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KILL BOX: Book Two in THE ZULU VIRUS CHRONICLES A LETHAL BIOWEAPON HAS BEEN RELEASED ACROSS AMERICA. With their daring escape plan thwarted at the last possible moment, HOT ZONE's motley band of survivors faces a worst-case scenario. Forced to take refuge near the epicenter of the bioweapons outbreak, deep inside in a city gone mad, THEIR TIME IS RUNNING OUT. Unable to slow or adequately contain the infected population, the government has triggered KILL BOX, a desperate and merciless contingency protocol. HOT ZONE's survivors have less than twenty-four hours to escape the KILL BOX.

309 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2017

1002 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Steven Konkoly

70 books1,230 followers
Steven 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).

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5 stars
598 (48%)
4 stars
421 (34%)
3 stars
168 (13%)
2 stars
33 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews497 followers
December 14, 2017
Is Our Government actually Behind the Release of a Virus that Makes All Crazy Killers!!!

This is the second book of the Zulu Virus and the action starts right away and does not quit until you read the last page! Some new 'military' groups arrive near Dr.Chang's apartment, however after landing his plane the scientist and people with him make their way to where he has the lab specimens and his reports.
The infected people become totally crazy in a short time, when they all try to kill anybody they see. The new operators on the scene can't be trusted, because the order to get Dr. Chang was changed to Kill him shortly after. Larsen will not do this,but other teams will.
Exciting adventure as the group of Chang, Larsen, (from Homeland security) , a policeman, a woman doctor and a few others try to keep everyone alive and safe while finding out that they have become 'throw-aways' , not wanted back in society after what they have seen.
I can't wait for the next story!!
Profile Image for Chessy The Cat.
340 reviews28 followers
March 22, 2018
The gang’s all here and then some. Dr. Chang, Larsen, Emma & Jack, and David & Justin are hiding within NevoTech in downtown Indianapolis trying to access Chang’s research and get it to . . . who? Who is the $64k question. Someone wants Chang captured or killed because of his research. He is one of the few in his field that has studied the virus before it was unleashed in over 20 major cities across the US. Unbeknownst to the powers that be Chang has studied this new version of the virus and determined it has been weaponized. Who can he trust to give this information to? And, can he get his group to safety at the same time?

There are zombies everywhere. That is the best way to describe those infected with the weaponized virus. They are a murderous bunch attracted by the least little sound or at night, to light sources. Getting past them and the two quarantine zones are some of the challenges Chang and his group face trying to leave NevoTech.

Konkoly’s second novel in The Zulu Virus Chronicles, KILL BOX: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Thriller, takes off running and never stops. There is a sense of urgency throughout the story to get out of the quarantine zone and hopefully, to safety away from those that caused this outbreak. The odds are not looking so good in that regard.

Even amongst all the chaos and confusion, Konkoly is able to interject some moments of levity. My favorite quote is “Yeah. I’m fine. But I’m taking up cross fit when this is over,” said Jack. “I didn’t realize the apocalypse would be this demanding.” Larsen continues to use his sarcastic wit to take the edge off and to defuse serious situations. And, even David is starting to add humor to his dialog.

This book is very well written. It grabs your attention immediately which makes it hard to put down. I do not like zombie books but will make an exception in this case. I like this book. I don’t like that it is full of zombies. That is a personal preference and in no way reflects upon Konkoly’s ability to spin a tale. I would dare say that this is one of the better books that he has written.

5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Wenzel Roessler.
815 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2025
4.5 stars. This story takes place in a very short time span, but it does a great job of moving all the characters along and providing quite a bit of action.
Profile Image for Karina Halt.
676 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2017
This book was even better then the first one, and that one was good!! I love Steven Konkoly's writing, it's clear, compelling and he makes you care deeply about the characters. A MUST READ! Highly Recommended!
Profile Image for Paulo "paper books only".
1,464 reviews75 followers
December 29, 2021
bla bla bla-Smith said!
bla bla bla bla- John Said!
bla bla bla - said Smith
Bla bla bla - said John

MY GOD! STOP WITH THE "SAID"!!
writer's tip - and I am not a writer, when two people are talking unless somone enters the confirmation; each phrase must be from one of the intervients. It's not needed to say J. Said; F. Said; J. Said and so on....

So Paulo said: "I was hearing this and if I had a grain of sand for each "said" I would have a beach on my house".

This feels like a walking dead episode. Sometimes you follow a group of characters, then another group and so on. Now the zombie (alike) creatures are roaming and are good for dying - it escalated a bit and now they are free for all to kill (even humans - it seems that's what a kill box, no rules place. This book is called kill box and this stuff is only mention like 20 pages to end.

In contrast of other zombies novels where it's everywhere and they try to give an hopelessness here that doesn't happen. Here is very local so it's a bit different. Just for that it's different. I am enjoying the trilogy. One to go.
Profile Image for Ankit Agrawal.
Author 3 books1 follower
July 3, 2020
The book didn't have any story, the whole book was based on one situation. Go to an apartment get the women and come back, exactly only this was the plot. It could have been better.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
November 28, 2017
Kill Box is the second book in the Zulu Chronicles series. I found it amazing and complex and the thrills and action keep on coming. Like with Hot Zone, 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 second book in the Black Flagged series will recognize several of the characters and situation.

This book has a cliffhanger ending, and the story will be continued in the next book. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2018
In the previous book we followed Larsen and his team as they collected the virologist Dr. Chang, Westfield police officer David and his son Justin returning from a camping trip, Jack and Emma in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the emergency room physician Dr. Hale recovering from a walloping. In Indianapolis the suspected government sponsored virus continues to breed crazies at an alarming rate. Oddly, we still don’t know why this virus was turned loose on the population. Our mixed group holds up at the research facility NevoTech, while several more S.F. teams hunt for Dr. Chang. The plan is to get Dr. Chang and his research out of Indianapolis to a safe location and into the hands of the good guys. Trouble is it’s difficult to identify who the good guys are. There’s plenty of action, excitement, twists and turns, and good old fashioned mayhem from start to finish. The characters are likeable and plausible; my favorite is the sarcastic Larsen. The story concludes with the set-up for book three. I look forward to discovering how this all turns out.
Profile Image for Rachael Ashak-Benson.
358 reviews20 followers
November 3, 2018
The Heart-Pounding Pace Continues....

For sure, as this series has gained momentum during this 2nd book, it is rising up towards the top of the heap of the best series in the genre.
The unique type of infected are still interesting and entertaining. The characters have become like good friends.
And the fact that we don’t quite know what’s really going on keeps the pages turning. A little more is exposed here and there, but the mystery is enjoyable.
That said — this can only go on for so long before it becomes tedious and frustrating. At least with the same part(s) of the storyline being held in the dark. Or grey area. Or used as a tease. Hopefully in the next book we will have our answers to all that’s currently cloudy.... then some new twists and mysteries will unfold.
Must add that Konkoly is quite skilled in crafting dialogue. It’s snappy and fun. Not at all over done. Perfectly humorous. Moves the story along at just the right pace. What a gift!
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
935 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2018
The rage virus has brought the U.S. to it's knees. More than two dozen cities have been infected by a terror weapon, the Rage virus.

The strangest mix of characters you would never put together, a cop and his teenage son, a middle-aged married couple, the virologist who first detected the infection, the special operator sent to abduct the scientist, and a few others that give them a hand. This motley crew faces down the shadow operators working for the bunch responsible for this attack.

With believable characters doing unbelievable things, against unbeatable odds, you get a story that nearly writes itself! But the author's delicate hand reaches in and stirs the bombs about, tears down a fence or two and tears the wings off airplanes. Heck, all they want to do is get out of the city!

This has been an entertaining and exciting series and I can't wait to see how it's going to all come together! Try it, you'll love it!
201 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2018
Steven Konkoly is one of my go to authors for Post Apocalyptic fiction. "The Zulu Virus Chronicles" is another of his great works. Zombie fiction has long left me cold as the very idea of reanimated dead folks is so unlikely as to be absurd. Konkoly doesn't reanimate dead people in this series, he carefully explains their behavior as a medical condition and they can die just like any other person. This is a very well thought out plot with extreme action and superb character development. I am now on book three and can hardly put it down. If zombie fiction turns you off don't worry, this is great. If you like zombie fiction, you'll like this series because it could really happen just like it is presented. Get this series and be entertained to the max!
1,477 reviews25 followers
November 30, 2017
Kill Box. Steven Konkoly

A deadly virus has been unleashed on the civilian population. Government sanctioned? For what purpose? What dark secrets motivated this. Can you trust anyone? This is an absolutely thrilling tale of sacrifice, bravery and most important of all a willingness to uphold the values of a civilized society that bond and hold us together. The willingness to die for what you hold dear and believe in. This is an absolutely outstanding read heralding the sacrifices one must must make to survive in a world torn apart. My highest recommendation. An absolute thriller of mega proportions!
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
January 23, 2018
KILL BOX

Another thrilling episode of the Zulu Virus Chronicles. I love Steven Konkoly's writing. He writes like you are actually there experiencing what his characters are. Sometimes you may think he's going into too much detail for a 5 minute operation, but that just builds the excitement of the thriller. You get to know his characters well and you begin to care about them, get emotional over them, and wonder what's going to happen to them. That's why I can barely wait the month that the next book will come out. Seems Larsen's adventure isn't quite over, and I'm sure his friends will be there to help out.
Profile Image for Sue.
338 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2017
It's a well-written sequel with lots of action, fighting, swearing and killing. In my opinion there was simply too much detail - every movement was described meticulously and it made the story drag out. I also did not like the way the female ER doctor kept using the 'f' word - it just didn't seem to gel with the way her character was otherwise portrayed. Other characters swore too but it seemed more in keeping with their persona.

If you like a surfeit of military action, guns and 'zombie'-type massacres you'll probably enjoy this. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Don.
1,027 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2018
I had trouble figuring out the start of this book? I gathered something was going on in Indianapolis but what? Then I got it and it started to make sense, except then Konkloy just disregards all the bodies that people must be tripping over? Maybe if they vaporized when they were shot? It could have been better written. I mean if your crazy, seeing anyone is a target, yet he directs them all at the good guys to make the story hold. Can you imagine ten shooters and still being overrun and those overrunning you aren’t shooting, come on. I gave it 4 stars but it is more like 3.8.
43 reviews
May 1, 2018
Best in his genre

Steven Konkoly has written a story that pulls you in to the lives of these characters who are in the midst of the worst possible circumstance imaginable. David wants to save his son, Larson is trying to do the right thing and get home to his wife and baby. Jack has depended on these two men to keep Emma safe and Dr Chang is fighting to survive so that his research can help everyone .
At a time when profits come before people maybe we should ask just how far would they go?
Profile Image for Nicko.
107 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2019
Another excellent installment of the series. Now we are finally getting to the meat of the story: the virus release, as suspected in Book 1 was not an innocent action and the conspiracy behind this confirmed attack on US soil is starting to be explored.

This book concludes once of the main threads of book one while others are presented to be explored further on Book 3. Trust me, you won't want to put this down. Again, I had the opportunity to go straight to book 3 so this book to me was a preamble for the fantastic showdown of the next installment. But that's for the other review. ;)
146 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2017
Kill box is the second book in the zulu virus series. Like the first book this book starts at a cracking pace and doesn't let off till the last few pages when you can pause and get your breath.
A cracking good read from a master storyteller, I look forward to the concluding book in
this trilogy.
If you haven't read any of Steve's books before then starting off with Hot zone (book 1) and this book Kill box will make you a fan.
Profile Image for Stephen Wells.
60 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2017
Thank you Steven Konkoly for your best effort yet. Entertaining and believeable plot, with exceptionally likable characters. The only fault I can find with this is that I have to wait for book 3. And while it is somewhat helpful or more interesting if you have previously read the "Black Flagged" series, it is absolutely not necessary to fully enjoy "Kill Box". Get to reading this series. You will not be disappointed.
1,182 reviews17 followers
January 3, 2018
Enjoy this book much better

I read the first two books, I like the second one more than the first the group seems to be gelling and getting along, did not like in fighting or bickering in the first book. I’m glad you added additional characters that may travel with the group, they need more shooters and please don’t use these characters as canon fodder. Can’t wait for the next book.
14 reviews
January 22, 2018
I wish I was a better writer so I could convey the sheer joy of reading Mr. Konkoly’s books. He never fails to deliver a fast-paced entertaining story. And I always manage to learn something in the process. Read his books!
This book picks up where the last one left off and you’re brought through the terror of being in a city where a disease has been weaponized and most of the population has been infected. I’m glad the next book is coming out soon!
Profile Image for Robert Chapman.
501 reviews54 followers
July 19, 2018
This is the second book in the Zulu Virus Chronicles series. As the story progresses, the survivors are now convinced that the viral outbreak was a state sponsored attack. While still focused on survival, the group also feels a strong moral obligation to expose the government's role in the attack.

The pressure on the team grows as they struggle to escape from the city which has now been labelled a "kill box" - nothing inside will survive the coming purge.
Profile Image for Michael.
31 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2021
One of those sequel books that droned on a little too long. The first book was a quick, action-packed read. The second seemed a little too bogged down with technical details, etc. I found myself remembered at the end that the storyline is confined to about a 24-hour period, but it felt longer. On the strength of the first book, and the curiousity of seeing how the story ends, I’ll be continuing the story in book 3 shortly.
120 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2018
Fantastic Read!

This second book in the series, does not disappoint! Taking up from the end of the first book, Kill Box provides a non-stop action-packed read. Just when I thought I'd reached a point in the story where I could relax and catch my breath, WHAM! Cannot wait for book 3. Thank you Mr. Monopoly for this outstanding series!
Profile Image for Lisa Omstead.
127 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2018
The Zulu Virus Chronicles is a well-crafted spinoff series from the author's bestselling Black Flagged stories. I was delighted to see some of my favorite characters from Black Flagged teaming up with a new group of heroes in situations guaranteed to hold your interest and keep your pulse racing from start to finish. Highly entertaining and recommended!
Profile Image for Brandon.
556 reviews35 followers
December 4, 2018
Kill Box is a good semi-conclusion to the first part. Events and people come together, trying the various stories into a cohesive tale. In a genre (as with just about any) it's hard to find original and well-written books that dont feel like the same indistinguishable story. This one is worth reading in that regard. The narrator also did a decent job.
Profile Image for Jeff.
380 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2019
A fun ride out of the city of Indianapolis, with thousands of crazies! Tense from the beginning to the end. The interaction between the main characters is quite good. One is a soldier, while the other is a cop. There are subtle differences to their outlook which makes it a better story. I would like more info in Dr. Chang & the ER Dr. The 3rd story of this set is on my To Read List.
46 reviews
November 28, 2019
Imaginative and Fun Read

I was engaged with the story from beginning to end. I enjoyed the characters and not knowing the identity of the bad guys, only hints. Ready for the next book because the bad guys always seem to have access to i formation and resources. Looking forward to how Larsen's group will grow.
9 reviews
June 15, 2023
Very much a page turner, but it could be shortened by half and still easily achieved the same result.
Spoilers:
The team escape Nevotech to rescue Dr Hale, go back to Nevotech. Try to escape by plane out of the city, fail, go back to Nevotech. A bunch of gun battles in between. That’s the whole story. Of the 20 odd Steven Konkoly books I’ve read and enjoyed, this one just felt pointless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16 reviews
December 15, 2017
Excellent reading!

This is a great story. Great character development, and interesting dialog. A equally thrilling sequel to the first book. Can't wait for the third. Mr. Konkoly, job well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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