Pandemic

Plague War #2

by Alister Hodge

Hope is battered, but not lost. After jumping the species divide from bat to human, Lysan Plague has torn across mainland Australia in an orgy of bloody violence, decimating the population and smashing an unprepared army onto the back foot. Off the coast of Victoria, a mission to capture Queenscliff Fort and regain a military foothold on the mainland is about to launch. Mark is a soldier in the first landing party. Erin awaits evacuation from King Island to Tasmania, however, her safety is far from assured. While storm winds drive a plague-riddled ship in their direction, a sadistic guard begins to target women within the camp. The time for retreat is over. Neither Mark or Erin will back down from the coming fight, but when faced with monsters, both human and undead, will determination be enough for them to survive?

Genres: Horror, Zombies

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2018

Reviews

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those zombies again.

I finished my review of the first book (which I rated 3.5 stars) saying that it was entertaining but that I would like to see a few more surprises or better character development in the second book. Well, that’s not what I got.

What I got is one more book with lots of action, but with less suspense than the first one. Here it was mainly the characters mowing down huge herds of zombies. And you know what? That was just fine.

It took me a while to get invested in the main characters’ fates, as I couldn’t much remember them from the first book, and they don’t get developed any further in this one. But in the end all it needed was one truly despicable villain, and then I just got swept up in all the action and had a fun ride to the end. Which isn’t really the end, of course, as there is a third book in this series. I might even read it.

This one can more or less be read as a stand-alone. But you miss out on the initial outbreak then, which, unsurprisingly, happens in the first book, aptly titled Outbreak.

Yeah, like I said, not many surprises. But competently written. One could do a lot worse than that.


This has been a buddy read with Cheryl and Cathy. For once I was the one racing through the book, as I was trying to finish it before my Kindle Unlimited subscription came up for renewal. Sorry, guys.


P.S. I obviously missed several opportunities here to make some clever remark about the current state of the world. Oh well, it was 2 in the morning. I usually don't have much clever left at that time of day.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little concerned about „a sadistic guard begins to target women within the camp“ in the blurb. I am not squeamish, but violence against women in books sometimes makes me really uncomfortable. Which is why I waited so long to pick up this sequel. It was Ok though. It wasn‘t too graphic or creepy.

The main characters from the first book make an appearance, but I think this would work as a standalone. Although the beginning of the zombie apocalypse is always the most fun for me.

This was a solid and entertaining read. However, I failed to connect emotionally to any of the main characters. There were no real highlights and it was all pretty predictable. I might pick up the last book eventually, especially since this one here stopped more or less in the middle of the narrative.

It was ok.

Playlist:
- Who let the dogs out? By Baha Men

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a good zombie book and this is pretty darned good. Being the second book in the series we are already up and running, the zombie outbreak has happened, this is about fighting back.

If you like action you won’t be disappointed, there’s lots of it here in this fast paced zombie adventure.

We follow the protagonists of the first book, the ones that made it out alive anyway. We have good guys and baddies and all hell breaking loose as these and zombies collide.

At times it was quite similar to the first book but I suppose there are only so many ways to fight zombie battles.

Overall an exciting read and I thoroughly enjoyed it with lots of nice bitey moments! Oh and a pretty good ending which was a surprise.

A good solid 4*/5 for me.

[Fiona Chislett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alister Hodge’s creative writing and attention to detail plunges the reader right in the thick of the action. The passion and intensity behind his words make the growling hungry moans easy to hear, you can see the advancing undead, touch their rotting flesh, taste the fear and almost smell the fetid flesh. The bond with the characters continue to deepen and the comradererie,love and respect that each character has for each other bleeds from the ink. The non stop action in the battle with the undead will have you gripping the book tightly hoping and praying that those you have come to love survive the next turn of the page.

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read :May 11, 2021
Rating : 4 Stars

I really liked the first book and had high hopes for this one, although the blurb made a little nervous since I utterly dislike the whole 'it's the apocalypse so lets harm women' angle.

Thankfully this was done well and not in the book just to shock and horrify.

So, this absolutely delivered as promised and brings carnage galore.
The characters are a bit more developed this time and there's such an abundance of action that you won't be bored a single second.

I saw that these books have such little reviews and ratings, which is really sad since there's so much zombie fun to be had with this.

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series....gets better with each book....

I’ve written two reviews so far for this book, both times something went wrong with the Kindle app before I was finished and both were lost. Hate that. They really should save reviews in progress until someone physically deletes them. Especially for those of us who spend a lot of time and effort on our reviews.
Ok, that said, lol.... I just can’t do it again.... repeat paragraphs and spend another hour+ (esp as it’s 2am and I want to read! ;).
I’ll just say —- awesome, daringly emotional, series. Definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of the genre. The first book wasn’t my favorite; I found it a bit rough. But to get to books 2 and 3 — having the foundation the first book provides is invaluable.

[Laurie C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLAGUE WAR #2

The fight to take back mainland Australia begins! With Allies claiming that the plague is to infectious to risk sending help. The story gets more about the individual characters and I got more attached and invested in the original survivors. Be aware the beginning doesn't say anything about the original survivors right away. But they are in here.

[Catatonic · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in this series was some good standard zombie genre fun, but Alister has jumped the Shark with this one. Way too many young adult genre vibes from the writing, too much teen drama, unbelievable characters, no character development, etc. Sadly this one's just bad and I really liked a number of Alister's other books (The Cavern especially).

[Brett Chapman-richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth a read

I've been reading this series because I'd previously really enjoyed one of the author's other books, and I have not been disappointed. Relatable characters, a gripping narrative, and a charming Aussie informality that (even as a New Zealander) I could enjoy.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book

Couldn't wait till this book came out and loved it as much a the first one.Fast paced with blood and guts galore.Excellent second book from Alister Hodge.

[Sandra Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Couldn’t put it down so it’s been a great read I would recommend these books to any one who likes books like this

[Kathy D Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series

Really enjoyed this new twist to zombie apocalypse! Great characters and plot. I am really hoping there are more to come.