all of which have (surprise) been Pulitzer material. Many were in dire need of an editor; some begged for a spell checker (c'mon folks it's 2014 for goodness sakes - press F7 at least once), while others took themselves way too seriously (Rambo Conquers the Zombies).
What I love about these books so far is the generous infusion of sarcasm and humor that MT uses to bring his protagonist to life. I really did enjoy books 1-3.
This is even though I'm not especially a fan of zombies with supernatural powers or sinister purposes. But I can tolerate this, for the 'greater good' of the novel/series - up to a point. See Monster Island series by David Wellington.
Unfortunately, this prequel goes up to that point and skids out past the cliff's edge, like Wiley Coyote in a Roadrunner cartoon (cue the handheld sign - BYE - and the cloud of dust).
So, after tolerating the sketch behavior of the zombies and other supernatural heavies in the first three books of this series, I now discover in this book that the entire premise of Zombie Fallout (its "raison d'mortre", if you will) is SO STUPID that I can't go on.
I don't give up easily on books. It's part of my stubborn nature to soldier through many a lost literary cause, even if the forecast is for extensive crap starting at page five.
Part of being a zombie hugger is the ability to 'drink the Kool-Aid', to join in the mantra "I do believe in fairies - er, zombies - I do, I do, I do". But I do not believe in fairies, and I do NOT believe in these zombies, Sam I Am. Not on a boat, not with a goat, and definitely not for another three books.
Farewell Zombie Fallout - the fallout is permanent!
Look, I have read a lot of zombie novels. A LOT of zombie novels, not all of which have (surprise) been Pulitzer material. Many were in dire need of an editor; some begged for a spell checker (c'mon folks it's 2014 for goodness sakes - press F7 at least once), while others took themselves way too seriously (Rambo Conquers the Zombies).
What I love about these books so far is the generous infusion of sarcasm and humor that MT uses to bring his protagonist to life. I really did enjoy books 1-3.
This is even though I'm not especially a fan of zombies with supernatural powers or sinister purposes. But I can tolerate this, for the 'greater good' of the novel/series - up to a point. See Monster Island series by David Wellington.
Unfortunately, this prequel goes up to that point and skids out past the cliff's edge, like Wiley Coyote in a Roadrunner cartoon (cue the handheld sign - BYE - and the cloud of dust).
So, after tolerating the sketch behavior of the zombies and other supernatural heavies in the first three books of this series, I now discover in this book that the entire premise of Zombie Fallout (its "raison d'mortre", if you will) is SO STUPID that I can't go on.
I don't give up easily on books. It's part of my stubborn nature to soldier through many a lost literary cause, even if the forecast is for extensive crap starting at page five.
Part of being a zombie hugger is the ability to 'drink the Kool-Aid', to join in the mantra "I do believe in fairies - er, zombies - I do, I do, I do". But I do not believe in fairies, and I do NOT believe in these zombies, Sam I Am. Not on a boat, not with a goat, and definitely not for another three books.
Farewell Zombie Fallout - the fallout is permanent!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Interesting character experiment & snippet into the backstory.
Currently on Audible Plus
Interesting character experiment & snippet into the backstory.
October 10, 2023
A nice prequel to the whole series, but basically summarized in the first chapter of book 4 so not necessary for the series go be enjoyed
April 27, 2015
This is a great back story...I was confused at first...until the pieces started falling together...Now I know how it all started and I like it!!! If you have read the ZFO books you need to read this too...and all the unanswered questions will become clear...or at least most of them...lol Great little story!!!
December 15, 2016
I was not disappointed with this book. It did not have the tone as the other books in the series had, but it was nice to get more background on the series as a whole. My opinion is if you're fan of the series and have read the whole series a couple times and want a little extra. Read this. I wouldn't say you're missing anything if you skip it.
June 16, 2021
This short story is a flashback to the beginning of it all. From Dr. Hugh Mann who discovered the nanites, to the ill-conceived remedy to save the humanites from the dust mites to the government seizure of the doctor’s work to weaponize it. It’s an interesting tale, filling in a lot of holes since the beginning of the series. Very helpful, if not completely necessary.
April 8, 2013
Please find my review here: http://audiobookreviewer.com/Audioboo...
July 7, 2015
I enjoyed having some history explained, BUT there were things in this that had me rolling my eyes.
November 8, 2018
There's some time I'm not getting back
March 14, 2019
Dr. Hugh Mann, the 3.5 book in Zombie Fallout, leaves me with a sour taste. The book a good read. To me it is just a way to capitalize on a well read series of books by an author.
The big clue that this book may not really belong in the series is the timeline. First, it takes place between WWI and WWII. The main implement in this story is the electron microscope, invented in 1938 by Ernst Ruska of Berlin. North America constructed their first one in 1938 at the University of Toronto. The USA did not get their first one until after World War II broke out with the invasion of Poland. This happened on September 1st, 1939.
Nit picking aside, this is a small novella. It may even rate as a short story if the author, Mark Tufo, hadn’t added to the end. This add ties it into the series.
To say this is a wonderful work of fiction with a tongue in cheek style of writing would be a reach. Yes, it is okay, and the tongue in cheek way the author writes his stories is catching, but it can easily be deleted without loosing anything in the long run. At the end the story goes full circle with two brothers talking.
Putting this “prequel” out there is a cheat. Mark could have added the information in the other books as back story very easily, and for that I’m not impressed.
All in all I’m only giving this a 2.5 out of 5 rating. The book is easily skipped. It does not really add much to the story.
The big clue that this book may not really belong in the series is the timeline. First, it takes place between WWI and WWII. The main implement in this story is the electron microscope, invented in 1938 by Ernst Ruska of Berlin. North America constructed their first one in 1938 at the University of Toronto. The USA did not get their first one until after World War II broke out with the invasion of Poland. This happened on September 1st, 1939.
Nit picking aside, this is a small novella. It may even rate as a short story if the author, Mark Tufo, hadn’t added to the end. This add ties it into the series.
To say this is a wonderful work of fiction with a tongue in cheek style of writing would be a reach. Yes, it is okay, and the tongue in cheek way the author writes his stories is catching, but it can easily be deleted without loosing anything in the long run. At the end the story goes full circle with two brothers talking.
Putting this “prequel” out there is a cheat. Mark could have added the information in the other books as back story very easily, and for that I’m not impressed.
All in all I’m only giving this a 2.5 out of 5 rating. The book is easily skipped. It does not really add much to the story.
April 30, 2019
As with all Tufo's novels there is great wit and humor that I thoroughly enjoyed. Michael Talbot and his family and friends are wonderful. It is really difficult to stop reading anything in the Talbot universe if you are even a minimally curious person; you always want to know what is going to happen next. Very difficult to put down.
April 30, 2022
Good backstory on how the virus began and interesting history of the Talbot family. It left me with more questions, though! I think the author must have partaken in some of those magic mushrooms that Talbot had ingested when he came up with this one! Maybe a bit far fetched but he makes it work and ties it together.
So I guess I’m on to the next book in the series.
So I guess I’m on to the next book in the series.
July 7, 2025
I really liked this story because it filled in a back story that we did not know about. Not only did it tell us how the zombie apocalypses start, but it took us back a hundred years to tell us how intertwined the story lines were. It was a very short story, a novella. Just perfect to set up the next book. I hope you enjoy it was much as I did.
June 22, 2017
Miniature humans?!? Dust mites battling these miniature humans, really? I was in disbelief through most of this novella. The last part of the story is pretty good though which is why it got 2 stars. Also what is in that briefcase and how long will we have to wait to find out.
February 28, 2020
Well this was an unexpected pleasure
The story of the beginnings, the life of Dr Hugh Mann was awesome. Loved it. I’m glad I didn’t read it the first time I went through the series.
The story of the beginnings, the life of Dr Hugh Mann was awesome. Loved it. I’m glad I didn’t read it the first time I went through the series.
February 19, 2021
Good background read
This is a good, quick read. Thought the story was very unique and enjoyable. Not sure it's a necessary read to the series, but worth it. I really enjoy this series.
This is a good, quick read. Thought the story was very unique and enjoyable. Not sure it's a necessary read to the series, but worth it. I really enjoy this series.
May 14, 2021
Interesting
Interesting short little read - I am super curious to watch how it ties in. The dialogue may feel a bit... off... but it’s easily overlooked for the larger picture. Really enjoyed this!
Interesting short little read - I am super curious to watch how it ties in. The dialogue may feel a bit... off... but it’s easily overlooked for the larger picture. Really enjoyed this!
April 4, 2022
Great fiction
I gotta say the author has a great imagnination, i loved the way he explained the origin of the zoombie outbreak, i would highly recommend this "short" story to anyone having fun reading thr Zoombie Fallout series
I gotta say the author has a great imagnination, i loved the way he explained the origin of the zoombie outbreak, i would highly recommend this "short" story to anyone having fun reading thr Zoombie Fallout series
December 6, 2023
Good background information for future
The story was good especially with Tomas being brought in! Mark Tufo is one of the most creative writers around! His brilliant storyline and the connections that eventually appear between characters keep you invested in the story.
The story was good especially with Tomas being brought in! Mark Tufo is one of the most creative writers around! His brilliant storyline and the connections that eventually appear between characters keep you invested in the story.
December 10, 2023
I am giving this interlude book five out of five stars because it had the sheer testicular fortitude needed to name the primary character in it "Dr. Hugh Mann." I don't care if Futurama ran with that joke first, its still funny to me!
January 10, 2024
Great short
What a great short to throw in there, giving some history on the Talbots and Tomas. This has literally become one of favorite Dystopian Zombie series. I highly recommend. It's sad, funny, gripping and just all around a great adventure.
What a great short to throw in there, giving some history on the Talbots and Tomas. This has literally become one of favorite Dystopian Zombie series. I highly recommend. It's sad, funny, gripping and just all around a great adventure.
January 22, 2024
A short novella…I would never have used a credit on one, but as it was free at the moment it was a great opportunity to listen. Some interesting points….a bit scary considering that it was written years before the resent pandemic
February 25, 2024
backstory
Great read and discovered the backstory to the first 3 books. Glad to know the cause. And got to learn a bit more about the talbot family and tommy. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Great read and discovered the backstory to the first 3 books. Glad to know the cause. And got to learn a bit more about the talbot family and tommy. Can’t wait to read the next book.
April 13, 2025
Good Information
The break from the main story to cover the new information is awesome. Though reading both, I'd stick this as 4.5, to give some frame of reference, especially to Deanaux and the talbot family secret suitcase.
The break from the main story to cover the new information is awesome. Though reading both, I'd stick this as 4.5, to give some frame of reference, especially to Deanaux and the talbot family secret suitcase.
September 19, 2017
The Virus has been unleashed.
This book explains the origins of the virus. It is troubling how close to truth it is or could be.
This book explains the origins of the virus. It is troubling how close to truth it is or could be.
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