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Caldera #1
Caldera
For years, the biggest threat that Yellowstone was thought to offer was in the form of its semi-dormant super volcano. Little did anyone realize the threat was real and slowly working its way to the surface, but not in the form of magma. Lying deep within the bowels of the earth itself, an ancient virus waited.Recently credited with the extinction of Neanderthal man, the virus erupts into a crowded Yellowstone. The park is packed with sight seers and party goers during a benefit concert who are all now fodder for the ancient rage virus.Follow along as Park Rangers and local Sheriff’s find themselves overwhelmed with a park full of infected human cannibals.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
208 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Heath Stallcup
70 books83 followersHeath Stallcup was born in Salinas, California and relocated to Tupelo, Oklahoma in his tween years. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in Charleston, SC and Bangor, WA shortly after junior college. After his second tour he attended East Central University where he obtained BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He then served ten years with the State of Oklahoma as a Compliance and Enforcement Officer while moonlighting nights and weekends with his local Sheriff’s Office. He still lives in the small township of Tupelo, Oklahoma with his wife and three of his seven children. He steals time to write between household duties, going to ballgames, being a grandfather and the pet of numerous animals that have taken over his home. Visit him here, at heathstallcup.com or on Facebook.com for news of his upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 30, 2022
Zombie Action!
I don’t want to say this, but I’m going to have to. This book is scary.
I don’t want to say this, but I’m going to have to. This book is scary.
February 22, 2018
I am not particularly fond of zombies. I think there are way too many out there flooding the market. that said, I picked up this book, by an author I didn't know and gave it a try. wow. absolutely loved this book. it is a wonderful, fast read and very realistic. I love the characters and each one's fight to stay alive. and the first turning was a surprise. hadn't seen that one coming. I have bought all the others in the series. and I so want to go to the next book, however I am making myself wait. why? because by reading them back to back the books end. I need the fix of those characters for future. so I will limit my next book in the series to another time. soon, I'm sure, but a bit later.
do yourself a favor, get these books.
do yourself a favor, get these books.
December 28, 2018
Tense!
I could barely read the book and breathe. While holding my breath l could barely look away. I missed a lot of sleep reading this book.
I could barely read the book and breathe. While holding my breath l could barely look away. I missed a lot of sleep reading this book.
January 27, 2016
This has all the makings of a pretty good series kickoff. There were some jumpy spots, but I think Stallcup did a fine job of introducing a zombie apocalypse story starting with the most commonly skipped aspect: How It Started!
There were a few characters who sort of acted a bit odd considering how they were brought in. No spoilers, but I felt Bob would have searched for his son rather than pursue the path he did during the conclusion. Also, the "fishing trip" at the end for Rich, Bill, and Jason seemed to lack something. Unless it is picked up in book 2 and explained more, that ending would be the top of my list of complaints.
Again, all in all, a solid story with legs.
There were a few characters who sort of acted a bit odd considering how they were brought in. No spoilers, but I felt Bob would have searched for his son rather than pursue the path he did during the conclusion. Also, the "fishing trip" at the end for Rich, Bill, and Jason seemed to lack something. Unless it is picked up in book 2 and explained more, that ending would be the top of my list of complaints.
Again, all in all, a solid story with legs.
December 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Its a great take on a Zombie story. Love the style of writing has lots of gore and horror and some laughter. There was a lot of auction in this story you never got board with it. I kept wanting to go on to the next page and chapter . It had a different take on how the virus started and were the virus came from.
If you love zombie story's then you wont be disappointed in this one. Also check out The authors other books like Whispers and Monster Squad the are just as amazing as this book
If you love zombie story's then you wont be disappointed in this one. Also check out The authors other books like Whispers and Monster Squad the are just as amazing as this book
September 14, 2018
Non stop action!
Johnny Mack did an amazing job narrating this book. I’ve already started book 2.
This is an action packed never slows down book. Buck our resident 12 year old boy is one of the smartest characters in this book. Skeeter may turn out to be one smart girl too but right now I’m seeing her manipulative side.
Curious as to how Candy will get through this. Hoping for the best for all of the characters.
Hey has anyone seen a naked crazy woman running around? 😜
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author but voluntarily give my honest rev
Johnny Mack did an amazing job narrating this book. I’ve already started book 2.
This is an action packed never slows down book. Buck our resident 12 year old boy is one of the smartest characters in this book. Skeeter may turn out to be one smart girl too but right now I’m seeing her manipulative side.
Curious as to how Candy will get through this. Hoping for the best for all of the characters.
Hey has anyone seen a naked crazy woman running around? 😜
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher/author but voluntarily give my honest rev
November 3, 2018
Title: Caldera
Author: Heath Stallcup
Publication Date: Nov 2014
Genre: Zombie
Score: 3/5
This is a zombie novel set in Yellowstone Park. On the night of an outdoor concert, a virus is released, quickly spreading all over the park. There are a few character threads we follow as they try to cope with the disaster. This is a decent zombie novel, but I sure thought Mr. Stallcup missed a bet ( very small spoiler) when he didn’t blow the volcano simultaneously with the zombie outbreak. It’s not really a 3/5, but I’m feeling generous today. Recommended for zombie lovers.
Author: Heath Stallcup
Publication Date: Nov 2014
Genre: Zombie
Score: 3/5
This is a zombie novel set in Yellowstone Park. On the night of an outdoor concert, a virus is released, quickly spreading all over the park. There are a few character threads we follow as they try to cope with the disaster. This is a decent zombie novel, but I sure thought Mr. Stallcup missed a bet ( very small spoiler) when he didn’t blow the volcano simultaneously with the zombie outbreak. It’s not really a 3/5, but I’m feeling generous today. Recommended for zombie lovers.
July 6, 2018
Audible:A virus is released from an earthquake shaking up hot springs.Zombies result from the virus.Ok characters,okstory.Johnny Mack was a good narrator.Some repetition of lines in the beginning.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
A SHIFT IN THE EARTH RELEASES YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE.
A great start to one super series. With a family on a vacation trip to visit "Yellowstone National Park" Bob is hoping this will be something the family can all enjoy together, but with his wife Lucky already complaining and wanting to go home, he decides it might be best to just do that the very next day. The family is enjoying the night before they leave relaxing in a hot spring. But due to a slight shift in the earth something is released and as Bob's daughter Keri starts to sicken, all Bob can think of is making his daughter comfortable until the next morning when they can leave and get her seen by a doctor. But Bob and his family, with his son Buck by his side don't realize they may have waited to long already. A great book and deserving of its 5 Stars. Ready for book #2.
Lucky, his son Buck and daughter Keri.
A great start to one super series. With a family on a vacation trip to visit "Yellowstone National Park" Bob is hoping this will be something the family can all enjoy together, but with his wife Lucky already complaining and wanting to go home, he decides it might be best to just do that the very next day. The family is enjoying the night before they leave relaxing in a hot spring. But due to a slight shift in the earth something is released and as Bob's daughter Keri starts to sicken, all Bob can think of is making his daughter comfortable until the next morning when they can leave and get her seen by a doctor. But Bob and his family, with his son Buck by his side don't realize they may have waited to long already. A great book and deserving of its 5 Stars. Ready for book #2.
Lucky, his son Buck and daughter Keri.
May 5, 2018
Different spin on the zombie apocalypse theme. If that's your genre, you'll likely enjoy this one. I liked it and will probably listen to the sequel as well. It's a quick listen and was engaging enough to keep my interest. Character development was slightly lacking, but the storyline was fast-paced and entertaining. Delivered what is typically expected from this type of book. Good read! ***This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.***
July 30, 2022
Read : July 30, 2022
Rating :3 Stars
I thought this was okay, it wasn't terrible but I also can't say that I thought it was amazing.
I liked that it showed the start of it, that's always my favourite part of teotwawki in books since that tends to hold the most suspense and action.
I would have liked a female character in the spotlight since it seemed they were only there for getting killed and I'd like a character that I can sympathise with a bit more than these bro bro guys.
Rating :3 Stars
I thought this was okay, it wasn't terrible but I also can't say that I thought it was amazing.
I liked that it showed the start of it, that's always my favourite part of teotwawki in books since that tends to hold the most suspense and action.
I would have liked a female character in the spotlight since it seemed they were only there for getting killed and I'd like a character that I can sympathise with a bit more than these bro bro guys.
February 5, 2019
Park life.
A holiday to a national park should be fun and relaxing but it turns out much more is going on than they expect.
A horrifying scenario with interesting characters, most of whom I liked. I enjoyed it enough to continue the series.
Sudden end that I wasn't 100% sure about.
A holiday to a national park should be fun and relaxing but it turns out much more is going on than they expect.
A horrifying scenario with interesting characters, most of whom I liked. I enjoyed it enough to continue the series.
Sudden end that I wasn't 100% sure about.
March 3, 2023
You will be taken to Yellow stone park and find out that they test hot springs for strange species that might be dangerous to people. Then a person got sick and all hell goes crazy in the park , the author did a good job with the book. You can not stop reading the book , it keeps you wanting more .
September 16, 2025
great take on zombie books
I read a lot of zombie books and while this one varied greatly from how most of them go I like the differences. These park rangers are badasses. Can’t wait to read book 2.
I read a lot of zombie books and while this one varied greatly from how most of them go I like the differences. These park rangers are badasses. Can’t wait to read book 2.
March 4, 2018
Same old same old. I can't believe their are three other books on this subject. Have you seen Walking Dead? S have I.
June 9, 2018
Good book
Not very fast paced and the author never explains where the virus comes from all in all a very good read great for bed time
Not very fast paced and the author never explains where the virus comes from all in all a very good read great for bed time
July 1, 2018
Wasn't too bad for a Zombie book. Not too much whining but a lot of stupid mistakes! Would read the next one if it was available in audio!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
Actual Rating 2.5 Stars
December 10, 2018
Good read. Enjoyed but not quite sure about series.
Will purchase the next in the series soon. It has plenty of action and interesting characters. Hope it moves to 5 stars.
Will purchase the next in the series soon. It has plenty of action and interesting characters. Hope it moves to 5 stars.
April 13, 2020
Good read...
January 19, 2022
I loved this series. It was amazing
August 2, 2023
I LOVE this series! You do NOT want to miss this! It pulls you in and from then on, you are hooked! A MUST read!
August 27, 2024
I had high hopes for this book..... it disappointed.
June 29, 2022
Too much blood and gore!
I read a lot of end of the world
books. But the gore and violence was not to my liking!
I read a lot of end of the world
books. But the gore and violence was not to my liking!
May 11, 2018
Bob and his family are in Yellowstone to get away from everything and enjoy the peace and quite, but they didn't realise that there is a benefit concert on at the same time. Never the less, they decide to stay. While there, his daughter and son are messing in the water when they smell an awful smell. They quickly get out of the water. Later that night, the daughter starts to feel ill. She deteriorates rapidly and attacks her mother. Bob knows something isn't right because of her eyes and wrestles her down and ties her up. Bobs wife starts to feel ill soon after and disappears. Bob and his son go looking for her, but things take a horrible turn when it becomes obvious that she is heading to the benefit concert! Hundreds of people have no idea what is about to happen.
This was a solid start, to what I hope will be a great Zombie series. The book doesn't just focus on Bob and his family. We also meet the park rangers tasked with keeping the concert under control and a few other characters, all of whom converge at some point. I liked pretty much all the characters and found them easy to connect with. They were well written and developed and easy to like.
The plot was relatively fast paced. I liked that the author spent time on setting the scene and introducing the characters, before the zombies really start. I also liked how the virus came to be. It was a change from the normal, human error or intention that we see all the time. The virus was always there, it wiped out the Neanderthals and a simple shift in earth has caused it to resurface! It was a refreshing change!!
In all, this was a good read. On finishing it, I wanted to read the next one to see what happens the characters!! Hopefully the rest of them come to audio.
Johnny Mack read this well. He had plenty of tones and voices for the characters, and was clear and easy to listen to. The one complaint I had was that he didn't put enough into the performance to truly bring the story to life. I wanted a little more put into bringing the tenseness etc to life!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
This was a solid start, to what I hope will be a great Zombie series. The book doesn't just focus on Bob and his family. We also meet the park rangers tasked with keeping the concert under control and a few other characters, all of whom converge at some point. I liked pretty much all the characters and found them easy to connect with. They were well written and developed and easy to like.
The plot was relatively fast paced. I liked that the author spent time on setting the scene and introducing the characters, before the zombies really start. I also liked how the virus came to be. It was a change from the normal, human error or intention that we see all the time. The virus was always there, it wiped out the Neanderthals and a simple shift in earth has caused it to resurface! It was a refreshing change!!
In all, this was a good read. On finishing it, I wanted to read the next one to see what happens the characters!! Hopefully the rest of them come to audio.
Johnny Mack read this well. He had plenty of tones and voices for the characters, and was clear and easy to listen to. The one complaint I had was that he didn't put enough into the performance to truly bring the story to life. I wanted a little more put into bringing the tenseness etc to life!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
May 1, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"One can't second guess crazy people."
Whilst in Europe, two scientists puzzle over why the samples of Neanderthal DNA are showing identical, and seemingly impossible, readings, a fund raising rock concert is is getting ready to explode music in Yellowstone Park. There, not for music but to enjoy quiet and the joys of nature, are Bill Martin, with his fishing gear and tent, and seperately, Bob, with his not-so-happy family in a giant camper van, loaned to him by his brother.
Both are going to experience far more than hot springs and bears.
Caldera is a great start to a new series with good, humourous dialogue and a well established basis of normality before everything starts to go wrong. But when it does, it does so big time, with established characters being swept away unexpectedly even as others struggle to survive.
The performance by Johnny Mack captures it all with a warm, well crafted reading, including individualized character voicings, and a pace closely matched to the text. The whole, narration and writing, make for a very human, exciting beginning to the apocalyptic series, one which this reader is looking forward to continuing.
My thanks to the rights holder of Camera 1, for freely gifting me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I often enjoy books of this genre but this one exceeded my expectations with it's warmth, good humour and, yes, a feeling of reality. Recommended.
"One can't second guess crazy people."
Whilst in Europe, two scientists puzzle over why the samples of Neanderthal DNA are showing identical, and seemingly impossible, readings, a fund raising rock concert is is getting ready to explode music in Yellowstone Park. There, not for music but to enjoy quiet and the joys of nature, are Bill Martin, with his fishing gear and tent, and seperately, Bob, with his not-so-happy family in a giant camper van, loaned to him by his brother.
Both are going to experience far more than hot springs and bears.
Caldera is a great start to a new series with good, humourous dialogue and a well established basis of normality before everything starts to go wrong. But when it does, it does so big time, with established characters being swept away unexpectedly even as others struggle to survive.
The performance by Johnny Mack captures it all with a warm, well crafted reading, including individualized character voicings, and a pace closely matched to the text. The whole, narration and writing, make for a very human, exciting beginning to the apocalyptic series, one which this reader is looking forward to continuing.
My thanks to the rights holder of Camera 1, for freely gifting me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I often enjoy books of this genre but this one exceeded my expectations with it's warmth, good humour and, yes, a feeling of reality. Recommended.
April 21, 2018
Caldera turns out to be quite an interesting twist on the zombie apocalypse genre. The infected aren’t your run-of-the-mill zombies, but they are infected with a virus that turns them into raving killers; ripping apart their victims in a murderous rage. Yellowstone Park is the location for this massacre where the virus came up from the depths in the sulfurous water. The virus spreads quickly and soon there are tens if not hundreds of crazed campers running amuck. Our heroic park rangers are saddled with the task of putting a lid on this nightmare. Unfortunately for the attendees there was also a benefit rock concert going on in the park at this time, which added hundreds more people to the disaster. The story continues with survivors running for their lives. The park rangers were also busy looking for survivors, both campers and their own friends. I really enjoyed this story, but the ending came much too soon. Now I’ll have to wait for book two, which isn’t available yet. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
May 24, 2018
Truthfully I’m so tired of Zombies that if I took my time and read what this book is about I wouldn’t have gotten it.
But to my surprise the author Heath Stallcup have done such an amazing job with this book that every character in it feels so true, really beautiful writing and the narrator Johnny Mack perfectly completed the job, together they created a masterpiece which I’m happy to say that I enjoyed every moment of it, and I can’t wait for the next audiobook of this series to come out !
I fully recommend this book for All !!!
For an honest review I’ve accepted a free copy of this audiobook.
But to my surprise the author Heath Stallcup have done such an amazing job with this book that every character in it feels so true, really beautiful writing and the narrator Johnny Mack perfectly completed the job, together they created a masterpiece which I’m happy to say that I enjoyed every moment of it, and I can’t wait for the next audiobook of this series to come out !
I fully recommend this book for All !!!
For an honest review I’ve accepted a free copy of this audiobook.
August 30, 2022
This is like the movie 28 days/ and 28 days later let move on the next book. Kindle
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews