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OUTBREAK MUTINY
ALTERNATE HISTORY. WITH SUPERHEROES. December 31, 1929, was a Day That Lived in Infamy. A war between extraordinary beings with superpowers ended in DEFEAT for the United States and her Allies. Darkness fell on a Golden Age of heroes at the hands of the REICH. Ten years later, all still mourn the anniversary of the day the Reich seized control during Operation TripleReich. Life is a struggle for the Remnant States occupying the middle of the Old US. A virus in the Chicago Zone reignites the conflict between good and evil as the Outbreak Mutineers gather to stop the plague’s deadly origins. Join the Outbreak Babies—Buccaneer, Clockwork, Atlas, and more—as they battle the Warlords of Reich. Their adventures stretch across the years and through the sewers, high-seas, and even a city park. No Matter the Time or Place, their Choice is Die Free or Live in Chains.
499 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2017
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Jay Sandlin
42 books12 followers.
Writer of books and comics/graphic novels: Over the Ropes, Quantum Rule, HH Holmes, Djinn Hunter, World Class and more. Pls, leave a review and enjoy. Jaysandlin.com
Writer of books and comics/graphic novels: Over the Ropes, Quantum Rule, HH Holmes, Djinn Hunter, World Class and more. Pls, leave a review and enjoy. Jaysandlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 4, 2017
I had no idea what to expect from this read. I am familiar with comic books, and obviously with novels, but the idea of a 'novel comic' was baffling to me. I can now confirm however that it does exactly what it says on the tin. This book has all of the pace, action and punch of a regular comic book, but the pictures are blocked out in words and coloured by the reader's imagination.
Initially I was confused, as I found it hard to follow what the different factions meant and how they fit into the plot: what are 'Outbreak Babies', 'Made Men', 'Remnants' and so on? How do the shapers and Misshapen slot into it? However, once I grasped the format fully I was away! I realised it didn't matter that these distinctions weren't clearly explained from the start (although I will note there is a handy glossary included at the back of the ebook), because it is a comic book: you dive straight into the action and keep flying along, and you pick up everything you need to know along the way, without slowing down. It is the ultimate in 'No time to explain! Follow me!'
And it works!
The timeline jumps around, flashing back years to fill in back story, then back to the present, but the shifts are clearly dilineated with chapter (issue) breaks, and the action is non-stop throughout. The characters are quickly sympathetic and I found myself literally cheering or groaning as their stories unfolded. I actually gasped at a few points, as authorial sleight-of-hands abound: Jay Sandlin is a word-magician and you need to watch his hands closely because if he is gesturing you towards a direction you can guarantee the plot is going to cold-cock you from behind!
Speaking of plot, there is a lot of it going on. Superheroes, manmade horrors, Nazis, plagues, spies, scientists and soldiers. Your typical good vs. evil showdown. There are nuances here though. The good guys have their demons and the dark side their hidden humanity: one moral to take from it is that even the worst monster was human once. Who is to say what scraps remain: a vestigial residue of kindness or a sliver of pity? There is hope here for redemption, rather than black-and-white thinking - just take Alcatraz as an example.
Some of the characters here seem quite familiar (and there are numerous nods and side nudges at pop culture along the way), but have been given their own individual twist and distinct personalities. Given the sheer number of comic heroes on the page and screen it is inevitable that similarities and comparisons will occur, but the author has strived to ensure that he gives the same old superpowers new slants; with a bit of steampunk technology thrown in the mix for good measure.
By the end I was completely hooked, rooting for the characters, and desperate to get the next issue and find out what happens to our heroes.
This is fast-paced, hard-hitting comic book action, and the lack of visual aids just make the monsters scarier and the heroes more impressive; because when has anything ever matched up the worlds you see in your mind? If you are a fan of traditional comic books, try this: it will be familiar, but new and exciting. If you're not, hey, it's different and so worth a try anyway!
Initially I was confused, as I found it hard to follow what the different factions meant and how they fit into the plot: what are 'Outbreak Babies', 'Made Men', 'Remnants' and so on? How do the shapers and Misshapen slot into it? However, once I grasped the format fully I was away! I realised it didn't matter that these distinctions weren't clearly explained from the start (although I will note there is a handy glossary included at the back of the ebook), because it is a comic book: you dive straight into the action and keep flying along, and you pick up everything you need to know along the way, without slowing down. It is the ultimate in 'No time to explain! Follow me!'
And it works!
The timeline jumps around, flashing back years to fill in back story, then back to the present, but the shifts are clearly dilineated with chapter (issue) breaks, and the action is non-stop throughout. The characters are quickly sympathetic and I found myself literally cheering or groaning as their stories unfolded. I actually gasped at a few points, as authorial sleight-of-hands abound: Jay Sandlin is a word-magician and you need to watch his hands closely because if he is gesturing you towards a direction you can guarantee the plot is going to cold-cock you from behind!
Speaking of plot, there is a lot of it going on. Superheroes, manmade horrors, Nazis, plagues, spies, scientists and soldiers. Your typical good vs. evil showdown. There are nuances here though. The good guys have their demons and the dark side their hidden humanity: one moral to take from it is that even the worst monster was human once. Who is to say what scraps remain: a vestigial residue of kindness or a sliver of pity? There is hope here for redemption, rather than black-and-white thinking - just take Alcatraz as an example.
Some of the characters here seem quite familiar (and there are numerous nods and side nudges at pop culture along the way), but have been given their own individual twist and distinct personalities. Given the sheer number of comic heroes on the page and screen it is inevitable that similarities and comparisons will occur, but the author has strived to ensure that he gives the same old superpowers new slants; with a bit of steampunk technology thrown in the mix for good measure.
By the end I was completely hooked, rooting for the characters, and desperate to get the next issue and find out what happens to our heroes.
This is fast-paced, hard-hitting comic book action, and the lack of visual aids just make the monsters scarier and the heroes more impressive; because when has anything ever matched up the worlds you see in your mind? If you are a fan of traditional comic books, try this: it will be familiar, but new and exciting. If you're not, hey, it's different and so worth a try anyway!
May 26, 2017
Imaginative, compelling page-turner, in a genre I don't typically read
As I wrote in the review title, this is not a genre that I read, and I am not the target market for fantasy, fan fiction, comics or similar works. AND YET... I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (I did it quick)! Each character is compelling because, no matter how fantastical, we can relate to them in some way. The narrative ranges from psychologically taut descriptions of family conflict through sweeping reduxs of major historical events. There is enough combat to be exciting, but it is not so violent that it would be too sensitive for young adults. In fact, this is a great way to sharpen interest in historical eras.
Ultimately, this story is so rich in unique characters facing such bizarre situations, it's surprising that they each become so "humanized" in their complex desires, aspirations, and downfalls. The best element of the writing, however, is the relentless element of surprise. Just when you think you've got something figured out ... hang on for another twist or turn!
This is a book to enjoy on many levels. Whether yyouou're looking for a fast paced, entertaining story or are interested in a deeper dive into its historical and social significance, you'll find Outbreak Mutiny satisfies. And we will all be waiting for the next installation to arrive ASAP!
As I wrote in the review title, this is not a genre that I read, and I am not the target market for fantasy, fan fiction, comics or similar works. AND YET... I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (I did it quick)! Each character is compelling because, no matter how fantastical, we can relate to them in some way. The narrative ranges from psychologically taut descriptions of family conflict through sweeping reduxs of major historical events. There is enough combat to be exciting, but it is not so violent that it would be too sensitive for young adults. In fact, this is a great way to sharpen interest in historical eras.
Ultimately, this story is so rich in unique characters facing such bizarre situations, it's surprising that they each become so "humanized" in their complex desires, aspirations, and downfalls. The best element of the writing, however, is the relentless element of surprise. Just when you think you've got something figured out ... hang on for another twist or turn!
This is a book to enjoy on many levels. Whether yyouou're looking for a fast paced, entertaining story or are interested in a deeper dive into its historical and social significance, you'll find Outbreak Mutiny satisfies. And we will all be waiting for the next installation to arrive ASAP!
May 22, 2017
I can honestly say Jay Sandlin blew me away with his debut alternate reality novel.
I put myself forward to read and review this book as something of a challenge, as this is a totally new genre for me in terms of reading. Well, I was not disappointed. Right from the outset the plot & characters pull you in and keep you engaged throughout.
I have struggled with science fiction in the past, or being able to retain enough of the new information to enjoy reading an alternate reality but this really just flowed. It is superbly well written, with a great plot which, although very detailed and complex at times, is easy to follow and a real pleasure to read.
We join our heroes (the outbreak babies) ten years after the Reich seized control of the former United States. Now, a deadly virus outbreak forces our heroes in to the fray once more.
There's something so familiar but so fresh at the same time, about Jay's writing. There's strong comic book roots to this work but the author really does take it to a whole new level.
I put myself forward to read and review this book as something of a challenge, as this is a totally new genre for me in terms of reading. Well, I was not disappointed. Right from the outset the plot & characters pull you in and keep you engaged throughout.
I have struggled with science fiction in the past, or being able to retain enough of the new information to enjoy reading an alternate reality but this really just flowed. It is superbly well written, with a great plot which, although very detailed and complex at times, is easy to follow and a real pleasure to read.
We join our heroes (the outbreak babies) ten years after the Reich seized control of the former United States. Now, a deadly virus outbreak forces our heroes in to the fray once more.
There's something so familiar but so fresh at the same time, about Jay's writing. There's strong comic book roots to this work but the author really does take it to a whole new level.
June 16, 2017
What a surprising book about an alternative reality to the outcome if the Allies hadn't broken down Nazi Germany, mixed with superheroes and supernatural creatures on both sides. The historical knowledge about Nazi ideology and it's mixture with superpowers and the heroes of the story makes for an interesting and tension loaded read. The plot is very well developed from beginning to end, never ceases to surprise with all its twists and turns. The characters also are well described, as are their personal stories and battles. They could have perfectly stepped out of a comic book (although I'm new to this genre).
As they are struggling to preserve what is left of the original US, as the rest of the world its dominated by the German Nazis, they demonstrate their skills not only as Otbreak Babies, who are born with special powers, but also intelligence and a great sense of humanity.
For me, reading this book has been a new experience and a very good one at that.
As they are struggling to preserve what is left of the original US, as the rest of the world its dominated by the German Nazis, they demonstrate their skills not only as Otbreak Babies, who are born with special powers, but also intelligence and a great sense of humanity.
For me, reading this book has been a new experience and a very good one at that.
June 13, 2017
A potent, entertaining mix
Very Entertaining
I was not really sure what to expect from this book.
But curiosity got the better of me.
Why the title ?
Who were the characters on the cover?
So, I decided to have a read. And am glad I did.
The imagination and style of story telling all combine wonderfully with colourful characters, good and bad, along with a potent mix of twist and flare that keeps you reading til the end.
And there is more to come...
Very Entertaining
I was not really sure what to expect from this book.
But curiosity got the better of me.
Why the title ?
Who were the characters on the cover?
So, I decided to have a read. And am glad I did.
The imagination and style of story telling all combine wonderfully with colourful characters, good and bad, along with a potent mix of twist and flare that keeps you reading til the end.
And there is more to come...
August 10, 2017
Fast paced action, heroes with interesting personalities and abilities. If you're a superhero fan in general, or love a good alternative history story this is for you. "Live free, or die in chains. "
May 10, 2017
Great take on alternate history but with superheroes. I can't wait for the next installment.
July 26, 2018
Interesting rethink of the superhero genre.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews