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The Zulu Virus Chronicles #3
Fire Storm
SOMETHING MERCILESS WATCHES OVER THE OUTBREAK--GUIDING ITS COURSE.
Having narrowly survived the KILL BOX, HOT ZONE's hardened survivors and their KILL BOX allies separate to pursue different objectives--outside of the Indianapolis quarantine zone.
For David Olson, that means bringing his son south, to the safe haven of his parents' home--far away from the infected cities. Eric Larsen takes him up on the offer to rest and heal at the house, before departing on the long journey to find his family in Colorado.
For Rich and his secretive black ops team, that means transporting Dr. Chang and Dr. Hale to a secure facility out east, where they will join the nation's few surviving bioweapons researchers--with the hopes of pinpointing the source of the virus and possibly developing a vaccine.
Neither group will get very far, before the true face of the evil controlling the Zulu Virus arrives--tempting them with irresistible opportunities.
DANGEROUS OPPORTUNITIES, WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SWEEP THEM RIGHT INTO A LETHAL FIRESTORM
Having narrowly survived the KILL BOX, HOT ZONE's hardened survivors and their KILL BOX allies separate to pursue different objectives--outside of the Indianapolis quarantine zone.
For David Olson, that means bringing his son south, to the safe haven of his parents' home--far away from the infected cities. Eric Larsen takes him up on the offer to rest and heal at the house, before departing on the long journey to find his family in Colorado.
For Rich and his secretive black ops team, that means transporting Dr. Chang and Dr. Hale to a secure facility out east, where they will join the nation's few surviving bioweapons researchers--with the hopes of pinpointing the source of the virus and possibly developing a vaccine.
Neither group will get very far, before the true face of the evil controlling the Zulu Virus arrives--tempting them with irresistible opportunities.
DANGEROUS OPPORTUNITIES, WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SWEEP THEM RIGHT INTO A LETHAL FIRESTORM
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2018
647 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Steven Konkoly
70 books1,230 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 27, 2020
That's it?? I really enjoyed this series, until the end. Konkoly doesn't reveal who exactly the shadow government is and why they released the virus, or even if Terrence's team was able to cut the head off the right snake. And no mention of another book in the series. I feel like I wasted my time.
February 16, 2018
Chang and the gang have made it outside the quarantine zones of Indianapolis where they will part ways. David will take his son, the Harpers, and Larsen to his parents’ home. Sanderson’s people will take Chang and Dr. Hale to continue the virus research. Shortly after parting, the evil that unleashed this hell rears its ugly head. Will either group make their destination or will the evil powers that be rain down upon them?
Konkoly’s third novel in The Zulu Virus Chronicles. Fire Storm: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Thriller, finally reveals who is behind the virus and the lengths that they will go to keep that information contained. This book is every bit as action-packed as the first two. Fortunately for me, there are no zombies in this installment.
Larsen’s deadpan humor helps break the tension and has even become expected. Even David is starting to use Larsen’s turn of phrase. To me, Larsen has become the antihero of the series and one of my favorite characters. I’d enjoy seeing more of him in future books.
This series has focused on the micro while the virus was unleashed across the nation in strategic cities. I don’t know if Konkoly has plans for another series of books that will explore how the world is viewing the United States in this dire situation. It would also be fascinating to see how our own people deal with the repercussions of the virus on the economy.
Regardless of where Konkoly goes next, this book is a must read.
5 out of 5 stars.
Konkoly’s third novel in The Zulu Virus Chronicles. Fire Storm: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Thriller, finally reveals who is behind the virus and the lengths that they will go to keep that information contained. This book is every bit as action-packed as the first two. Fortunately for me, there are no zombies in this installment.
Larsen’s deadpan humor helps break the tension and has even become expected. Even David is starting to use Larsen’s turn of phrase. To me, Larsen has become the antihero of the series and one of my favorite characters. I’d enjoy seeing more of him in future books.
This series has focused on the micro while the virus was unleashed across the nation in strategic cities. I don’t know if Konkoly has plans for another series of books that will explore how the world is viewing the United States in this dire situation. It would also be fascinating to see how our own people deal with the repercussions of the virus on the economy.
Regardless of where Konkoly goes next, this book is a must read.
5 out of 5 stars.
June 28, 2025
Book three does not fail to deliver. While the conclusion of the story does not really tie things up with a nice little bow, the book itself has excellent character development, a great plot and great interaction of the cast. This is the first time in a long time that the author has written a story. With such deep and moving characters.
June 23, 2018
Did I miss something? Don’t get me wrong, I liked the series as a whole, but I have several issues with this pseudo-concluded third volume. The ending was rushed, characters were bum-rushed to safety, the wife was in & out of the picture, was accountability for the virus exacted (?), and I still don’t know the motive(s) and/or purpose of the virus. I note so many five star reviews yet scarcely anyone has an issue. What did I miss?
The third book focuses on our boys heading up a convoy to move materials and supplies from one city to another. They’re also called upon to evacuate troops from a besieged headquarters about to be overrun. The story was tense and exciting; full of action from start to finish. The same characters were brought forward; we got to know them and care about them. R.C. Bray was excellent; it was a joy listening to him. Except for my criticism, recommended reading.
The third book focuses on our boys heading up a convoy to move materials and supplies from one city to another. They’re also called upon to evacuate troops from a besieged headquarters about to be overrun. The story was tense and exciting; full of action from start to finish. The same characters were brought forward; we got to know them and care about them. R.C. Bray was excellent; it was a joy listening to him. Except for my criticism, recommended reading.
November 6, 2018
Not the conclusion... right!??
I read somewhere that this book, book 3, was “the conclusion” to the series.
Can’t be?
Definitely still 5 stars all the way around. Even though my original complaint still stands - way too much switching between everyone’s first and last names (and add in the use of rank/official title). Way too confusing and tends to pull you out of the story.
Hopefully there will be a book #4 ... too many loose ends still!!
Fingers crossed.....
I read somewhere that this book, book 3, was “the conclusion” to the series.
Can’t be?
Definitely still 5 stars all the way around. Even though my original complaint still stands - way too much switching between everyone’s first and last names (and add in the use of rank/official title). Way too confusing and tends to pull you out of the story.
Hopefully there will be a book #4 ... too many loose ends still!!
Fingers crossed.....
April 12, 2018
The subtitle to these books is "The Zulu Virus Chronicles." I'm not even sure the virus was mentioned in this book. This was more of a book about military tactics and weapons than any virus.
February 15, 2018
Fire Storm is the third book in the Zulu Virus Chronicles series. I found it amazing and complex and the thrills and action keep on coming. Like with Hot Zone and Kill Box, I got caught up in the story and had a hard time putting the book down. This story is violent and not for sensitive readers.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This was well written and timely, as you can just imagine this happening at anytime without warning. The author did a good job creating multidimensional characters and in describing what is happening around them. I couldn't help but relate to the characters he created. As usual, everything and everyone is not as it seems. Even though this book encompasses a short time span, there is a lot of action, twists and turns, and surprises to keep you riveted. For those readers who have read the he Black Flagged series will recognize several of the characters and situation. It is scary to think that this could happen here.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This was well written and timely, as you can just imagine this happening at anytime without warning. The author did a good job creating multidimensional characters and in describing what is happening around them. I couldn't help but relate to the characters he created. As usual, everything and everyone is not as it seems. Even though this book encompasses a short time span, there is a lot of action, twists and turns, and surprises to keep you riveted. For those readers who have read the he Black Flagged series will recognize several of the characters and situation. It is scary to think that this could happen here.
April 18, 2019
Fire Storm is the conclusion of the Zulu Virus epic. We finally get to witness what we were being hinted at all along: that a vast government conspiracy is behind everything. Our protagonists have made sacrifices and hard calls to get to this point and now they get to pay back the conspirators with interest.
I was able to read the trilogy one after the other, which is the only way I would recommend going through this series. The conclusion is satisfying and closes the loop in all the threads gracefully.
I briefly considered taking a star away due to some technical errors in the book (i.e. you don't chamber a round to fire the M240B since it fires from an open bolt) but my decision to give it 5 stars is also my overall review of the Zulu Virus Chronicles. While the conclusion was very much satisfying I found myself longing for more books in a similar setting and away from the scifi deus ex machina. Job well done!
I was able to read the trilogy one after the other, which is the only way I would recommend going through this series. The conclusion is satisfying and closes the loop in all the threads gracefully.
I briefly considered taking a star away due to some technical errors in the book (i.e. you don't chamber a round to fire the M240B since it fires from an open bolt) but my decision to give it 5 stars is also my overall review of the Zulu Virus Chronicles. While the conclusion was very much satisfying I found myself longing for more books in a similar setting and away from the scifi deus ex machina. Job well done!
June 20, 2019
I need a character map
Let me start by saying I LOVED the action in this book & the series as a whole. I loved the story. But MAN, there were so many characters thrown at me in the second half of the 2nd book and most of this book, I legitimately couldn’t keep everyone straight. If I had known that the Black Flagged books were interrelated, I might have started there- but I didn’t. I think the characters would have been more developed if I had seen them in the prior series. I finally just gave up and muddled through the best I could.
This series is like Ourbreak or the V Plague series (by Dirk Patton) meets 24- both very high praise comparisons, bc those are my fav TV & book series.
Let me start by saying I LOVED the action in this book & the series as a whole. I loved the story. But MAN, there were so many characters thrown at me in the second half of the 2nd book and most of this book, I legitimately couldn’t keep everyone straight. If I had known that the Black Flagged books were interrelated, I might have started there- but I didn’t. I think the characters would have been more developed if I had seen them in the prior series. I finally just gave up and muddled through the best I could.
This series is like Ourbreak or the V Plague series (by Dirk Patton) meets 24- both very high praise comparisons, bc those are my fav TV & book series.
February 23, 2018
Quit Reading Reviews and Click the BUY NOW button!
I promise you won't be disappointed. Anything from Konkoly is worth the money and then some. For fans of Thor, Flynn, Clancy and Greany, you will thank yourself for going back and first reading all of the Black Flag books which I put up there with any military thriller series-ANY! Then read this series as it will help you understand some things that other readers won't. You don't have to read the Black Flag series before you read this series as this series, as a stand alone series, is fantastic itself! Do yourself a favor and read these books.
I promise you won't be disappointed. Anything from Konkoly is worth the money and then some. For fans of Thor, Flynn, Clancy and Greany, you will thank yourself for going back and first reading all of the Black Flag books which I put up there with any military thriller series-ANY! Then read this series as it will help you understand some things that other readers won't. You don't have to read the Black Flag series before you read this series as this series, as a stand alone series, is fantastic itself! Do yourself a favor and read these books.
March 8, 2018
The exciting conclusion to a terrific story!
Our gang of unlikely heroes brings the fight to the mercenaries and their nefarious agenda. Still trying to escape the cordon around Indianapolis, get through thousands of raging psychopaths infected with a bioweapon, and fight their way through professional operators equipped with all the newest, baddest, pain dealing tools devised by crazy defense contractors.
Phew! By the time I finished this book, I was exhausted! The action was nonstop, believable and unbelievable, if you know what I mean. This series has been entertaining and I would recommend reading it.
Our gang of unlikely heroes brings the fight to the mercenaries and their nefarious agenda. Still trying to escape the cordon around Indianapolis, get through thousands of raging psychopaths infected with a bioweapon, and fight their way through professional operators equipped with all the newest, baddest, pain dealing tools devised by crazy defense contractors.
Phew! By the time I finished this book, I was exhausted! The action was nonstop, believable and unbelievable, if you know what I mean. This series has been entertaining and I would recommend reading it.
February 18, 2018
Fire Storm. Steven Konkoly
A deadly virus has been unleashed . By whom? Thousands are infected, dying. Someone high in are government hierarchy is the culprit. A small group is fighting back to find the answer. Others are joining this renegade fighting force. The virus has to be stopped and whoever unleashed it on the American public has to be held accountable. This is a tremendous read, and unfortunately a very believable scenario. My highest recommendation! Enjoyed immensely.
A deadly virus has been unleashed . By whom? Thousands are infected, dying. Someone high in are government hierarchy is the culprit. A small group is fighting back to find the answer. Others are joining this renegade fighting force. The virus has to be stopped and whoever unleashed it on the American public has to be held accountable. This is a tremendous read, and unfortunately a very believable scenario. My highest recommendation! Enjoyed immensely.
March 1, 2018
I was excited to read this last book in the trilogy. I was disappointed that the focus shifted away from the characters of the previous two books, with the exception of David and Eric. The author seemed to be trying to cover many different elements but I felt he spread his narrative too thin. A lot of it read like a how to blow things up and destroy things manual. But I did finish it and did get a lot of closure on several of the main characters. Many interesting but scary things to think about with the idea of a weaponized pandemic!
March 24, 2018
This is the third and culminating book in the Zulu Virus series. I loved the way Konkoly created the storyline in book 1 with the introduction of the various characters and their respective roles in the story. Book 2 brings the characters together to face the crises the bad guys have devised.. Book 3 is the exciting response of the good versus the bad. Very simple formula for writing a good story. Konkoly is a master at doing just that. I have read his other books and have enjoyed all of them and I think you would too.
February 27, 2018
Fire Storm
This was a hellava ride! What a great wrap up to the series. Although, it seemed to me that an opening was left for another book, but it surely isn't needed. Konkoly has a way for writing action packed stories and this was no exception. The characters were fantastic, they put up a good fight. I recommend this book highly. Though, I'd start with book one. The whole series is terrific.
This was a hellava ride! What a great wrap up to the series. Although, it seemed to me that an opening was left for another book, but it surely isn't needed. Konkoly has a way for writing action packed stories and this was no exception. The characters were fantastic, they put up a good fight. I recommend this book highly. Though, I'd start with book one. The whole series is terrific.
March 2, 2018
Was this the same series?
I really hate to write a poor review of this book. The book itself is a good read but you could read it as a stand-alone novel. It felt as though the author just wanted to finish the series. The second book in this series spends some serious time building certain characters and to finish the third not one of them is mentioned. The main character Larsen plays second fiddle in this book. I’m just confused as to why he chose this path. Still stumped.
I really hate to write a poor review of this book. The book itself is a good read but you could read it as a stand-alone novel. It felt as though the author just wanted to finish the series. The second book in this series spends some serious time building certain characters and to finish the third not one of them is mentioned. The main character Larsen plays second fiddle in this book. I’m just confused as to why he chose this path. Still stumped.
July 22, 2018
I just finished Fire Storm (The Zulu Virus Chronicles #3)
by Steven Konkoly. This has been a great series. Book 3 leaves some things open for a continuation of the series or a spinoff. Either would suit me. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and hope to see it continued. Lots of good action, most of the good guys survive and the bad folks are brought to justice. Read it yourself and let us know how you experienced the book. Thanks Steven Konkoly for another great series.
by Steven Konkoly. This has been a great series. Book 3 leaves some things open for a continuation of the series or a spinoff. Either would suit me. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and hope to see it continued. Lots of good action, most of the good guys survive and the bad folks are brought to justice. Read it yourself and let us know how you experienced the book. Thanks Steven Konkoly for another great series.
August 16, 2018
This is the final book in the Zulu Virus Chronicles series. The series wraps up with the team simultaneously trying to get loved ones out of the infected zone, working to find a vaccine, and ultimately exposing the source of the biological attack.
Although wrapping up, the story by no means slows down and is by no means less engaging than the first two books.
I was sad to see this series end, but it was a good ending.
Although wrapping up, the story by no means slows down and is by no means less engaging than the first two books.
I was sad to see this series end, but it was a good ending.
February 18, 2018
This is the third part of a horrifyingly realistic story and it was as gripping, if not more so, as the previous two.
The splitting of the groups allows for even more action as they chase the shadowy organisation behind the atrocities.
Excellent descriptions and great characters who I like more with each book as I get to know more about them. It's a story that kept me up reading late.
The splitting of the groups allows for even more action as they chase the shadowy organisation behind the atrocities.
Excellent descriptions and great characters who I like more with each book as I get to know more about them. It's a story that kept me up reading late.
February 24, 2018
Steven Konkoly did it again with book three in this series! Great read...awesome story with a fantastic band of characters. While it is not necessary to have read Steven’s Black Flagged series prior to the Zulu Virus Chronicles, knowledge of the earlier series certainly enriched the read. Thank you Steven Konkoly for yet another excellent book!
March 7, 2018
Zulu Virus Series
Just finished reading all 3 of the bop in the series and loved them. Once I started the first one I couldn't stop until I finished reading all of them. If you like pandemic thrillers then you have to read this series it's action packed from the first one to the last. One of the best type of stories like this I have ever read.
Just finished reading all 3 of the bop in the series and loved them. Once I started the first one I couldn't stop until I finished reading all of them. If you like pandemic thrillers then you have to read this series it's action packed from the first one to the last. One of the best type of stories like this I have ever read.
March 21, 2018
I so much want to make an Ajax pun in this review or comment about the ctabs getting L-tabbed, but it would give something away. So, you will just have to read this best-in-series installment of the Zulu Virus Chronicles to get it. Pluses, less "zombie apocalypse", more raw action, "strategery" ;-), and plot twists. Minuses, you may want to reread the last bit of Kill Box first, because Fire Storm shoots-n-scoots from word one with no introduction to the plot or characters.
May 4, 2018
Fast paced
Wow! From page 1 I was drawn in to the quest to find the villains that had unleashed such a horrible virus. Our heros were strong and fighting for the rights of everyone.
I really would have liked an epilogue with Dr Chang and his efforts. The outing of the deep deceptive fake govnt agency. Larsen and his family. Most importantly did David reconcile with his ex?
Wow! From page 1 I was drawn in to the quest to find the villains that had unleashed such a horrible virus. Our heros were strong and fighting for the rights of everyone.
I really would have liked an epilogue with Dr Chang and his efforts. The outing of the deep deceptive fake govnt agency. Larsen and his family. Most importantly did David reconcile with his ex?
February 24, 2018
Great Read!
This is the third book in the series and a great read. The story is believable and you get attached to the characters. It's hard to stop reading because you want to find out who survives this virus.
This is the third book in the series and a great read. The story is believable and you get attached to the characters. It's hard to stop reading because you want to find out who survives this virus.
February 6, 2019
Wow, what a thrill ride. Super ending to the Zulu Virus Chronicles. The dialogue was believable & the way I’d imagine men would speak to each other in tense moments. I didn’t know the connection to the Black-Flagged books. I’ll have to do those next. Thanks again Steven for a great series.
February 3, 2020
The entire series is really good. I thought is was going to start as like a zombie thing but the twist in the first book of the infected just wanting to kill and the were eating the Harper's dog was something i wasnt expecting but amazing nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
I liked the action and speed of this book. Series was great.
I feel like I missed what happened with Chang. The series just kind of ends abruptly, which is ok but I still feel like another book could be squeezed out of this...or an update with an epilogue.
I feel like I missed what happened with Chang. The series just kind of ends abruptly, which is ok but I still feel like another book could be squeezed out of this...or an update with an epilogue.
September 11, 2023
Good final book
Nice end to the series. Good action , but not quite as frenetic as some if the other books, but a nice wrap up to the story. Would have been nice to get some better details of who was behind it but good nonetheless. Good read.
Nice end to the series. Good action , but not quite as frenetic as some if the other books, but a nice wrap up to the story. Would have been nice to get some better details of who was behind it but good nonetheless. Good read.
February 15, 2018
This is a great fast paced read, with characters you care about. Steven Konkoly does it again! Masterfully done, a must read. Recommended read that is fast paced and suspenseful!!
February 16, 2018
Decent ending to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews