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The End Time Saga #1
End Time
[Read by Keith Szarabajka]
Protests in front of an embassy aren't what they seem...
In the dark primal jungles of the Congo River basin, something is ravaging the local population. When protests turn violent in front of the US Embassy Kinshasa, only the foreign policy experts paid attention. Civil war erupts and people rip each other apart in the streets of the African capital.
In an effort to avert disaster and preserve its self-image, an overwhelmed US Department of State dispatches a team of elite counterterrorism agents to bring their besieged people back alive.
Mark Steele, a young agent within the Division, and his team of gritty operatives are used to trudging through the worst dregs that society has to offer, all while operating from the shadows. But Steele's team is wading headfirst into a maelstrom of death so much worse than rebels in the streets.
A highly contagious microbe is spreading unchecked through the streets killing everyone in its wake only to bring them back again as the ravenous undead. Only a lone CDC virologist understands the extent of the outbreak at hand. He cowers amongst the embassy staff praying for extraction from the hands of death, fearing his part to play in the epidemic. Follow this harrowing tale of survival, duty, love and horror as the living dead bring the world to its knees.
The first installment of an epic series, End Time starts as a slow burn that turns into a breakneck paced struggle for survival. Greene does an excellent job of depicting individual stories within the larger scope of the global epidemic. Enter the End Time.
Protests in front of an embassy aren't what they seem...
In the dark primal jungles of the Congo River basin, something is ravaging the local population. When protests turn violent in front of the US Embassy Kinshasa, only the foreign policy experts paid attention. Civil war erupts and people rip each other apart in the streets of the African capital.
In an effort to avert disaster and preserve its self-image, an overwhelmed US Department of State dispatches a team of elite counterterrorism agents to bring their besieged people back alive.
Mark Steele, a young agent within the Division, and his team of gritty operatives are used to trudging through the worst dregs that society has to offer, all while operating from the shadows. But Steele's team is wading headfirst into a maelstrom of death so much worse than rebels in the streets.
A highly contagious microbe is spreading unchecked through the streets killing everyone in its wake only to bring them back again as the ravenous undead. Only a lone CDC virologist understands the extent of the outbreak at hand. He cowers amongst the embassy staff praying for extraction from the hands of death, fearing his part to play in the epidemic. Follow this harrowing tale of survival, duty, love and horror as the living dead bring the world to its knees.
The first installment of an epic series, End Time starts as a slow burn that turns into a breakneck paced struggle for survival. Greene does an excellent job of depicting individual stories within the larger scope of the global epidemic. Enter the End Time.
Audio CD
First published March 9, 2016
548 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Greene
13 books167 followersDaniel is the award-winning author of The End Time Saga and the historical fiction Northern Wolf Series. Whether it’s a saber charge in the American Civil War or a gun battle between two rival bands surviving a hellish landscape, he is known for his ability to embed every page with fast-paced action, thrilling suspense, and gritty realism.
He is an avid traveler and physical fitness enthusiast with a deep passion for history. The works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, Robert Jordan, and George Romero, have inspired his work. Although he is a Midwesterner for life, he's lived in Virginia long enough to consider it home.
He is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Military Writers Society of America.
Contact him on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DanielGreene...
Or his website: http://www.danielgreenebooks.com/
He is an avid traveler and physical fitness enthusiast with a deep passion for history. The works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, Robert Jordan, and George Romero, have inspired his work. Although he is a Midwesterner for life, he's lived in Virginia long enough to consider it home.
He is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Military Writers Society of America.
Contact him on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DanielGreene...
Or his website: http://www.danielgreenebooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 27, 2019
For the past several months I have been in a zombie apocalypse frenzy... Reading tons of reviews in solely the Zombie Apocalypse genre which are written on the authors, narrators and book/series content, and carefully picking out what appears to be the best of the best as per the audible, amazon, and various editor reviews.
When I lucked upon Greene's trilogy: "The End Time Saga"I was enthralled, and immediately hooked to this very intelligent, exciting, well written series. Steele is like many of the other main (male) protagonists I have encountered in many of the exceptional apocalypse books I have been listening to from audible. That is, Steele (like all of us) is an imperfect human being, and because of unfathomable circumstances, is humbled by his own human limitations. Hard to swallow for a tough, hardened, military guy such as himself. Prior to the apocalypse, Steele was nothing less than a "bad a- -" , and able to take down anyone. Initially, it is incredibly dumbfounding to him that there is actually something in his hemisphere which he cannot take down considering all of his superb, well honed physical discipline and military training. Only when he comes to the conclusion that he is not infallible, is he able to start seriously using his head to evaluate exactly how to best go about (if at all possible) terminating whatever infection is turning people into insane, human eating zombies.
Eventually realizing that all people who are unturned are not necessarily his allies, and he cannot save all innocent lives, he reluctantly concludes that his quest and main priority is to save his and his girlfriend's lives.
Once he accepts it is now everyman for himself, with a good dose of vigilante justice mixed in, is he able to untether his conscience and realize it is literally the survival of fittest and/or luckiest for those who are able to get in and fight for one more day!
Onto book #2 of this riveting series! "HOOYAH!!!"
When I lucked upon Greene's trilogy: "The End Time Saga"I was enthralled, and immediately hooked to this very intelligent, exciting, well written series. Steele is like many of the other main (male) protagonists I have encountered in many of the exceptional apocalypse books I have been listening to from audible. That is, Steele (like all of us) is an imperfect human being, and because of unfathomable circumstances, is humbled by his own human limitations. Hard to swallow for a tough, hardened, military guy such as himself. Prior to the apocalypse, Steele was nothing less than a "bad a- -" , and able to take down anyone. Initially, it is incredibly dumbfounding to him that there is actually something in his hemisphere which he cannot take down considering all of his superb, well honed physical discipline and military training. Only when he comes to the conclusion that he is not infallible, is he able to start seriously using his head to evaluate exactly how to best go about (if at all possible) terminating whatever infection is turning people into insane, human eating zombies.
Eventually realizing that all people who are unturned are not necessarily his allies, and he cannot save all innocent lives, he reluctantly concludes that his quest and main priority is to save his and his girlfriend's lives.
Once he accepts it is now everyman for himself, with a good dose of vigilante justice mixed in, is he able to untether his conscience and realize it is literally the survival of fittest and/or luckiest for those who are able to get in and fight for one more day!
Onto book #2 of this riveting series! "HOOYAH!!!"
September 30, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Rather rough intro to a series. An awkward mix of tell & show. Going to try the next book because it's on Audible Plus. Hoping that the writing will improve. There's potential for the story.
Narration is also rather average & does not add to the listening experience.
Currently on Audible Plus
Rather rough intro to a series. An awkward mix of tell & show. Going to try the next book because it's on Audible Plus. Hoping that the writing will improve. There's potential for the story.
Narration is also rather average & does not add to the listening experience.
February 14, 2021
I don’t write reviews.
I rate a book by comparing it to the goal of the book; its ideal if you will. So I don’t love this book, even though I’m giving it four stars and I don’t hate it either. I think it’s a good book for what it’s supposed to be. Does that make sense?
Like many people, I’m susceptible to the series syndrome. Plus the first three books are included in the Audible membership. Yes, fine, I’m already listening to the second.
What am I doing with my life?
Many things happen in this story. There are a lot of guns and a lot of zombies. Places are visited and considered refuge. Places are escaped or fled from after infiltration. Fears abound. Worries and exhaustion disintegrate people’s strength and hope. Intentions are considered and doubted. Plans are made. Plans are discarded because of surprises. Oh yes many things happen.
SPOILERS (maybe?) I’ll keep this vague. The main lady character is intolerable. She questions the loyal hero and doesn’t believe him during a situation. Although she’s his long-term girlfriend and is planning a future with him, she takes the word of another guy over his. And she thinks (after the two men fight) “If he could do such-and-such to so-and-so, couldn’t he do that to ME?” Yeah honey. She then keeps a secret from him that no woman should keep from a man (probably not what you’re thinking don’t worry, I’m vague to the point of being opaque). She also considers the idea that zombies could be healed and her loyal hero is a baddie (perhaps) for not agreeing. That was a very minimal point, but it stuck in my craw.
Yet here I go with the second book. It’s better than the first, but mostly the same. Beer, a bath and a B grade book. That’s a nice Sunday.
I rate a book by comparing it to the goal of the book; its ideal if you will. So I don’t love this book, even though I’m giving it four stars and I don’t hate it either. I think it’s a good book for what it’s supposed to be. Does that make sense?
Like many people, I’m susceptible to the series syndrome. Plus the first three books are included in the Audible membership. Yes, fine, I’m already listening to the second.
What am I doing with my life?
Many things happen in this story. There are a lot of guns and a lot of zombies. Places are visited and considered refuge. Places are escaped or fled from after infiltration. Fears abound. Worries and exhaustion disintegrate people’s strength and hope. Intentions are considered and doubted. Plans are made. Plans are discarded because of surprises. Oh yes many things happen.
SPOILERS (maybe?) I’ll keep this vague. The main lady character is intolerable. She questions the loyal hero and doesn’t believe him during a situation. Although she’s his long-term girlfriend and is planning a future with him, she takes the word of another guy over his. And she thinks (after the two men fight) “If he could do such-and-such to so-and-so, couldn’t he do that to ME?” Yeah honey. She then keeps a secret from him that no woman should keep from a man (probably not what you’re thinking don’t worry, I’m vague to the point of being opaque). She also considers the idea that zombies could be healed and her loyal hero is a baddie (perhaps) for not agreeing. That was a very minimal point, but it stuck in my craw.
Yet here I go with the second book. It’s better than the first, but mostly the same. Beer, a bath and a B grade book. That’s a nice Sunday.
March 14, 2016
I was in love the first time I met Agent Mark Steele... on duty aboard a tensely shuddering aircraft, simultaneously suspicious and protective of everyone. It is evident immediately and throughout the story that Agent Steele's motivating factors are duty and love. His sense of duty to protect those in his charge is surpassed by nothing, save his love of Gwen. Theirs is a story of genuine love by flawed humans. This visceral relationship between Steele and Gwen illustrates a romance for the times.
‘End Time’ immediately grabs you and forces you to come face to shredded face with the darkest depths of humanity. It is a new and exciting take on a traditional zombie story that gets at the heart of humanity. Steele’s legion of modern day warriors are a lovable breed of operatives who exemplify the characteristics of honor, strength of mind, will of heart and endurance of purpose that we all want to believe are embodied in our protectors, with just a small slice of hate in their hearts necessary to target and eliminate the threats that terrorize us. I’m excited to see where this series will take us to escape the evil chasing us but also, the evil within us.
Greene's writing has a marked freshness, his pacing and dialogue are exceptional, and every scene is deftly handled. The quality of writing and energetic story telling make it difficult to believe that this is his first novel. This is a real craftsman at work. Those looking for a nuanced portrait of the inner struggles of flawed heroes will find plenty to admire in this promising debut from Mr. Greene. ‘End Time’ is the best book you will read this year.
‘End Time’ immediately grabs you and forces you to come face to shredded face with the darkest depths of humanity. It is a new and exciting take on a traditional zombie story that gets at the heart of humanity. Steele’s legion of modern day warriors are a lovable breed of operatives who exemplify the characteristics of honor, strength of mind, will of heart and endurance of purpose that we all want to believe are embodied in our protectors, with just a small slice of hate in their hearts necessary to target and eliminate the threats that terrorize us. I’m excited to see where this series will take us to escape the evil chasing us but also, the evil within us.
Greene's writing has a marked freshness, his pacing and dialogue are exceptional, and every scene is deftly handled. The quality of writing and energetic story telling make it difficult to believe that this is his first novel. This is a real craftsman at work. Those looking for a nuanced portrait of the inner struggles of flawed heroes will find plenty to admire in this promising debut from Mr. Greene. ‘End Time’ is the best book you will read this year.
February 17, 2018
I enjoyed this story it is a well written Zombie Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Horror series. Non stop action, well developed characters. A good read
April 3, 2019
This is not a particularly new take on zombies, and the characters are a bit too stereotypical: masculine hero male, pretty girl, the "bad" Ahmed seemingly trying to steal the pretty girl, and, of course, zombies. Fortunately, no character development there. I'll probably check out the second in the series.
March 24, 2019
I'm not usually into zombie books, but I ended up enjoying this one. The book follows several perspectives, both hero and enemy. What I liked most about this one is it starts from the beginning of the outbreak and highlights the chaos and disbelief of all involved. None of the characters are perfect and they all make believable mistakes/. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I'll probably pick up the next one.
February 24, 2018
This debut story is an admirable addition to one of my favorite genres. There’s a steady flow of suspense and action and the characters are well developed. Eagerly looking forward to the next book in what promises to be an exciting new post-apocalyptic series!
September 30, 2018
Review to come.
August 27, 2020
Agent Steele is not your typical action novel or post-apocalyptic hero. I think that is the reason that I absolutely devoured (if you'll excuse the pun) this book. I'm no stranger to books that take place after some major catastrophe wipes out our normal existence. However, End Time (though in the same genre) was completely different. What I really like about Agent Steele was that he wasn't perfect. In fact, I found myself questioning his decisions from time to time. Typically, in these stories, you have a good guy who is the idealized bad-ass who fires a machine gun with one hand while holding onto the damsel in distress all - while firing off cheesy one liners. No doubt Steele is a bad-ass, but he is shown to be a man with flaws, fears, and reservations that make him so much more human than his action-star counterparts from other novels. Additionally, the damsel in End Time seems like she could probably take care of her self! I really liked that she wasn't the type of character to just bury her head in Steele's chest and cry the whole time. She grabs a gun and kicks ass right along side him!
Though Steele clearly has more training than the normal person, we get to peak into his mind a lot throughout the book. In these moments I felt I could relate to him completely. It was as if I were in his shoes having to deal with the problems he found himself facing. Not many stories can do that! The author, instead of having the reader just be a passive observer to the story, brings you along so that you feel like you are a part of the narrative.
Zombie stories are familiar to us all, but End Time takes the time to start slow and show how bit by bit our civilization would crumble. Instead of rushing to the Hordes of Undead part, the author takes us from the start where its just another sad news story you skim past to where the gov't begins to shut down. I look forward to reading part two in this trilogy and seeing where the story goes.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. The dialog flows easily and the characters are genuine. There were times where, before I knew it, I had consumed (another pun!) huge sections of the book. Check it out. I know you'll enjoy it.
Though Steele clearly has more training than the normal person, we get to peak into his mind a lot throughout the book. In these moments I felt I could relate to him completely. It was as if I were in his shoes having to deal with the problems he found himself facing. Not many stories can do that! The author, instead of having the reader just be a passive observer to the story, brings you along so that you feel like you are a part of the narrative.
Zombie stories are familiar to us all, but End Time takes the time to start slow and show how bit by bit our civilization would crumble. Instead of rushing to the Hordes of Undead part, the author takes us from the start where its just another sad news story you skim past to where the gov't begins to shut down. I look forward to reading part two in this trilogy and seeing where the story goes.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. The dialog flows easily and the characters are genuine. There were times where, before I knew it, I had consumed (another pun!) huge sections of the book. Check it out. I know you'll enjoy it.
January 12, 2022
It's a shame the story is ruined by stupid characters and even more ridiculously stupid protagonist. From the beginning I debated stopping as it seemed every character, except maybe Jorgensen, was just a complete moron. I mean, seriously, it's 2016 (at time of publishing) and you're going to expect me to believe not a single person has any concept of a zombie? Oh, but then after stupidly missing the obvious for 3 scenes he admits he had his own dream scenario of what a zombie apocalypse would be like... yet he's incapable of figuring out what people without pulses ravenously eating other people and ignoring pain might be. OK.
Add to that, Steel is insufferable until the very end. Makes the wrong decision at every turn and then throws himself off the deep end when he thinks his girl is dead, but doesn't even bother to verify and spits in the face of his best friends, before lying next to said corpse for days without moving, waiting to die. THIS... is supposed to be this tough counterterrorism warrior?
The story itself has potential, and was enough to keep me listening to the end (almost the end) in hopes he would at least stop being an idiot for a couple chapters; but, nope. At least Gwen was likeable and displayed inner fortitude, as well as common sense. Should've made the book about her.
Add to that, Steel is insufferable until the very end. Makes the wrong decision at every turn and then throws himself off the deep end when he thinks his girl is dead, but doesn't even bother to verify and spits in the face of his best friends, before lying next to said corpse for days without moving, waiting to die. THIS... is supposed to be this tough counterterrorism warrior?
The story itself has potential, and was enough to keep me listening to the end (almost the end) in hopes he would at least stop being an idiot for a couple chapters; but, nope. At least Gwen was likeable and displayed inner fortitude, as well as common sense. Should've made the book about her.
March 7, 2016
This book was incredible! 10 stars! This is such a great story!
The first thing I loved about this book was Mark (main character) I absolutely love that he is so real, he is not perfect or has a hero complex, he is just your normal guy thrown into a bad situation who tries to make it. Of course he can kick @ss because he is tough and because of his line of work he has the potential to be a super awesome hero and I'm sure he will be a great one as the story progresses. He showed vulnerability a few times in the story and I loved that. Also his love for Gwen was awesome, I loved that too. I fell in love with his best friend and I am hoping he makes it all the way.
We lost a few characters but it is expected because of the type of story, but I am hoping we don't lose too many more, I get attached too easily to characters and then get mad when they get killed off.
The story is action packed and has some twists, you won't be bored for one second.
Well written and will definitely recommend to my friends and to anyone that likes this type of books.
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The first thing I loved about this book was Mark (main character) I absolutely love that he is so real, he is not perfect or has a hero complex, he is just your normal guy thrown into a bad situation who tries to make it. Of course he can kick @ss because he is tough and because of his line of work he has the potential to be a super awesome hero and I'm sure he will be a great one as the story progresses. He showed vulnerability a few times in the story and I loved that. Also his love for Gwen was awesome, I loved that too. I fell in love with his best friend and I am hoping he makes it all the way.
We lost a few characters but it is expected because of the type of story, but I am hoping we don't lose too many more, I get attached too easily to characters and then get mad when they get killed off.
The story is action packed and has some twists, you won't be bored for one second.
Well written and will definitely recommend to my friends and to anyone that likes this type of books.
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
May 5, 2021
Books ok but the STUPID love story mixed in..so bad! It's all so predictable. Steele and Mauser? Seriously? One big bro book. And Mauser is the epitome of a bad sidekick..Steele is so stereotypical and then he FINALLY grows a pair but it's to drive past a father and little boy? And sidekick Mauser just goes along with it..AFTER leaving a safe place that's fully stocked to help him find his annoying girlfriend to begin with....awww..his girlfriend.. Jfc. LAME! I've been hoping for"Gwen" to just DIE already so I dont have to hear about how perfect she is or the bad story telling when shes involved. I like the zombie stuff tho. Nice and gory. But please leave out the love bs. It's pure cheese. So so so so bad. Its ruining the rest for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Well, reading this was sure a mixed bag. I initially picked it up because I figured it couldn't be too bad if Keith Szarabajka narrated it. (I've since learned that despite his immense talent, Szarabajka has narrated some really badly written books--much worse than this. I guess he needed the work? Whatever the reason, it makes me sad.) Also, the last time I took a risk on a military action adventure with zombies, I found Jonathan Maberry's Joe Ledger series. That was a real win.
Warning: I'm going to complain a lot about this book. I wouldn't bother doing that if I didn't think Greene is a better writer than this first novel suggests. If you like military zombie apocalypse novels, I recommend this one, but I also think you should know what you're getting into in case any of its flaws are deal-breakers for you.
First, the good stuff. Greene has a decent sense of narrative. Despite all the things I'm going to complain about, I didn't DNF the book because the plot was pretty good and the pacing, although not perfect, was better than I'd expected. There's nothing new here, plotwise, but that's not a surprise. There are only so many ways you can write a zombie apocalypse story; what matters is how you present the usual elements. Greene handles it with above average success for the genre.
That said, I seriously considered DNFing many times. I don't know who edited this book (Greene is the only author published by Rune, so I'm guessing no one edited it), but Greene needs to find another editor. The prose is occasionally so purple it's painful to read. More importantly, Greene repeatedly misuses words--so often, in fact, that it's a bit like reading a freshman comp paper written the night before it's due by a student with a thesaurus. I won't list all the brain-grating malapropisms, but here are a few examples:
"begrudged" used in place of "begrimed;"
"Gnarled" used in place of "snarled;"
"Drudged" used in place of "trudged."
In another instance, he writes, "Their heavy moaning defiled her."(Maybe he meant "dispirited?") And later, when a character is running from a hoarde of zombies, he writes that she moved "lackadaisically." (I think he meant to say that she was dissociating?)
He also uses the term "beta male" unironically and describes his protagonist as a "sheep dog." This is actually kind of weird since he doesn't otherwise spout a lot of red pill nonsense.
What he does spout--repeatedly and at length--is a strangely didactic kind of gun fetishism. It's normal in these sorts of books for the characters to use specific weapons. The heroes never just draw their gun; they draw their "Sig P226 Equinox Elite with an Eotech Deltapoint Pro NV FDE red-dot sight." This is bog standard content in this sort of novel and, honestly, you don't read these things if you don't have a high tolerance for authors who geek out over guns. But this sort of content needs to be integrated into the narrative in an appropriate way. Greene struggles with this. For example, he stops in the midst of his protagonist's complete mental break-down to lovingly describe the weapon carried by another character. It's just out of place. This sort of thing occurs several times.
Along the same lines, when experienced actual spec-ops agents are faced with a dire situation, they probably don't take the time to recount to themselves how important it is to breath properly and not to anticipate the recoil. They have the skills and they simply use them. Similarly, if the author feels the need to explain rudimentary military tactics, like stacking up, they generally don't interrupt an action sequence to do so. The effect of all this "teaching" is that the author ends up sounding like he's taken a couple of basic shooting classes and read a few spec-ops memoirs and is trying to sound like he thinks real operators might sound.
It's unfortunate that so many elements of the book come across as Greene trying too hard because he's really an intelligent fellow. Think of this book as being like The Martian before it got picked up by Crown and professionally edited (but without the humor and hard science). The foundations of the writing are good and the story is worth reading, but it's a first novel and if the author has honed his craft since he wrote it, he hasn't gone back to revise it.
I don't suppose there are many women reading books in this subgenre, but just in case: if you are easily offended by "men writing women" moments, this one might bother you. Luckily, it's not the "she boobed boobily down the stairs" sort of thing. It's just that his women characters are flat, pathetically unable to speak up about important subjects when there's a man around, and tend to survive by luck (or male heroism) rather than skill. There are no bad-ass bitches in this world. In one scene, when his primary woman character is in a dangerous situation, he describes her as "a rabbit on crack." It's amusing, but it's also pretty damned condescending.
One last thing: his protagonist is more than a little bit of an asshole. And not a fun asshole like Joe Ledger. I seriously wouldn't want to be in a dangerous situation with this guy. He's emotionally immature, self-centered to the point of immorality, and omg does he whinge. Never mind the zombies; I wanted to jump into the book and bite him myself sometimes. Books in this genre usually have flawed heroes, but it's important that they be honorable despite their failings. Mark Steel doesn't meet that standard.
Will I read more of Greene's work? Despite all my griping, I'll definitely consider it, especially if he gets picked up by a publishing house that assigns him an editorial team.
Warning: I'm going to complain a lot about this book. I wouldn't bother doing that if I didn't think Greene is a better writer than this first novel suggests. If you like military zombie apocalypse novels, I recommend this one, but I also think you should know what you're getting into in case any of its flaws are deal-breakers for you.
First, the good stuff. Greene has a decent sense of narrative. Despite all the things I'm going to complain about, I didn't DNF the book because the plot was pretty good and the pacing, although not perfect, was better than I'd expected. There's nothing new here, plotwise, but that's not a surprise. There are only so many ways you can write a zombie apocalypse story; what matters is how you present the usual elements. Greene handles it with above average success for the genre.
That said, I seriously considered DNFing many times. I don't know who edited this book (Greene is the only author published by Rune, so I'm guessing no one edited it), but Greene needs to find another editor. The prose is occasionally so purple it's painful to read. More importantly, Greene repeatedly misuses words--so often, in fact, that it's a bit like reading a freshman comp paper written the night before it's due by a student with a thesaurus. I won't list all the brain-grating malapropisms, but here are a few examples:
"begrudged" used in place of "begrimed;"
"Gnarled" used in place of "snarled;"
"Drudged" used in place of "trudged."
In another instance, he writes, "Their heavy moaning defiled her."(Maybe he meant "dispirited?") And later, when a character is running from a hoarde of zombies, he writes that she moved "lackadaisically." (I think he meant to say that she was dissociating?)
He also uses the term "beta male" unironically and describes his protagonist as a "sheep dog." This is actually kind of weird since he doesn't otherwise spout a lot of red pill nonsense.
What he does spout--repeatedly and at length--is a strangely didactic kind of gun fetishism. It's normal in these sorts of books for the characters to use specific weapons. The heroes never just draw their gun; they draw their "Sig P226 Equinox Elite with an Eotech Deltapoint Pro NV FDE red-dot sight." This is bog standard content in this sort of novel and, honestly, you don't read these things if you don't have a high tolerance for authors who geek out over guns. But this sort of content needs to be integrated into the narrative in an appropriate way. Greene struggles with this. For example, he stops in the midst of his protagonist's complete mental break-down to lovingly describe the weapon carried by another character. It's just out of place. This sort of thing occurs several times.
Along the same lines, when experienced actual spec-ops agents are faced with a dire situation, they probably don't take the time to recount to themselves how important it is to breath properly and not to anticipate the recoil. They have the skills and they simply use them. Similarly, if the author feels the need to explain rudimentary military tactics, like stacking up, they generally don't interrupt an action sequence to do so. The effect of all this "teaching" is that the author ends up sounding like he's taken a couple of basic shooting classes and read a few spec-ops memoirs and is trying to sound like he thinks real operators might sound.
It's unfortunate that so many elements of the book come across as Greene trying too hard because he's really an intelligent fellow. Think of this book as being like The Martian before it got picked up by Crown and professionally edited (but without the humor and hard science). The foundations of the writing are good and the story is worth reading, but it's a first novel and if the author has honed his craft since he wrote it, he hasn't gone back to revise it.
I don't suppose there are many women reading books in this subgenre, but just in case: if you are easily offended by "men writing women" moments, this one might bother you. Luckily, it's not the "she boobed boobily down the stairs" sort of thing. It's just that his women characters are flat, pathetically unable to speak up about important subjects when there's a man around, and tend to survive by luck (or male heroism) rather than skill. There are no bad-ass bitches in this world. In one scene, when his primary woman character is in a dangerous situation, he describes her as "a rabbit on crack." It's amusing, but it's also pretty damned condescending.
One last thing: his protagonist is more than a little bit of an asshole. And not a fun asshole like Joe Ledger. I seriously wouldn't want to be in a dangerous situation with this guy. He's emotionally immature, self-centered to the point of immorality, and omg does he whinge. Never mind the zombies; I wanted to jump into the book and bite him myself sometimes. Books in this genre usually have flawed heroes, but it's important that they be honorable despite their failings. Mark Steel doesn't meet that standard.
Will I read more of Greene's work? Despite all my griping, I'll definitely consider it, especially if he gets picked up by a publishing house that assigns him an editorial team.
March 23, 2016
This is a really good book.
An exciting and fresh new take on the zombie apocalypse. This book hooks you from the beginning with engaging characters and unbelievable action. Told from the character's point of view, each one has a different voice, take on the apocalypse, and strategy for survival. From the intelligent but terrified scientist studying the virus, the duty-driven special agent, or the lovable girl next door, each character feels unique and real. This is a great debut from a talented author. I am excited to see where he takes us next.
Again, this is a really good book.
An exciting and fresh new take on the zombie apocalypse. This book hooks you from the beginning with engaging characters and unbelievable action. Told from the character's point of view, each one has a different voice, take on the apocalypse, and strategy for survival. From the intelligent but terrified scientist studying the virus, the duty-driven special agent, or the lovable girl next door, each character feels unique and real. This is a great debut from a talented author. I am excited to see where he takes us next.
Again, this is a really good book.
November 19, 2018
I read a lot of post-apocalyptic fiction, but zombies are my least favorite "type"of this genre. This book was very good and I found it a great read. I really like how this unfolds slowly, as it would in real life and how very difficult it might be for people to really grasp what was happening. The characters were good and each brought something to what is happening. I also did not find writing errors with grammar or word usage which was refreshing. I look forward to the next book.
March 18, 2019
Just finished book 1. Great story. Love the characters. Lots of action. Onto the next book
June 13, 2018
So you've finished the Arisen series or maybe Mountain Man and fancy some more zombie horror. Well, life wouldn't be what it is without at least a small zombie horde trudging through your imagination would it? If this is where you find yourself then maybe adding a little Steele into your life isn't a bad approach. He's tough, uncompromising and probably just the kind of guy you'd want to have by your side when the people around you decide they want to chew your arms off. He's a counter-terrorism agent sent into Africa to retrieve among others an expert virologist who is among the first to grasp the magnitude of the events unfolding. He's joined in the story by some other strong characters but don't get too attached to anyone because the body count in this one is high. There are strong horror scenes from the start in what is a very fast-paced and action-packed audiobook that is read well.
Judging from this first volume it's not going to be a genre-defining series nor is it going to deliver a whole new take on a zombie apocalypse. However, it delivers a lot of action centered around some strong characters and will be a good read for anyone who simply can't get enough zombies into their life. I enjoyed the way it threw me straight into the mix and kept the action coming. I'll certainly be following this one.
Judging from this first volume it's not going to be a genre-defining series nor is it going to deliver a whole new take on a zombie apocalypse. However, it delivers a lot of action centered around some strong characters and will be a good read for anyone who simply can't get enough zombies into their life. I enjoyed the way it threw me straight into the mix and kept the action coming. I'll certainly be following this one.
January 4, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of this, and probably would not have finished it if it weren't included in my subscription.
While the overall story was fine, my main issue was with the characters, who were one dimensional and mostly unlikeable. The main character in particular, Steele, was the worst. His actions made little sense and there was just nothing likeable about his character. He was always getting irrationally angry at the one sensible character of the doctor, it was incredibly frustrating. He also treated his best friend (who was only slightly more interesting) very poorly.
Another issue was of minor characters having flashbacks that added nothing to the story, especially when the backstory had violent SA. It really did not need to be there.
The main female character was okay but rather poorly developed. On her own she was pretty good but with her boyfriend she became helpless. I also don't think the relationship in this book was necessary, it added nothing to the story and normally I am all for a romantic subplot.
Furthermore, this was a zombie book. But no one believed they were dealing with zombies or believed the one person who actually knew what was happening. It was annoyingly slow for people to understand what they were dealing with, it was like they had never heard of zombies before.
Overall it was a disappointing read.
While the overall story was fine, my main issue was with the characters, who were one dimensional and mostly unlikeable. The main character in particular, Steele, was the worst. His actions made little sense and there was just nothing likeable about his character. He was always getting irrationally angry at the one sensible character of the doctor, it was incredibly frustrating. He also treated his best friend (who was only slightly more interesting) very poorly.
Another issue was of minor characters having flashbacks that added nothing to the story, especially when the backstory had violent SA. It really did not need to be there.
The main female character was okay but rather poorly developed. On her own she was pretty good but with her boyfriend she became helpless. I also don't think the relationship in this book was necessary, it added nothing to the story and normally I am all for a romantic subplot.
Furthermore, this was a zombie book. But no one believed they were dealing with zombies or believed the one person who actually knew what was happening. It was annoyingly slow for people to understand what they were dealing with, it was like they had never heard of zombies before.
Overall it was a disappointing read.
October 3, 2018
I really enjoy a good zombie book, and Daniel Greene does not disappoint me in this first book in a series. It doesn’t take very long to get tossed into the action and by the half-way point I had a hard time putting the book down. The world goes to hell in a handbasket faster than you can turn the pages, and what a doctor thought was a case of Monkeypox, mutates and turns deadly, turning its victims into the cannibal undead within minutes of being bitten, instead of days.
A great thing about this book, is I was attached to the characters, something that is a very bad idea in these type of books. This book will tell the stories of survival of each group, from chapter to chapter, and you will see how they all intertwine by the end. Most of the action in this book with the zombies isn’t really anything all that new, but Mr. Greene gives us a fresh look at survival. With the original doctor from the Congo – where the virus seemed to originate desperately tucked away at a military underground compound searching for a cure, to our team of survivors trying to get to the safe zone, it’s an action packed book that will keep you glued to the pages. But will the safe zone hold? If you like the zombie genre, this is a great addition. Reviewed by Cyrene
A great thing about this book, is I was attached to the characters, something that is a very bad idea in these type of books. This book will tell the stories of survival of each group, from chapter to chapter, and you will see how they all intertwine by the end. Most of the action in this book with the zombies isn’t really anything all that new, but Mr. Greene gives us a fresh look at survival. With the original doctor from the Congo – where the virus seemed to originate desperately tucked away at a military underground compound searching for a cure, to our team of survivors trying to get to the safe zone, it’s an action packed book that will keep you glued to the pages. But will the safe zone hold? If you like the zombie genre, this is a great addition. Reviewed by Cyrene
March 21, 2019
Viral Zombie Apocalypse with Multiple View Points
A zombie apocalypse with mutating viral origin. Global infection from frequent flyer miles. Initially this seemed like multiple zombie end of the world stories, but then you have the various human factors. Characters with fleshed out lives and relationships that get you really involved in the story. Government agencies defined by the individuals working for them. Red Cross workers and Doctors trying to make a difference. Military and paramilitary personnel attempting to do their jobs and still help family and friends. The rapidity with which an infectious disease can spread and the poor preparation to save people by stopping a disease that turns family and friends into mindless murders. The plot may not be new, but the insight and character development give this story a refreshing edge and much more interesting appeal as an end of the world novel. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next.
A zombie apocalypse with mutating viral origin. Global infection from frequent flyer miles. Initially this seemed like multiple zombie end of the world stories, but then you have the various human factors. Characters with fleshed out lives and relationships that get you really involved in the story. Government agencies defined by the individuals working for them. Red Cross workers and Doctors trying to make a difference. Military and paramilitary personnel attempting to do their jobs and still help family and friends. The rapidity with which an infectious disease can spread and the poor preparation to save people by stopping a disease that turns family and friends into mindless murders. The plot may not be new, but the insight and character development give this story a refreshing edge and much more interesting appeal as an end of the world novel. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next.
January 16, 2023
This review is based on the Audible Audio version of the novel.
This was the first Daniel Greene novel I've read, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. In some ways it is a standard ZA novel with a strange virus which starts in Africa and then spreads across the world, but it is done really well and the as the first team return from Africa it comes as quite a shock to find the infection has already reached the US. The story is told from different points of view and each one helps build the story layer by layer. There is a good mix of the 'professional' soldier/agent who seem able to manage everything easily and your run of the mill citizen who is simply scared and just trying to survive. There is also a relatively brief section showing how political bureaucracy is simply unable to cope with this kind of emergency. After such a solid start it will be good to see how the story develops in book 2
The narrator did a good job of keeping the reader's attention and keeping the pace of the story moving along.
This was the first Daniel Greene novel I've read, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. In some ways it is a standard ZA novel with a strange virus which starts in Africa and then spreads across the world, but it is done really well and the as the first team return from Africa it comes as quite a shock to find the infection has already reached the US. The story is told from different points of view and each one helps build the story layer by layer. There is a good mix of the 'professional' soldier/agent who seem able to manage everything easily and your run of the mill citizen who is simply scared and just trying to survive. There is also a relatively brief section showing how political bureaucracy is simply unable to cope with this kind of emergency. After such a solid start it will be good to see how the story develops in book 2
The narrator did a good job of keeping the reader's attention and keeping the pace of the story moving along.
July 12, 2019
This could be the real thing.
The level of detail, and especially the behavior of the various characters impress me as being the way people in this situation would (Will?) actually behave. Even our main character succumbs to weariness and overwhelming desperation to put his family first. Sadly, even though he has been an effective leader and saved so many lives, I suspect he will eventually be punished for a single questionable choice.
As book one ends, a small group led by our heroic leader breaks free from a Government Safe haven. I found it very real-life when bureaucrat ignores his advice with a typical bureaucratic comment, "Leave the facilities operation to the professionals." Obviously, ignoring his advice is precisely why the facility's defense fails.
I'm so glad the next book in this outstanding series is already published and I've already purchased it.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
The level of detail, and especially the behavior of the various characters impress me as being the way people in this situation would (Will?) actually behave. Even our main character succumbs to weariness and overwhelming desperation to put his family first. Sadly, even though he has been an effective leader and saved so many lives, I suspect he will eventually be punished for a single questionable choice.
As book one ends, a small group led by our heroic leader breaks free from a Government Safe haven. I found it very real-life when bureaucrat ignores his advice with a typical bureaucratic comment, "Leave the facilities operation to the professionals." Obviously, ignoring his advice is precisely why the facility's defense fails.
I'm so glad the next book in this outstanding series is already published and I've already purchased it.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
October 10, 2017
A Pretty Decent Read, Typical Storyline, Cardboard Main Characters
Not the best in the genre, but definitely not the worst. It's a pretty textbook storyline, which borrows from many other stories out there. The basic structure will be very familiar. What happens first, next, then..... There are a few unique filler scenes/events and happenings that make the book entertaining.
The characters are fairly likeable. Unfortunately the main character is like a cardboard cutout of every other military apocalypse lead, without enough individual personality built in to make him forgettable. Meaning it's hard to care if he gets tripped up and devoured. His wife is just as vanilla. The other characters, however, are great. Fleshed out and you either love or dislike them.
Overall, worth the read in between reading the great series out there.
Not the best in the genre, but definitely not the worst. It's a pretty textbook storyline, which borrows from many other stories out there. The basic structure will be very familiar. What happens first, next, then..... There are a few unique filler scenes/events and happenings that make the book entertaining.
The characters are fairly likeable. Unfortunately the main character is like a cardboard cutout of every other military apocalypse lead, without enough individual personality built in to make him forgettable. Meaning it's hard to care if he gets tripped up and devoured. His wife is just as vanilla. The other characters, however, are great. Fleshed out and you either love or dislike them.
Overall, worth the read in between reading the great series out there.
March 10, 2018
A "BA" Zombie story
Seriously. It's a zombie story but there's more focus on the BA'S than the creatures. Probably because of my childhood and family history, my favorite storylines include the military. I cheer for them. I cry for them. While I enjoy the many lines out there about regular people, it's truly the ones who are "green" that I connect with the most. We mere mortals who only sit here reading because you stand there watching. Your sacrifices for the oath you each took are greater than you can ever be "paid". Thank you for your service. (Let me clarify that while my connection is to the military, my high regard, respect and gratitude includes all the alphabet acronyms, law enforcement agencies, officials as well as first responders such as fire and EMT professionals. Really, anyone who runs to while everyone else is running from.)
Seriously. It's a zombie story but there's more focus on the BA'S than the creatures. Probably because of my childhood and family history, my favorite storylines include the military. I cheer for them. I cry for them. While I enjoy the many lines out there about regular people, it's truly the ones who are "green" that I connect with the most. We mere mortals who only sit here reading because you stand there watching. Your sacrifices for the oath you each took are greater than you can ever be "paid". Thank you for your service. (Let me clarify that while my connection is to the military, my high regard, respect and gratitude includes all the alphabet acronyms, law enforcement agencies, officials as well as first responders such as fire and EMT professionals. Really, anyone who runs to while everyone else is running from.)
April 15, 2018
Too preachy, and people too stupid.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, what I did not enjoy that book was too preachy about steals ethics. And how could he not realize zombie apocalypse right in front of him. Everybody in the world knows George Romero and night of the living dead, if it happened to me I would recognize it immediately. The author has killed off some of the more interesting characters, such as the two counterterrorism agents as well as a DSS agent. I don’t like when, nor Ahmed and Lindsay is totally useless. The book needs a little bit more action unless introspection from steel. Not sure if I will read the next one. But if you like zombies and adventure you might enjoy this book for me not enough action but you may enjoy it.world has seen or heard of George Romero, so everybody should’ve realized zombie apocalypse when it was happening in
I enjoyed the premise of this book, what I did not enjoy that book was too preachy about steals ethics. And how could he not realize zombie apocalypse right in front of him. Everybody in the world knows George Romero and night of the living dead, if it happened to me I would recognize it immediately. The author has killed off some of the more interesting characters, such as the two counterterrorism agents as well as a DSS agent. I don’t like when, nor Ahmed and Lindsay is totally useless. The book needs a little bit more action unless introspection from steel. Not sure if I will read the next one. But if you like zombies and adventure you might enjoy this book for me not enough action but you may enjoy it.world has seen or heard of George Romero, so everybody should’ve realized zombie apocalypse when it was happening in
May 30, 2023
UGHHH. I really wanted to like this series-loved the prequel and I am usually a fan of longer books but this annoyed me so much. It is long but a lot of it feels like "filler" and all the details do not add to the story. I few of them stand out for me. They are in a meeting of some sort and an advisor or someone stands up to talk and it says the (loosely quoted)-the staffer stood up showing too much cleavage-who cares she was not even a minor character. Another one was like ' the private push up his cap showing his hairline'-again no point just words that do not add to the story. I feel like an abridged version of this would be much more enjoyable. I feel like with all the details the story gets lost. If I had to tell someone what this book was about I am not sure I could do a good job because I got lost in all the non-essential details.
May 11, 2017
You don't need to be a fan of the zombie apocalypse genre to enjoy reading End Time and The Breaking. What draws you in is the character development. The author gives you a great look inside of the minds of his characters, whether they're government officials, military or counter-terrorism officials, or medical personnel. Easy to read, easy to follow with an excellent level of subject matter knowledge, weapons expertise and drama/action. I'm also impressed with the author's ability to mix humor and sarcasm into the personalities of his characters - if you can't laugh while you're trying to save the world........it wouldn't be worth it.
I'm in the middle of "The Breaking" and love the sequel to End Time as well!!!
I'm in the middle of "The Breaking" and love the sequel to End Time as well!!!
May 9, 2023
Couldn't finish this, your main bad a** character is supposed to be a well-trained immediate response counter terrorism agent that spends 5 minutes debating in his head about shooting a clearly deranged (because they don't know what zombies are) lunatic ripping your friend and partners face off while trying to bite him... only to immediately turn around and say he acts better under pressure? Flashbacks are disjointed and, I get that the writer is trying to give background to characters, but why give a full history on someone that literally gets bit in the next scene, virus takes weeks, to hours, to minutes but differently for everyone based on.. I guess plot? *shrug* Yea I just couldn't finish this. First in a long while....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
I’m liking this story a bit more than it likely deserves. Daniel Greene does a more than serviceable job developing characters on what is now well worn ground. Agents from a little known government counter-terrorism organization tasked with retrieving personnel from an overrun embassy in Africa; CDC scientist observing strange goings on in a field research hospital; the girlfriend of one of the g-men working for a global NGO trying to get home from downtown DC to suburban NoVA. Should be pretty tropey, but manages to become engrossing and enervating, especially the vehicular choice for departing the airport.
Fun stuff! Bring on Chapter 2!
Fun stuff! Bring on Chapter 2!
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