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Duck & Cover Adventures #4
Revenge of the Apocalypse
There's an empire to topple, a tyrant to kill and revenge to be had. They've taken everything from him. Now Jerry and Chewy are headed to Niagara Falls to take out the wasteland's greatest villain once and for all. But the Librarian isn't the only one looking for revenge. Several other post-apocalyptic nomadic warriors have experienced Invcitus' horrors first-hand and are in town to find vengeance. The Bookkeepers have lived under the tyrant's iron fist for far too long. They're well informed, organized and ready to strike. Mr. Christopher is heading back to town with one less hand and a whole new reason to kill The Librarian. Coy has been beaten, battered and forced to eat his friend as bacon. And, now he's looking to settle the score. But, Invictus didn't get to the top of the post-apocalyptic pecking order by being easy to kill. Catch all the revenge, retribution and comeuppance the wasteland has to offer in Revenge of the Apocalypse, book 4 in the Duck & Cover Adventures. It's the end of the world as you've never known it.
276 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2018
317 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Wallace
67 books395 followersBenjamin Wallace lives in Dallas, Texas where he complains about the heat—a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 29, 2019
Mini-Review of the Duck & Cover Adventures Series:
4.5 Stars for Narration by Phil Thron - He was perfect for this series!
It's not your standard zombie apocalypse story. It does have fun characters, bizarre settings, a decent amount of action and humor. There are hard scenes but none of them are graphic. I only got into this series because it was narrated by Phil Thron & it was a different genre than the other books I am currently reading. Without the setup and background of the first three books, this book would not have been as good. Nice build up from the get go and just different enough of a story perspective to keep you hooked for more.
I was amused by the social commentary that the author littered within the series. It's a wide range of topics in current events & social media. It was very tongue in cheek, intelligent & full of irony. Good fun!
4.5 Stars for Narration by Phil Thron - He was perfect for this series!
It's not your standard zombie apocalypse story. It does have fun characters, bizarre settings, a decent amount of action and humor. There are hard scenes but none of them are graphic. I only got into this series because it was narrated by Phil Thron & it was a different genre than the other books I am currently reading. Without the setup and background of the first three books, this book would not have been as good. Nice build up from the get go and just different enough of a story perspective to keep you hooked for more.
I was amused by the social commentary that the author littered within the series. It's a wide range of topics in current events & social media. It was very tongue in cheek, intelligent & full of irony. Good fun!
December 9, 2020
Revenge of the Apocalypse, book 4 of the series, brings Jerry the Librarian to Niagara Falls to confront the top-dog bad guy he’s been battling by proxy for the entire series. The emphasis is more on the adventure than the humor here, but both are strong. The antics of the local resistance are quite entertaining. Story 4, Craft 5, Humor 4.
March 9, 2023
They just keep getting better! Fantastic.
July 14, 2018
I gave it 5
What a good ending. This series was a lot of fun, and very funny as well. I may try some of the authors other books.
What a good ending. This series was a lot of fun, and very funny as well. I may try some of the authors other books.
October 23, 2019
Excellent Addition
What a wonderful addition to this series. I really like all the characters good and bad. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
What a wonderful addition to this series. I really like all the characters good and bad. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
November 4, 2019
It doesn’t slow down
Most series books start slowing down around book 4 but this one continues riding high and fast. I can’t wait for more!
Most series books start slowing down around book 4 but this one continues riding high and fast. I can’t wait for more!
November 9, 2019
Another excellent installment in the series.
June 4, 2018
Full disclosure - i was given an early edition in exchange for this review.
First, I truly enjoy Ben's plots/storylines. They are original in worlds that are sorely lacking in originality. I read the first book of his Duck and Cover series, Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors and enjoyed it. I've also read at least 2 other of Ben's books.
So I am basically reviewing a four-parter of which I've read only the 1st and last parts. That said, this one isn't as funny as the first probably because a lot of time was spent in the first one world-building and meeting Jerry. This one is more about established characters and events that Ben assumes the reader already knows. The revenge story is there but it kind of delays... closure... as there are so many story lines to follow. The jumping between real names and code names requires the reader's full attention as it is easy to get lost. The geography of the story is a bit confusing as it is centered in Niagara Falls, which has/had both a Canadian and American side and it relies on the reader knowing this.
Honestly, R of A is a hard one to jump into as your first Ben Duck and Cover experience - I totally recommend starting at the 1st one and following the whole series chronologically.
Again, Ben is highly original voice in a sometimes too stereotypical genre.
First, I truly enjoy Ben's plots/storylines. They are original in worlds that are sorely lacking in originality. I read the first book of his Duck and Cover series, Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors and enjoyed it. I've also read at least 2 other of Ben's books.
So I am basically reviewing a four-parter of which I've read only the 1st and last parts. That said, this one isn't as funny as the first probably because a lot of time was spent in the first one world-building and meeting Jerry. This one is more about established characters and events that Ben assumes the reader already knows. The revenge story is there but it kind of delays... closure... as there are so many story lines to follow. The jumping between real names and code names requires the reader's full attention as it is easy to get lost. The geography of the story is a bit confusing as it is centered in Niagara Falls, which has/had both a Canadian and American side and it relies on the reader knowing this.
Honestly, R of A is a hard one to jump into as your first Ben Duck and Cover experience - I totally recommend starting at the 1st one and following the whole series chronologically.
Again, Ben is highly original voice in a sometimes too stereotypical genre.
June 1, 2018
I believe I am required upfront to state that I was given a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for my honest and uninfluenced opinion.
This is the fourth book in a post-apocalyptic series that is humour-filled and a bit irreverent. This book (tying up a lot of storylines) is perhaps the least overtly funny book of the series. The humour is still there, but it doesn't get in the way of the story, and unlike some of this author's work, it's not all just a payoff of the joke.
If you like his earlier work, it's more of the same, just a tad more serious (in a good way). If you have read other work, and are not a fan, perhaps this is the book to try to get back into it. (I have not read all of the books in the series, but still managed to follow the characters. There are some that it feels MAY have appeared in earlier work, but not knowing their history beyond what is provided here does not detract from that).
I have read quite a bit of Mr Wallace's work, but hardly all of it. Although I am a fan of humourous SF, it has to be done well. This book manages to get it right. It is almost certainly the favourite so far of all of his work I have read.
This is the fourth book in a post-apocalyptic series that is humour-filled and a bit irreverent. This book (tying up a lot of storylines) is perhaps the least overtly funny book of the series. The humour is still there, but it doesn't get in the way of the story, and unlike some of this author's work, it's not all just a payoff of the joke.
If you like his earlier work, it's more of the same, just a tad more serious (in a good way). If you have read other work, and are not a fan, perhaps this is the book to try to get back into it. (I have not read all of the books in the series, but still managed to follow the characters. There are some that it feels MAY have appeared in earlier work, but not knowing their history beyond what is provided here does not detract from that).
I have read quite a bit of Mr Wallace's work, but hardly all of it. Although I am a fan of humourous SF, it has to be done well. This book manages to get it right. It is almost certainly the favourite so far of all of his work I have read.
February 5, 2019
Invictus has taken everything from the Librarian, well maybe not everything. Jerry still has Chewy and his lust for revenge. But can Jerry live up to his own reputation?
After all, Jerry isn't the only one out for blood, other Post Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors are also looking to settle a score with Invictus.
Coy is back, as is Mr. Christopher. Well, most of him, anyways. And a whole lot of new faces, to flesh out the story.
Another great book in a great series. The biggest complaint is it's too short. I don't mean, "I didn't want it to end" kind of thing. More that the back stories could have been better established. The setting was well drawn out, but our hero's time in there wasn't elaborated on.
The time frame of the book is only a few days, and that doesn't leave lots of time for a lot of side missions. However, any distraction from the main story would have lead for some better character development.
It will be interesting to see if Mr. Wallace develops this series further, as the ending is vague, but i hope he does. I would like to see what's next for the Librarian.
After all, Jerry isn't the only one out for blood, other Post Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors are also looking to settle a score with Invictus.
Coy is back, as is Mr. Christopher. Well, most of him, anyways. And a whole lot of new faces, to flesh out the story.
Another great book in a great series. The biggest complaint is it's too short. I don't mean, "I didn't want it to end" kind of thing. More that the back stories could have been better established. The setting was well drawn out, but our hero's time in there wasn't elaborated on.
The time frame of the book is only a few days, and that doesn't leave lots of time for a lot of side missions. However, any distraction from the main story would have lead for some better character development.
It will be interesting to see if Mr. Wallace develops this series further, as the ending is vague, but i hope he does. I would like to see what's next for the Librarian.
September 1, 2018
Author's Revenge
OK, I spent considerable time reading this four book series and overall I can't give rave reviews for the Duck & Cover Post-Apocalyptic saga.
Book by book quick review:
Book 1 - Great start to series. Interesting characters and engaging plot. Nice wrap up in the end. Stands on its own and would be a fine work of post-apocalyptic fiction.
Book 2 - Mostly disappointing sequel that seemed rushed like author just wanted to get to the next story. The fact it ended with a cliff hanger sort of backs this synopsis.
Book 3 - More mean than the previous books but ending is a stunner. Doesn't really make up for patchwork plot and story line. Still give this book four stars.
Book 4 - Revenge fueled thesis borders on overkill. Disappointing resolution for the main character makes this book better suited as a prequel than the final book of the series.
In summary, while there were good parts to this series the entire work seemed forced and hurried as if writing on a tight deadline. Book One is worth reading but the rest seem a waste of time.
OK, I spent considerable time reading this four book series and overall I can't give rave reviews for the Duck & Cover Post-Apocalyptic saga.
Book by book quick review:
Book 1 - Great start to series. Interesting characters and engaging plot. Nice wrap up in the end. Stands on its own and would be a fine work of post-apocalyptic fiction.
Book 2 - Mostly disappointing sequel that seemed rushed like author just wanted to get to the next story. The fact it ended with a cliff hanger sort of backs this synopsis.
Book 3 - More mean than the previous books but ending is a stunner. Doesn't really make up for patchwork plot and story line. Still give this book four stars.
Book 4 - Revenge fueled thesis borders on overkill. Disappointing resolution for the main character makes this book better suited as a prequel than the final book of the series.
In summary, while there were good parts to this series the entire work seemed forced and hurried as if writing on a tight deadline. Book One is worth reading but the rest seem a waste of time.
December 7, 2024
Another fine work by Mr. Wallace. This book has less humor than the previous three but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment at all. This book also solidifies that the Librarian’s adventures are a part of a larger world. We are introduced to other Post-Apocalyptic Warriors from different parts of the continent. My one complaint is another character is introduced that has history with the Librarian, like Mr. Christopher, but the readers are left without any explanation. Maybe she was in a previous book or the short stories but I don’t remember.
The story is fast-paced and stays interesting all the way through.
The story is fast-paced and stays interesting all the way through.
June 24, 2018
I had been waiting (for what seemed like) far too long for this one to come out. In between the last one and this one, I read the Junkers series and the Damian Stockwell series as well. This, however remains my favorite series. This latest installment takes place in a bit more of a "normal" urban setting than the first few books, but is no less inventive and entertaining - perfect for a series finale (if a finale it truly is). Healthy, and satisfactory doses of revenge abound, as the title suggests.
December 29, 2024
I enjoyed this fourth book in the series. Perhaps I enjoyed it just a bit less than the prior three books. That might have occurred because the revenge theme of this book didn't present as many opportunities for Wallace to exert his particular type of dry humor. Or, it could have been because the setting didn't do anything for me. It was set in the Eastern part of the country and I always vastly prefer books set in the Western part of the country. Either way I took it down one star but still plan on finishing the series.
February 18, 2022
My appreciation lies solely in the stacks with the Bookkeepers. What a brilliant Resistance name. The plot moved nicely, never seeming to stray from its ultimate goal, no matter the side stories... with the exception of Olivia. Who is she? How did Jerry know her? I have questions!
The humor and snark were, as always, on point and very appropriately timed without feeling forced.
That ending though... *sigh*
The humor and snark were, as always, on point and very appropriately timed without feeling forced.
That ending though... *sigh*
February 26, 2019
Required Reading
This series should be required reading for life. It shows us the error of our ways and the pitfalls of the future. While it's very Pratchett and Geiman and satirical it definitely shows the folly we are in and heading for worse if we don't figure it out. Action and humor and great characters fill these pages. Excellent read!
This series should be required reading for life. It shows us the error of our ways and the pitfalls of the future. While it's very Pratchett and Geiman and satirical it definitely shows the folly we are in and heading for worse if we don't figure it out. Action and humor and great characters fill these pages. Excellent read!
May 23, 2024
I just finished this one, the fourth in the "Duck and Cover" series. The opening made me laugh out loud, and is typical of all of the author's writing so far. He makes a brilliant joke about the old adage that "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves" to the effect that if you only have two enemies, you have are not living up to your full potential.
February 7, 2025
After a year of running and fighting off bounty hunters, losing his wife and his mobile home, the Librarian decides to end the war. And how do you do that, you attack the big evil tyrant. But others claiming to be the Librarian have muddied the waters. The resistance is deadlocked in planning and rethinking every possible course of action. So Jerry just attacks. And he gets the job done.
June 4, 2018
I need more
Book 4 just wants me to have more of this series. The writing is both comical and vivid. I have been so glad to discover this series and I hope Mr. Wallace does not end it here.
Book 4 just wants me to have more of this series. The writing is both comical and vivid. I have been so glad to discover this series and I hope Mr. Wallace does not end it here.
June 30, 2018
Has.....
.... to be one of the funniest post-apocalyptic series I've read!!! Loved every page of all four books of this series!!! Hopefully, there will be some sequels coming soon!!!!
.... to be one of the funniest post-apocalyptic series I've read!!! Loved every page of all four books of this series!!! Hopefully, there will be some sequels coming soon!!!!
July 9, 2018
A very good and funny read.
After reading all of the Apocalypse series, If I have learned anything from Benjamin Wallace it's that the end of the world as we know it can be tragic and humorous. Also I learned watch out for bears.
After reading all of the Apocalypse series, If I have learned anything from Benjamin Wallace it's that the end of the world as we know it can be tragic and humorous. Also I learned watch out for bears.
January 20, 2019
I've read the whole series and I so want more (or at least something to me men happier). Nice quick reads with characters that you want to get to know and share a beer with (even some of the bad guys) , looking forward to more from this author.
September 7, 2019
Satisfying conclusion
Ok, so it hits all the predictable notes - that's not a bad thing. Like a well crafted burger at a roadside diner, sometimes comfort food is exactly what you need.
Ok, so it hits all the predictable notes - that's not a bad thing. Like a well crafted burger at a roadside diner, sometimes comfort food is exactly what you need.
January 13, 2020
I've listened to the first 4 books in the series and its worth the listen. Phil Thron does a great job narrating and the humor in the series enough to keep me reading any further books in the series.
February 27, 2025
These books are lots of fun. The author has a great sense of snark which greatly appeals to me. He's not afraid to kill off main characters which keeps the reader guessing. If you like apocalypse books with a twist of humor and even silliness at times, you'll love these books.
June 13, 2018
Another good romp
Another funny, dark, sad, look at the apocalypse from Ben. Thoroughly enjoyed it, moving on to Junkers, another of his books, until the next installment.
Another funny, dark, sad, look at the apocalypse from Ben. Thoroughly enjoyed it, moving on to Junkers, another of his books, until the next installment.
June 16, 2018
Funny, sad, and I didn't want it to end. A fitting end to the Duck & Cover series.
August 14, 2019
great book, highly recommend this series
August 26, 2019
An enjoyable finish to the series... Excellent writing and excellent story.
February 18, 2020
This was full of twists and exploits that really carried through a great story line..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews