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Zone War #1
Zone War
A few short years from now, eco-terrorists unleash the worst attack the world has ever seen. Over 25,000 autonomous combat drones are released in Manhattan from the hold of a ship. Hundreds of thousands are dead, and the entire island is evacuated and quarantined in just a few days' time.
Ten years later, Manhattan is still empty of humans, with the exception of the salvage specialists of the most watched reality show in history: Zone War. Produced live and unedited, the show follows five teams of armored vehicle specialists who brave the active drones to recover lost riches and collect bounties on dead ones. Ram it, slam it, grab the goods and bull your way back out. And don't break down, because no one will be coming to your aid. Armored entry is the way to go . . . Unless . . .
Meet Ajaya "AJ" Gurung, sniper's son, drone technician and Zone infiltrator. Following his father's footsteps while forging ahead in ways all his own, AJ has the potential to be the most successful recovery specialist of all time. The drones are changing, the rules have been thrown out and nothing about the Zone is what it seems. Adapt or die.
Ten years later, Manhattan is still empty of humans, with the exception of the salvage specialists of the most watched reality show in history: Zone War. Produced live and unedited, the show follows five teams of armored vehicle specialists who brave the active drones to recover lost riches and collect bounties on dead ones. Ram it, slam it, grab the goods and bull your way back out. And don't break down, because no one will be coming to your aid. Armored entry is the way to go . . . Unless . . .
Meet Ajaya "AJ" Gurung, sniper's son, drone technician and Zone infiltrator. Following his father's footsteps while forging ahead in ways all his own, AJ has the potential to be the most successful recovery specialist of all time. The drones are changing, the rules have been thrown out and nothing about the Zone is what it seems. Adapt or die.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2018
337 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,702 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
June 25, 2019
Zone Wars by John Conroe and narrated by James Patrick Cronin is a start of a new futurist sci-fi series! Boy is it exciting! MY and surrounding area is destroyed by drone wars 10 years prior. Now there are drone left that shoot any people that are seen in the area. Some people try to sneak in to get loot supplies and they can keep them. A boy has been doing it longer than anyone! He has a secret and the military wants his secret! There is a reality game show with contestants driving in, stealing things, and driving out. The boy has been asked but won't do it, he won't give up his secret!
Great battles, interactions between characters, great plot, witty at times, love the world building, and unique characters! Can't wait to see where this takes the reader next!
Terrific narration as usual from this narrator!
Great battles, interactions between characters, great plot, witty at times, love the world building, and unique characters! Can't wait to see where this takes the reader next!
Terrific narration as usual from this narrator!
July 30, 2020
Not a bad read. We get overweening officials, untrustworthy government reps (well and an untrustworthy government) and all kinds of, stuff. See whole bunches of killer robots (of various kinds) were released on the Island of Manhattan and they either killed or drove away all the humans (well maybe) and they're still there. See they should have run down or maybe worn out a while back but they haven't. In fact they seem to be rebuilding replacements and...hummm....are they,
learning
???
So anyway all kinds of goodies were left just lying around in/on Manhattan. Tech., gems, stocks and bonds and cash and valuable designer clothes and jewelry and all sorts of other stuff. So (of course) humans being humans we try to snatch it back and the government pretty much (get that, "pretty much") lets you keep what you find.
Of course (again) very few people live to get back out...but you know...wow all those people sneaking in or charging in in armored vehicles or whatever make great TV!
Be ready for double crossing, lying and killing.
Enjoy.
So anyway all kinds of goodies were left just lying around in/on Manhattan. Tech., gems, stocks and bonds and cash and valuable designer clothes and jewelry and all sorts of other stuff. So (of course) humans being humans we try to snatch it back and the government pretty much (get that, "pretty much") lets you keep what you find.
Of course (again) very few people live to get back out...but you know...wow all those people sneaking in or charging in in armored vehicles or whatever make great TV!
Be ready for double crossing, lying and killing.
Enjoy.
September 2, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
John Conroe has made onto my favorite authors list. I loved the demon accords series but you can never be sure if other works from the same author are going to be as well written. So far I have not been disappointed in anything this author has written. This one didn't even have anything magical or supernatural and I still really liked it. 10 years ago, a terrorist organization dropped 25,000 advanced drones on Manhattan and killed all the inhabitants. For the last 10 years the drones have kept people from reclaiming the island. There are people that go onto the island to scrounge for resources and to reclaim property but for the most part the island is deserted. It would cost too much in manpower for the military to reclaim the island and the drones that the government has sent keep getting their asses kicked. The drones on the island have learned and evolved. The story follows the exploits Ajaya Gurung. He is one of the few people who scavenge stuff from the island. He was trained by his father an SAS sniper. His father dies 2 years ago and Ajaya needed to continue to help support his family.
John Conroe has themes in all of his writing. A very big love of guns, respect for the military and distrust of the government. The government is always overbearing and demanding in all his stories. There is also an emotional element in all his stories. The MC is a good guy who tries to always do the right thing. The thing I love the best about his characters are that they are all extremely good at what they do. He never writes about people that gain power and just kick ass. All his main characters work very hard and train for a very long time. Other people are surprised when they find out how good the main characters are at what they do, and I enjoy those interactions. I love reading about competent people that are very good at their jobs, tt is not the same as having an OP main character (those I like those characters as well). Even though guns aren't my thing, I also enjoy reading about characters that are passionate about a topic. It went a little overboard on the guns for my taste in this one, but even so I really enjoyed this book. On to the next one.
John Conroe has made onto my favorite authors list. I loved the demon accords series but you can never be sure if other works from the same author are going to be as well written. So far I have not been disappointed in anything this author has written. This one didn't even have anything magical or supernatural and I still really liked it. 10 years ago, a terrorist organization dropped 25,000 advanced drones on Manhattan and killed all the inhabitants. For the last 10 years the drones have kept people from reclaiming the island. There are people that go onto the island to scrounge for resources and to reclaim property but for the most part the island is deserted. It would cost too much in manpower for the military to reclaim the island and the drones that the government has sent keep getting their asses kicked. The drones on the island have learned and evolved. The story follows the exploits Ajaya Gurung. He is one of the few people who scavenge stuff from the island. He was trained by his father an SAS sniper. His father dies 2 years ago and Ajaya needed to continue to help support his family.
John Conroe has themes in all of his writing. A very big love of guns, respect for the military and distrust of the government. The government is always overbearing and demanding in all his stories. There is also an emotional element in all his stories. The MC is a good guy who tries to always do the right thing. The thing I love the best about his characters are that they are all extremely good at what they do. He never writes about people that gain power and just kick ass. All his main characters work very hard and train for a very long time. Other people are surprised when they find out how good the main characters are at what they do, and I enjoy those interactions. I love reading about competent people that are very good at their jobs, tt is not the same as having an OP main character (those I like those characters as well). Even though guns aren't my thing, I also enjoy reading about characters that are passionate about a topic. It went a little overboard on the guns for my taste in this one, but even so I really enjoyed this book. On to the next one.
January 22, 2019
After Manhattan was attacked by a fleet of drones and the population murdered, the survivors migrated to the continent. There is a show called Zone War that is a sensationalized and hitting the sweet spots of the population that want vengeance and for the government to do something about the problem. Well, this started in a typical way from a John Conroe book. We are introduced to an unassuming guy who has special skills that make him have an edge on the other drone hunters. He got a drone working for him that help him hunt other drones. The author re-uses some of the standoff approaches that he does in his other books (demon accords) with abuse of power and authority. The romance is also well done compared to his previous tries in demon accords with TanyaXChris, DeclanXStacia. It builds up to become a love triangle really well executed.
I want to see the new books slotted for this year already.
I want to see the new books slotted for this year already.
September 1, 2018
New genre, same great writing
Normally, post-apocalyptic is not my cup of tea, but I've been a Conroe fan for a long time. While there are some similarities between Chris of the Demon Accords and AJ of Zone War, Conroe has drawn a hero that is engaging and complex. All the characters are interesting; the plot is fresh (to me, anyway); and the storytelling tightly woven. This goes on the read-again pile.
Normally, post-apocalyptic is not my cup of tea, but I've been a Conroe fan for a long time. While there are some similarities between Chris of the Demon Accords and AJ of Zone War, Conroe has drawn a hero that is engaging and complex. All the characters are interesting; the plot is fresh (to me, anyway); and the storytelling tightly woven. This goes on the read-again pile.
January 18, 2020
A believable exploration of the militarisation of drone weapons.
Conroe is on my must-read list, based on his Demon Accords urban fantasy series. With Zone War he delves into the realistic and he does it very well.
Ajaya is a sympathetic protagonist with an interesting cultural background of which I'd like to hear more. As with his prior series, the beginning of a stellar ensemble cast is presented to the reader. Each is distinct and I could imagine many of them birthing stand-alone novels.
But it's the technology that really makes this story stand out. Conroe seems to be arguing that any release of autonomous, AI-driven drones would eventually lead to a threat to humanity itself. If the objective is to kill and AI's are designed to learn and improve - then eventually they will surpass even the best of us. It's a scary premise brought home effectively in this creation.
Conroe is on my must-read list, based on his Demon Accords urban fantasy series. With Zone War he delves into the realistic and he does it very well.
Ajaya is a sympathetic protagonist with an interesting cultural background of which I'd like to hear more. As with his prior series, the beginning of a stellar ensemble cast is presented to the reader. Each is distinct and I could imagine many of them birthing stand-alone novels.
But it's the technology that really makes this story stand out. Conroe seems to be arguing that any release of autonomous, AI-driven drones would eventually lead to a threat to humanity itself. If the objective is to kill and AI's are designed to learn and improve - then eventually they will surpass even the best of us. It's a scary premise brought home effectively in this creation.
August 31, 2018
A new Skynet
Very interesting world. The best part is I have no idea what direction the next book will go.
Near future combat drones, sniper training, A.I., Ghurka mythos, and a little bit of teenage lust. Add in some high level corporate intrigue and reality shows, and you have a real fun story.
I will buy the next novel as soon as it is released.
Very interesting world. The best part is I have no idea what direction the next book will go.
Near future combat drones, sniper training, A.I., Ghurka mythos, and a little bit of teenage lust. Add in some high level corporate intrigue and reality shows, and you have a real fun story.
I will buy the next novel as soon as it is released.
September 17, 2020
Not really my type book. Science fiction plus dystopian. The author more than likely watched several movies to get the plot concept. Got 4 chapters into this one and decided to pass.
Others may enjoy this one.
Kindle Unlimited.
Others may enjoy this one.
Kindle Unlimited.
October 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
Ok Narration (Hilarious to me Female Voices)
Good fun.
Ok Narration (Hilarious to me Female Voices)
Good fun.
December 3, 2021
Can you switch off the logical part of your mind? you will need to here
Let's get one thing clear: The premise of this book is stupid. It's physically impossible, AND stupid. It's Stoopid spelled with two ohs. It's Nicholas Cage in National Treasure levels of stupid.
BUT... if you can get past that, This is a really kick ass book.
This book is a summer blockbuster thrill ride. This is an action adventure popcorn movie of a book. Think Michael-Scott Earle with out so many boobies. This is Adrenalin, and gun porn, and bad assery. What is its about has little to do with killer robots. What it's about is: Adrenalin, gun porn, and bad assery.
...So this book is fun. But ONLY if you can shut off the part of your mind that realizes how dumb and impossible it all is. Terrorists released 25,000 killer drones into the island of Manhattan ten years ago. Those killer drones all stayed on the island. They have not broken out and have not broken down after 10 years of continuous operation. But they have gotten smarter. (Okay that last part seems feasible) Oh, and nobody has dropped an EMP into Times Square, because that would spoil the fun? Anyway. This book is I AM LEGEND, and THE RUNNING MAN, and BLACK HAWK DOWN but with murder-bots. And if you like those things you will probably like this one too. Especially if you love to hear the names of guns said over and over. Jay-sus christ do they love to talk bout guns.
Let's get one thing clear: The premise of this book is stupid. It's physically impossible, AND stupid. It's Stoopid spelled with two ohs. It's Nicholas Cage in National Treasure levels of stupid.
BUT... if you can get past that, This is a really kick ass book.
This book is a summer blockbuster thrill ride. This is an action adventure popcorn movie of a book. Think Michael-Scott Earle with out so many boobies. This is Adrenalin, and gun porn, and bad assery. What is its about has little to do with killer robots. What it's about is: Adrenalin, gun porn, and bad assery.
...So this book is fun. But ONLY if you can shut off the part of your mind that realizes how dumb and impossible it all is. Terrorists released 25,000 killer drones into the island of Manhattan ten years ago. Those killer drones all stayed on the island. They have not broken out and have not broken down after 10 years of continuous operation. But they have gotten smarter. (Okay that last part seems feasible) Oh, and nobody has dropped an EMP into Times Square, because that would spoil the fun? Anyway. This book is I AM LEGEND, and THE RUNNING MAN, and BLACK HAWK DOWN but with murder-bots. And if you like those things you will probably like this one too. Especially if you love to hear the names of guns said over and over. Jay-sus christ do they love to talk bout guns.
October 27, 2018
Absolutely loved it
While there were a few things I noticed, like inconsistent sentences and a few grammer things I am very pleased at this new series by John Conroe.
Look forward to the next one.
While there were a few things I noticed, like inconsistent sentences and a few grammer things I am very pleased at this new series by John Conroe.
Look forward to the next one.
May 23, 2019
Anaya rocks
Really enjoyed the tech and the characters,loved the Napali-Ameican angle.looking forward to the next one. I assume we will see more of the zone and drone antics.
Really enjoyed the tech and the characters,loved the Napali-Ameican angle.looking forward to the next one. I assume we will see more of the zone and drone antics.
October 8, 2018
Excellent
I’m delighted to see Conroe branching out with a completely new series, especially when it’s as delightful and as well done as this! Masterfully written and edited, it gives us tons of action and interest, and explains firearms to the uninitiated in gentle and creative ways. It also gives us a very different family and social scenery, and treats both with respect. As wild as the plot premise is, it Just Works, letting you enjoy the ride, leaving enough “uh-oh” at the end to hook you into watching for the next book. (Although that’s pretty much a Conroe hallmark.). Great Stuff! Excellent! Definitely recommended.
I’m delighted to see Conroe branching out with a completely new series, especially when it’s as delightful and as well done as this! Masterfully written and edited, it gives us tons of action and interest, and explains firearms to the uninitiated in gentle and creative ways. It also gives us a very different family and social scenery, and treats both with respect. As wild as the plot premise is, it Just Works, letting you enjoy the ride, leaving enough “uh-oh” at the end to hook you into watching for the next book. (Although that’s pretty much a Conroe hallmark.). Great Stuff! Excellent! Definitely recommended.
August 5, 2020
"The implications of being at the top are that there is only down."
4.5/5.0 Star of a new unique series, set in a futuristic America, Zone War was fantastically told and addictive from the beginning. I loved the pace and characters, and felt each appropriate for the other. Really digging Conroe's writing style and while I loved it, I am happy to see a trilogy. I sometime need to know a series ends on a note where I want more rather than fizzle out after so many books. Moving on to the sequel now.
4.5/5.0 Star of a new unique series, set in a futuristic America, Zone War was fantastically told and addictive from the beginning. I loved the pace and characters, and felt each appropriate for the other. Really digging Conroe's writing style and while I loved it, I am happy to see a trilogy. I sometime need to know a series ends on a note where I want more rather than fizzle out after so many books. Moving on to the sequel now.
October 8, 2018
This Author CANNOT write bad book!!!
Originally upon seeing that Mr. Conroe had a new book out I was praying that it was another Demon Accords Book. It was not, however AJ, Rikki and the family quickly introduced me to a story that I was anxious to learn more about. AJ fighting military drones with the capabilities of learning as they fight against humans! Scary stuff and Mr. Conroe draws you right into that world. I now will impatiently wait for a continuation of EITHER world, Demon Accords🙌 OR Zone War series👏 both are outstanding series and I can't wait to read more from this Author🙆
Originally upon seeing that Mr. Conroe had a new book out I was praying that it was another Demon Accords Book. It was not, however AJ, Rikki and the family quickly introduced me to a story that I was anxious to learn more about. AJ fighting military drones with the capabilities of learning as they fight against humans! Scary stuff and Mr. Conroe draws you right into that world. I now will impatiently wait for a continuation of EITHER world, Demon Accords🙌 OR Zone War series👏 both are outstanding series and I can't wait to read more from this Author🙆
September 12, 2018
excellent new serie
September 10, 2018
Read it before the movie gets made
Cinematic is the word that first leaps to mind when I think of Zone War. This is being for the summer action treatment. AI war machines have overrun Manhattan killing hundreds of thousands of people. At great cost they have been contained. Salvage operators are the only ones that enter and exit the Zone. Our hero is one such, risking life and limb to reclaim a portion of the wealth abandoned by the fleeing survivors in order to support his family which depends heavily on his income since his father's death in the Zone. Survival, wealth, and secrets, big ones must be extracted from the Zone.
Cinematic is the word that first leaps to mind when I think of Zone War. This is being for the summer action treatment. AI war machines have overrun Manhattan killing hundreds of thousands of people. At great cost they have been contained. Salvage operators are the only ones that enter and exit the Zone. Our hero is one such, risking life and limb to reclaim a portion of the wealth abandoned by the fleeing survivors in order to support his family which depends heavily on his income since his father's death in the Zone. Survival, wealth, and secrets, big ones must be extracted from the Zone.
September 5, 2018
Was not sure I was going to like it...
The only reason I bought this book was because I am a fan of the Demo Accords. However, this book is nothing like it at all. That being said, I could not put it down. I literally forced myself to stop and get at least 3 hours of sleep before work. The action, world building, character development, it was all well written and entertaining. If you are a fan of the Demon Accords this book will feel very comfortable (I can' say familiar since the subject matter and characters are completely different). If you liked this book, I highly recomend you read the Demon Accords. Thanks Mr. Conroe, now I am impaitiently waiting for the next Zone Wars Book just like I am for the next Demon Accords book!
The only reason I bought this book was because I am a fan of the Demo Accords. However, this book is nothing like it at all. That being said, I could not put it down. I literally forced myself to stop and get at least 3 hours of sleep before work. The action, world building, character development, it was all well written and entertaining. If you are a fan of the Demon Accords this book will feel very comfortable (I can' say familiar since the subject matter and characters are completely different). If you liked this book, I highly recomend you read the Demon Accords. Thanks Mr. Conroe, now I am impaitiently waiting for the next Zone Wars Book just like I am for the next Demon Accords book!
August 31, 2018
How could John Conroe do this to me?
How could he get me hooked on another series and then say the next book is coming in 2019. I really need it now. I loved this book. I loved the characters. The plot is amazing and fast paced. The ending is scary because you can visualize our society possibly being over run by AI. Every character was mesmerizing. I even had a love /hate relationship with the military and DOD in the book. Rikki is by far my favorite character. Keep up the amazing work Mr. Conroe. I am stuck waiting for the next Demon Accords and for the next Zone War book. Well played Mr. Conroe.
How could he get me hooked on another series and then say the next book is coming in 2019. I really need it now. I loved this book. I loved the characters. The plot is amazing and fast paced. The ending is scary because you can visualize our society possibly being over run by AI. Every character was mesmerizing. I even had a love /hate relationship with the military and DOD in the book. Rikki is by far my favorite character. Keep up the amazing work Mr. Conroe. I am stuck waiting for the next Demon Accords and for the next Zone War book. Well played Mr. Conroe.
July 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Conroe does characterization really well and Zone War is no exception to that rule. He also makes Gary Stu characters that are just fun to read, and that's true here as well.
If the book has a failing its that its got a LOT of weapons porn in it. The need for that is built into the story, though, so in that much it's consistent. Frankly, I think this book reads like what it really wants to be is a tv action series. It should be, it's perfect for it.
I'll read the next when it becomes available in audio. John Conroe and James Patrick Cronin (the narrator of this and also Conroe's Demon Accords audiobooks) make a very good team.
Conroe does characterization really well and Zone War is no exception to that rule. He also makes Gary Stu characters that are just fun to read, and that's true here as well.
If the book has a failing its that its got a LOT of weapons porn in it. The need for that is built into the story, though, so in that much it's consistent. Frankly, I think this book reads like what it really wants to be is a tv action series. It should be, it's perfect for it.
I'll read the next when it becomes available in audio. John Conroe and James Patrick Cronin (the narrator of this and also Conroe's Demon Accords audiobooks) make a very good team.
October 15, 2018
Another pageturner from John Conroe.
I had a really bad day, because I stayed up all night to finish reading it.
I had a really bad day, because I stayed up all night to finish reading it.
October 26, 2019
Just not for me, should come with a warning about this being straight up young adult fiction. Predictable and kind of boring. Could see why certain people like it though.
May 31, 2019
Drones CJ would be proud of.
I will freely admit to not being very interested in the concept of this novel. When John Conroe announced this story on his Facebook page I was underwhelmed. When it became available, I didn't buy it and I have every book he's written. I originally downloaded the sample but fell asleep before finishing it. Fast forward a year and I thought about trying to read it again. I'm not really kicking myself for having an apathetic opinion from the get go, but I'm actually happy I didn't start reading until after the second book was available for purchase because I didn't have to wait to read the second book.
I know many people have written about the plot so I'm not going to write up a summary. I will state some of the things I like about it.
The main character. He's similar to both Declan and Chris. He's modest, wants to go unnoticed, is a weapon specialist, and has a killer drone who he re-wrote the programming on. While not an orphan, he has lost his father. His father who taught him to survive. He's also surrounded by model looking females who give him guff. I don't mind all of those things because Declan is my current favorite character from Mr. Conroe-move over Chris!
The action complete with weapon specks. I don't know weapons. I am absolutely thrilled that Mr Conroe writes information about the weapons his main characters use so I'm not completely in the dark. The action scenes are so detailed without being overdone that I see each scene as a personal movie in my mind.
The side characters. Astrid....a beautiful blonde reality show star. Yeah I actually don't care about her. She's just blah. Harper, I'm more interested in because she would be a better choice for AJ's love interest. Alas, currently this is not the case. Lastly, the family, all females complete with a set of twins who act like two Lidias. AJ's mother and grandmother are lovely people, very lifelike. Oh, we also have the military personnel. I'm always worried when they show up. I don't know if they will be the good guys or the bad guys. Right now they seem to be content with using AJ as a useful tool. I'm just waiting for the show to drop.
Ok, that's my review without giving away the actual story. If you are like me, and took this long to read this series don't fret, we didn't have to wait as long as everyone else.
I will freely admit to not being very interested in the concept of this novel. When John Conroe announced this story on his Facebook page I was underwhelmed. When it became available, I didn't buy it and I have every book he's written. I originally downloaded the sample but fell asleep before finishing it. Fast forward a year and I thought about trying to read it again. I'm not really kicking myself for having an apathetic opinion from the get go, but I'm actually happy I didn't start reading until after the second book was available for purchase because I didn't have to wait to read the second book.
I know many people have written about the plot so I'm not going to write up a summary. I will state some of the things I like about it.
The main character. He's similar to both Declan and Chris. He's modest, wants to go unnoticed, is a weapon specialist, and has a killer drone who he re-wrote the programming on. While not an orphan, he has lost his father. His father who taught him to survive. He's also surrounded by model looking females who give him guff. I don't mind all of those things because Declan is my current favorite character from Mr. Conroe-move over Chris!
The action complete with weapon specks. I don't know weapons. I am absolutely thrilled that Mr Conroe writes information about the weapons his main characters use so I'm not completely in the dark. The action scenes are so detailed without being overdone that I see each scene as a personal movie in my mind.
The side characters. Astrid....a beautiful blonde reality show star. Yeah I actually don't care about her. She's just blah. Harper, I'm more interested in because she would be a better choice for AJ's love interest. Alas, currently this is not the case. Lastly, the family, all females complete with a set of twins who act like two Lidias. AJ's mother and grandmother are lovely people, very lifelike. Oh, we also have the military personnel. I'm always worried when they show up. I don't know if they will be the good guys or the bad guys. Right now they seem to be content with using AJ as a useful tool. I'm just waiting for the show to drop.
Ok, that's my review without giving away the actual story. If you are like me, and took this long to read this series don't fret, we didn't have to wait as long as everyone else.
October 1, 2018
He's done it again.
I've been reading John Conroe's stuff religiously ever since I stumbled upon Black Frost a few years back, and he has rapidly become one of my go-to, most consistently enjoyable authors currently putting out content. Every time I get a notification of a new release, I have to immediately plan my next block of available free time accordingly, to the detriment of any other forms of entertainment. That's how good his stuff is.
I'll admit, anytime one of my favorite writers takes a step out of an ongoing series (like Jim Butcher recently did with The Aeronaut's Windlass) to start a new series, I'm skeptical. Will it be as good as the other? Will it be too similar? Or, just as Mr. Conroe (and Mr. Butcher) have done, will it be absolutely outstanding, with just enough similarities to know exactly whose work I'm devouring while still having the literary equivalent of that new car smell (or new gun, as is more often the case for me).
I absolutely enjoyed the protagonist. I've long thought the Ghurka way of life was one to be admired, but I never considered the impact of a story told from that cultural perspective. It reminds me a lot of the mindset of many of America's more successful military units, the upper tiers, with the obvious benefit of being taught from a very young age, where as military volunteers have to learn rapidly (while unlearning bad civilian habits) to achieve a similar result after years of expensive schools and selection processes. To put it simply, this character's level of skill and proficiency at his age would hardly be plausible without that upbringing, and I'm unreasonably excited to see this story arc unfold in the next installment.
If you liked this, you'll also like the Demon Accords series, so hop on it.
I've been reading John Conroe's stuff religiously ever since I stumbled upon Black Frost a few years back, and he has rapidly become one of my go-to, most consistently enjoyable authors currently putting out content. Every time I get a notification of a new release, I have to immediately plan my next block of available free time accordingly, to the detriment of any other forms of entertainment. That's how good his stuff is.
I'll admit, anytime one of my favorite writers takes a step out of an ongoing series (like Jim Butcher recently did with The Aeronaut's Windlass) to start a new series, I'm skeptical. Will it be as good as the other? Will it be too similar? Or, just as Mr. Conroe (and Mr. Butcher) have done, will it be absolutely outstanding, with just enough similarities to know exactly whose work I'm devouring while still having the literary equivalent of that new car smell (or new gun, as is more often the case for me).
I absolutely enjoyed the protagonist. I've long thought the Ghurka way of life was one to be admired, but I never considered the impact of a story told from that cultural perspective. It reminds me a lot of the mindset of many of America's more successful military units, the upper tiers, with the obvious benefit of being taught from a very young age, where as military volunteers have to learn rapidly (while unlearning bad civilian habits) to achieve a similar result after years of expensive schools and selection processes. To put it simply, this character's level of skill and proficiency at his age would hardly be plausible without that upbringing, and I'm unreasonably excited to see this story arc unfold in the next installment.
If you liked this, you'll also like the Demon Accords series, so hop on it.
September 20, 2018
John Conroe's delving into a new series is one I was looking forward to once I heard he was writing it because I have enjoyed the world he created in the Demon Accords series. He shows a great depth in detail without really losing you in esoteric minutia of world facts. The new book is one that proposes a massive attack on the great city of Manhattan where 25,000 autonomous drones are released which quickly go on to exterminate human life. Seemingly drawn from past tales in way like The Terminator of the Dalak's from Dr Who. The faceless machines kill and seem to be there in the city to stay. We pick up the tale from the point of view of a young man who enters the city to salvage things left behind that people still want yet can't have because of the occupation.
It makes an interesting bit of Military Science Fiction as it's relatively near future and not totally unbelievable. The longevity of the drones is probably a bit questionable as it takes place when the drones were in possession of the city for 10 years so you have to wonder about that but details like that aside, it was an interesting tale that enjoyed reading. There are a few subplots in the story and without spoilers which I hate to put in a review I will say that none of the twists are too shocking but they remain quite enjoyable.
All in all this remains a good first entry for a new series and I look forward to the next installment which is due sometime in 2019.
It makes an interesting bit of Military Science Fiction as it's relatively near future and not totally unbelievable. The longevity of the drones is probably a bit questionable as it takes place when the drones were in possession of the city for 10 years so you have to wonder about that but details like that aside, it was an interesting tale that enjoyed reading. There are a few subplots in the story and without spoilers which I hate to put in a review I will say that none of the twists are too shocking but they remain quite enjoyable.
All in all this remains a good first entry for a new series and I look forward to the next installment which is due sometime in 2019.
August 6, 2019
In the near future, Manhattan is attacked with over 25,000 autonomous combat drones that were released by eco-terrorists and hundreds of thousands of people are killed. The entire island has to be evacuated and quarantined to keep the number from rising. Ten years after the attack and the drones are still controlling Manhattan.
The only people who venture onto the island are salvage specialists. A popular reality show, called Zone War is produced live and unedited which follows teams of armored vehicle specialists into the area to recover lost riches without being killed by the drones. AJ, who was raised as a sniper, is a drone technician and Zone salvage person. He is the most successful recovery specialist that has ever went into the Zone and this brings unwanted attention his way.
Conroe has branched out with his new series Zone War’s and it is every bit as good as his Demon Accords series. Imaginative artificial intelligence mixed with a bit of possible romance and death brings a new adventure for Conroe fans to enjoy. AJ is the type of character that is humble and has no idea how special his skills are. His family is likable and relatable which adds to the appeal. If you like Terminator or any robot books or movies really, you will enjoy this.
The only people who venture onto the island are salvage specialists. A popular reality show, called Zone War is produced live and unedited which follows teams of armored vehicle specialists into the area to recover lost riches without being killed by the drones. AJ, who was raised as a sniper, is a drone technician and Zone salvage person. He is the most successful recovery specialist that has ever went into the Zone and this brings unwanted attention his way.
Conroe has branched out with his new series Zone War’s and it is every bit as good as his Demon Accords series. Imaginative artificial intelligence mixed with a bit of possible romance and death brings a new adventure for Conroe fans to enjoy. AJ is the type of character that is humble and has no idea how special his skills are. His family is likable and relatable which adds to the appeal. If you like Terminator or any robot books or movies really, you will enjoy this.
July 1, 2022
Turned off my disbelief-meter and just flowed w the book
I like John Conroe’s “Demon Accords,” so I picked up this book when I wanted a quick but new-to-me read. Although this is near-future sci-fi with an overpowered protagonist, I cut this book some slack. Um, maybe a lot of slack, because it’s the first of a new series. There are many parallels to Demon Accords, and Conroe sometimes veers toward science-fantasy. Suspended disbelief, remember? At first I was leery, because I’m not a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction. However, the “drone apocalypse” is confined to NYC, instead of being continent or world-wide.
Plot is nonexistent, so the emphasis is on incredible action and interesting characters. Stories or long vignettes are loosely strung together—to introduce characters, the real-world setting, and a devastated NYC after mass attack by killer drones. Protagonist AJ is over-powered, super-smart, incredibly cunning, etc. The young women are gorgeous, his sisters included, and a love/like triangle develops. There are other tropes, like powerful governments and over-zealous military types. There is a huge emphasis on guns, and everything gun-related is lovingly described in great detail—that almost tumbles into gun-porn. Overall, this YA book is a great intro to more hard-core military sci-fi.
I like John Conroe’s “Demon Accords,” so I picked up this book when I wanted a quick but new-to-me read. Although this is near-future sci-fi with an overpowered protagonist, I cut this book some slack. Um, maybe a lot of slack, because it’s the first of a new series. There are many parallels to Demon Accords, and Conroe sometimes veers toward science-fantasy. Suspended disbelief, remember? At first I was leery, because I’m not a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction. However, the “drone apocalypse” is confined to NYC, instead of being continent or world-wide.
Plot is nonexistent, so the emphasis is on incredible action and interesting characters. Stories or long vignettes are loosely strung together—to introduce characters, the real-world setting, and a devastated NYC after mass attack by killer drones. Protagonist AJ is over-powered, super-smart, incredibly cunning, etc. The young women are gorgeous, his sisters included, and a love/like triangle develops. There are other tropes, like powerful governments and over-zealous military types. There is a huge emphasis on guns, and everything gun-related is lovingly described in great detail—that almost tumbles into gun-porn. Overall, this YA book is a great intro to more hard-core military sci-fi.
April 17, 2019
Whilst not something that I would have usually picked up, I love the author's Demon Accords series and I was most certainly not disappointed. I listened to the audible version and once again it is brilliantly read by James Patrick Cronin. A style of government/corporate oppression, mixed with hard times and a gutsy, unique and innovative team of heroes make this author's work stand out. No supernatural this time but extreme terrorism in the form of drones and technology and how a young man might find his way in this strange new world. Enter AJ, son of an ex SAS gurkha who died in front of the very same son in the Zone. A natural ability to strategise, shoot and think on his feet, and a unique way of thinking leads AJ to reprogram a deadly Russian drone to be his aid and rather interestingly become companion and friend. In the zone all bets are off and while the machines become smarter with every visit, AJ discovers a deadly secret. Whilst heavy in gun and technology detail, this book was alive with characters and action and I loved every second of it. Yet another knock out series for me.
October 7, 2018
Like most of the people who have reviewed this book, I chose to read it because I am such a HUGE fan of the Demon Accords. And similarly, I wasn’t so much looking forward to reading it because I wasn’t sure it was the type of book I would enjoy. Wrong!
I should have known that Mr. Conroe would grab unto the things that his fans enjoyed in the Demon Accords (like a young, caring protagonist with mad skills and an extremely likeable AI) and meld it into a totally new genre! I loved it and now cannot wait for the next book...even though it will now compete with Mr. Conroe’s Demon Accords writing time!
But maybe not...because now that John will soon be writing full time (YAY!), I’m seriously expecting that he will be able to whip out one after the other (one every 2 months?) because he is THAT talented!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with your fans and for taking us away from the continuously depressing ‘breaking news’ that is our reality, even if it is only for the time it takes to finish reading and/or listening to your books!
I should have known that Mr. Conroe would grab unto the things that his fans enjoyed in the Demon Accords (like a young, caring protagonist with mad skills and an extremely likeable AI) and meld it into a totally new genre! I loved it and now cannot wait for the next book...even though it will now compete with Mr. Conroe’s Demon Accords writing time!
But maybe not...because now that John will soon be writing full time (YAY!), I’m seriously expecting that he will be able to whip out one after the other (one every 2 months?) because he is THAT talented!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with your fans and for taking us away from the continuously depressing ‘breaking news’ that is our reality, even if it is only for the time it takes to finish reading and/or listening to your books!
December 30, 2019
Fast-paced simple story exploring military drone apocalypse on a limited US terrain. This story is appropriate for teens.
Seems to demonstrate the author’s strong understanding and great vocabulary of modern weapons and armaments. This strength and the tactics the humans used in response was the strength of the story.
The writing had me visualizing these frightening giant war machines.
The story would likely have been stronger if the protagonist wasn’t so “born to be” exceptional. Although, the superior human is initially exciting, it detracts from tension for the rest of the story.
My enjoyment was influenced by anticipation that my tween will also enjoy this story. He most often reads military fiction appropriate to his age. This means he almost exclusively reads WW2 stories. Historical military fiction hasn’t been attractive to me.
I’m unlikely to read the sequel.
Brings to mind:
* Running Man - game show element. I’ve never read.
Seems to demonstrate the author’s strong understanding and great vocabulary of modern weapons and armaments. This strength and the tactics the humans used in response was the strength of the story.
The writing had me visualizing these frightening giant war machines.
The story would likely have been stronger if the protagonist wasn’t so “born to be” exceptional. Although, the superior human is initially exciting, it detracts from tension for the rest of the story.
My enjoyment was influenced by anticipation that my tween will also enjoy this story. He most often reads military fiction appropriate to his age. This means he almost exclusively reads WW2 stories. Historical military fiction hasn’t been attractive to me.
I’m unlikely to read the sequel.
Brings to mind:
* Running Man - game show element. I’ve never read.
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