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Surviving the Dead
The Hellbreakers
In the desert wastelands of the American Southwest, one man stands alone.Alexander Muir, a once-renowned professional fighter, has spent the last six years surviving the only way he knows on his own. In a land where the golden rule is to make allies or die, he has stayed alive against all odds.But now, his self-imposed exile is over. In other parts of the world, those who survived the Outbreak have banded together to form militant groups with a single to reclaim what is theirs.One intrepid band, the Third Colorado Volunteer Militia, has decided to challenge a place where even the bravest fear to tread—Phoenix, Arizona.And now, these two worlds—the barren isolation of a lone survivor and the emerging force of a fledgling government—are set to collide. Together, they will take on a challenge bigger than all of them. But in this fight, the dead are not the only danger…Also by James N. Cook:Surviving the Dead Series:No Easy HopeThis Shattered LandWarrior WithinFire in WinterThe Darkest PlaceSavagesThe Killing LineStorm of GhostsWar Without EndThe Hellbreakers The Hellbreakers 2: EmergenceOther Surviving the Dead The PassengerQuick Killer and the Iceman
- GenresZombiesPost Apocalyptic
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
180 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
James N. Cook
17 books255 followersJames N. Cook is a martial arts enthusiast, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former cubicle dweller, and the author of the Surviving the Dead series. He hikes, he goes camping, he travels a lot, and he has trouble staying in one spot for very long. He lives in North Carolina.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JNCookauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesNCook
Blog: https://survivingthedeadsite.wordpres...
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmLlKf
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 10, 2023
Good prose, good characterization, good world building, ok story, no theme.
Good opening, man alone in wilderness, fends off zombie hordes when resupplying in Phoenix. Then a ragtag army shows up and it turns into a romance with side adventures. But the initial hook carried me through this short novel.
Kindle Unlimited
Good opening, man alone in wilderness, fends off zombie hordes when resupplying in Phoenix. Then a ragtag army shows up and it turns into a romance with side adventures. But the initial hook carried me through this short novel.
Kindle Unlimited
February 6, 2019
Unexpected, but very good
I was expecting my old friends in this story but instead this is a year beyond where the last book left off. Muir is an MMA fighter who found himself fighting to get away from the threat of the infected, hoping to find his friend in a sn out of the way part of Arizona away from the city of Pheniox. Unfortunately he did not find his friend and spent six years alone in the Arizona Desert. He has learned to be cared, to scavanged slowly and carefully, fully aware one misstep could be the death of him or worse, become one of the infected.
That is until one day after coming home he comes across a huge caravan that was sent out by the newly formed government to draw out and kill the infected and scavange what can then be used for the growing army.
Muir must deided whether to stay in his self imposed exile or join the group. Relizing he life is about to change he does the only thing he can, although transitioning from aloneness to suddenly be a part of a large group is slow.
There are several battles with the infected and clearing a city as large as Pheniox is not without its danger but they are by far the only danger and that is where he must finally decide, stay with the group or go back to his self imposed life of exile.
The story and plot is very well written and although it is not with the usual characters we are used to, this stand alone beginning of Muir it is easy to follow and enjoy as he is now a new character that I look forward to continue reading and having him finally meet the main characters of "SURVIVING THE DEAD" story.
If you are a fan of the series, this is a must read. You will not be disappointed
I was expecting my old friends in this story but instead this is a year beyond where the last book left off. Muir is an MMA fighter who found himself fighting to get away from the threat of the infected, hoping to find his friend in a sn out of the way part of Arizona away from the city of Pheniox. Unfortunately he did not find his friend and spent six years alone in the Arizona Desert. He has learned to be cared, to scavanged slowly and carefully, fully aware one misstep could be the death of him or worse, become one of the infected.
That is until one day after coming home he comes across a huge caravan that was sent out by the newly formed government to draw out and kill the infected and scavange what can then be used for the growing army.
Muir must deided whether to stay in his self imposed exile or join the group. Relizing he life is about to change he does the only thing he can, although transitioning from aloneness to suddenly be a part of a large group is slow.
There are several battles with the infected and clearing a city as large as Pheniox is not without its danger but they are by far the only danger and that is where he must finally decide, stay with the group or go back to his self imposed life of exile.
The story and plot is very well written and although it is not with the usual characters we are used to, this stand alone beginning of Muir it is easy to follow and enjoy as he is now a new character that I look forward to continue reading and having him finally meet the main characters of "SURVIVING THE DEAD" story.
If you are a fan of the series, this is a must read. You will not be disappointed
December 31, 2018
THE HELLBREAKERS-A STD NOVEL
Well a man that has lived alone for 6 years in the Arizona desert spots a caravan, headed in the same direction he needs to go in order to make his way back to his cabin sites. There is one cabin he stays in, and the other cabins are packed with military stuff he got from a abandoned base. Since he also has a water pump, the only thing he needs is food, and he bicycles in to Phoenix and fights the undead for that. Coming back with a trailer full of foodstuffs hooked to his bike when he spots the huge caravan! He really doesn't want any problems, so jumping into a ditch to watch and hope these other people won't spot his bike and packed with food trailer. As wagon after wagons go past and starting to feel that he wasn't spotted turns to dust as one wagon pulls out of line and heads his way. By the way, the guys name is Alex, and I liked his story.
Well a man that has lived alone for 6 years in the Arizona desert spots a caravan, headed in the same direction he needs to go in order to make his way back to his cabin sites. There is one cabin he stays in, and the other cabins are packed with military stuff he got from a abandoned base. Since he also has a water pump, the only thing he needs is food, and he bicycles in to Phoenix and fights the undead for that. Coming back with a trailer full of foodstuffs hooked to his bike when he spots the huge caravan! He really doesn't want any problems, so jumping into a ditch to watch and hope these other people won't spot his bike and packed with food trailer. As wagon after wagons go past and starting to feel that he wasn't spotted turns to dust as one wagon pulls out of line and heads his way. By the way, the guys name is Alex, and I liked his story.
October 8, 2018
A new tale in a familiar world.
The surviving the dead world is a unique one. We see people adapting to survive and adapting to become monsters in their own right. This new storyline brings in new people to root for and new twists to surging in the dead world. Highly recommended and it’s nice that you can Star this series without knowing the first. But you will want to learn about things from the start.
The surviving the dead world is a unique one. We see people adapting to survive and adapting to become monsters in their own right. This new storyline brings in new people to root for and new twists to surging in the dead world. Highly recommended and it’s nice that you can Star this series without knowing the first. But you will want to learn about things from the start.
October 23, 2018
Good book
I loved ‘surviving the dead’ series. This book was no different; a good read but frustrating that no book followed it. Hopefully will see another series here or I will be very disappointed. Looking forward to him booking up with Gabe and the rest of the crew from the series. Would love to see a continuation here or the first series. Frustrating that it ended with you hanging.
I loved ‘surviving the dead’ series. This book was no different; a good read but frustrating that no book followed it. Hopefully will see another series here or I will be very disappointed. Looking forward to him booking up with Gabe and the rest of the crew from the series. Would love to see a continuation here or the first series. Frustrating that it ended with you hanging.
October 3, 2018
Enjoyable
I bought this book thinking that I would not really enjoy it, but hoping that I would nonetheless. AwI was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the pace of the book, the action, the loneliness of Alex in the beginning, how he found love and companionship etc. I am really looking forward to the follow up books in the series.
I bought this book thinking that I would not really enjoy it, but hoping that I would nonetheless. AwI was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the pace of the book, the action, the loneliness of Alex in the beginning, how he found love and companionship etc. I am really looking forward to the follow up books in the series.
October 7, 2018
Another great book
I really liked the new character Alex. I also like that the new storyline is about civilians rather than the military. Compliments the main books in a great way. Excited to see where the characters end up.
I really liked the new character Alex. I also like that the new storyline is about civilians rather than the military. Compliments the main books in a great way. Excited to see where the characters end up.
October 11, 2018
Great book!
This was a fantastic read. Characters were believable, situations were too. I really like characters that can make a quick decision and follow thru. I would almost like to see more of the story.
This was a fantastic read. Characters were believable, situations were too. I really like characters that can make a quick decision and follow thru. I would almost like to see more of the story.
October 14, 2018
More please!
I've read all of the books in the West and I wish Mr. Cook would write faster! The main character, Alex is extremely interesting and very likable. I would love to see him team up with the others in the series!
I've read all of the books in the West and I wish Mr. Cook would write faster! The main character, Alex is extremely interesting and very likable. I would love to see him team up with the others in the series!
October 20, 2018
Over so soon!
Every time I read this authors stories I find myself reading into the wee hours of the night. A great page turner and I cannot wait to read what happens next! Highly recommend it.
Every time I read this authors stories I find myself reading into the wee hours of the night. A great page turner and I cannot wait to read what happens next! Highly recommend it.
November 16, 2018
Descriptive and intriguing
I like the writers character development. He managed to paint a stunning picture of the southwest while keeping you guessing. A recommended read for any zombie enthusiast.
I like the writers character development. He managed to paint a stunning picture of the southwest while keeping you guessing. A recommended read for any zombie enthusiast.
November 21, 2018
Just something about this author.
I love a good zombie apocalypse read but Cook is a tier 1 writer....style, characters, and storyline. Great read...great new storyline...can't wait to read more!
I love a good zombie apocalypse read but Cook is a tier 1 writer....style, characters, and storyline. Great read...great new storyline...can't wait to read more!
November 25, 2018
A Great Read
I have finished all of the Surviving the Dead books to date, and had really missed them. As a person who lives in the Phoenix metro area, I was really interested in a book set there. This one did not disappoint, and I am so glad I found it!
I have finished all of the Surviving the Dead books to date, and had really missed them. As a person who lives in the Phoenix metro area, I was really interested in a book set there. This one did not disappoint, and I am so glad I found it!
November 29, 2018
Another good read from James Cook
I have read all of the James Cook books several times and this latest one is as good as the others. I can't wait for the next one, but perhaps make it a bit longer.
I have read all of the James Cook books several times and this latest one is as good as the others. I can't wait for the next one, but perhaps make it a bit longer.
December 17, 2018
A great stand alone story that adds to the overall story
I just read this story in one sitting and found it a interesting stand alone story set un Mr Cooks Surviving the dead series.i found the story interesting, engaging, and refreshing and cannot wait for the next.
I just read this story in one sitting and found it a interesting stand alone story set un Mr Cooks Surviving the dead series.i found the story interesting, engaging, and refreshing and cannot wait for the next.
March 7, 2019
A new plot line, with new characters. Though the other characters were more familiar, I did enjoy some new ones. It was very fast-paced, and kept my interest. I will be looking forward to the next installment. I recommend this to anyone that enjoys the genre.
Read
January 6, 2022The beginning of a good series (and the continuation of another).
A!ex was a lonely man. The virus had taken away from him, and he thought that he was OK with that, until a chance meeting with people again, and a woman who he would love. After 6 years alone, he was a man again.
A!ex was a lonely man. The virus had taken away from him, and he thought that he was OK with that, until a chance meeting with people again, and a woman who he would love. After 6 years alone, he was a man again.
October 20, 2022
Hell of a Read!
Great story, entertaining and harrowing at the same time. Interesting characters and storyline. Enjoyed the Phoenix aspect as I grew up there. Look forward to the next!
Great story, entertaining and harrowing at the same time. Interesting characters and storyline. Enjoyed the Phoenix aspect as I grew up there. Look forward to the next!
October 3, 2018
Excellent book
A very good book, deservin of 5 stars. I wish it was longer and I am looking forward to the next book.
A very good book, deservin of 5 stars. I wish it was longer and I am looking forward to the next book.
October 5, 2018
Fantastic new characters. Another great book in the series. Simply the best zombie book author out there. I can not wait for the next book.
October 8, 2018
Great book
Another great book it series. I really enjoyed this spin off and can’t wait until the two story lines merge.
Another great book it series. I really enjoyed this spin off and can’t wait until the two story lines merge.
October 18, 2018
Great book, couldn't put it down! Absolutely can't wait for Alex to meet up with our friends from the other books.
November 19, 2018
Great Story
Good add on to his other series. Interesting new character , location, and premise. Look forward to the following installments.
Good add on to his other series. Interesting new character , location, and premise. Look forward to the following installments.
December 10, 2018
Another great chapter, introducing new characters.... I am now ready for the next installment in BOTH stories...
Not sure where we are on the timeline, but I wonder if we know his trainers???
Not sure where we are on the timeline, but I wonder if we know his trainers???
December 14, 2018
Pretty good read.
Wasn't great but I will follow up with the next book. If they are half as good as his last series, then they will be worth it.
Wasn't great but I will follow up with the next book. If they are half as good as his last series, then they will be worth it.
December 26, 2018
Great book
Very well written. The action just flows from the characters non stop. The writing provides very detailed descriptions , this book is a non stop read.
Very well written. The action just flows from the characters non stop. The writing provides very detailed descriptions , this book is a non stop read.
January 24, 2019
LMOE The Good kind!
Last man on Earth novel. Different sort of story from the rest of the series, but very engaging. I’ll definitely read the next one.
Last man on Earth novel. Different sort of story from the rest of the series, but very engaging. I’ll definitely read the next one.
March 7, 2019
Good book
Quick read but a good one. Try it for yourself if you like zombies, MMA, tactics, gun play, or long handled tomahawks
Quick read but a good one. Try it for yourself if you like zombies, MMA, tactics, gun play, or long handled tomahawks
July 6, 2019
A worthy successor to the Surviving the Dead series. Set in the same world but with all new characters and an intriguing plot.
September 24, 2019
A good addition to the Series but it felt incomplete.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews