The Zulu Virus Chronicles

The Zulu Virus Chronicles #1-3

by Steven Konkoly

***This series can be read as a stand alone series outside of the Black Flagged World***"An amazing tie-in to the Black Flagged series. Just mind-blowing on every level to see the Zulu Virus unleashed in the United States on a massive scale!"THE ZULU VIRUS A BLACK FLAGGED THRILLER SERIES SPIN-OFFThe entire Zulu Virus Chronicles series in one boxset. Over 1,000 pages of chilling, post-apocalyptic thriller action and suspense.SOMETHING INSIDIOUS HAS ARRIVED--RIGHT IN THE HEARTLAND OF OUR NATION, TURNING NEIGHBOR AGAINST NEIGHBOR!.Dr. Lauren Hale, a new hospital resident, is nearly killed by a raving mad emergency room patient, in a senseless, unprovoked attack.Officer David Olson, veteran cop and former Marine, returns from a father-son camping trip to discover that his ex-wife has vanished under bizarre circumstances, and his police department is on the verge of collapse.Jack and Emma Harper, a young, upwardly mobile couple, find their hip city neighborhood rapidly descending into madness.Dr. Eugene Chang, a research scientist for a major pharmaceutical company makes a shocking discovery that might explain the spreading wave of illness and violence gripping the city.Eric Larsen, leader of a top-secret, rapid-response unit, circles high above the Midwest, in an unmarked military transport. Mission still unknown, his team waits to parachute into the night.WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, complete strangers from different walks of life will be forced to join together to survive the LIVING NIGHTMARE that has been unleashed on their city--AND THEIR COUNTRY.This is their story.WELCOME TO THE ZULU VIRUS CHRONICLES!A Black Flagged Series Spin Off? How is that possible and why haven’t I heard about this before? All good questions. The simple answer is that I had been waiting for the completion of the core Black Flagged series to draw any serious attention to the link between the books. Mostly because of spoilers (whoever appears here obviously survives the core series), but also because I enjoyed letting readers discover the links on their own. I’ve received hundreds of emails expressing the “pleasant surprise” of discovering familiar names and links to the Black Flagged books. Now that the core series is completed, it’s time to properly unveil the links.The Zulu Virus Chronicles is named after the “zulu” virus introduced (created by rogue scientist Dr. Anatoly Reznikov) in REDUX (Black Flagged Book 2). “ZVC” takes place roughly a decade and a half after the core Black Flagged series ends in 2009 (fictional book time). The Zulu Virus Chronicles are a frightening look at a mass-scale bioweapons attack against America, perpetrated by domestic terrorists, told from a number of very different perspectives. The good, the bad and those caught in the crossfire.For Black Flagged series fans, I have no doubt you will enjoy this spin off.

944 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2018

About the author

Steven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.

From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.

He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.

Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest

You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).

Reviews

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Zulu Virus Chronicles Boxset has it all - unrelenting horrors, thrills and an exceptional plot. I found myself mesmerized by the character group dynamics. People from many different ethnicities, educational backgrounds physical fitness levels, world views and experiences all came to together, problem solved, and used their individual talents and occupational training/ experiences for the good of the group. And all in the quest for survival. The selflessness demonstrated as bonds were formed and the stakes got higher was inspiring. Initially, people were solely concerned for themselves and their loved ones, yet the dire catastrophic situation meant trust had to earned at the speed of light or you will perish.

It was spellbinding listening as the same level of regard and concern quickly became projected onto each other with the same intensity previously only reserved for only the closest of loved ones. The flow with which these relationships developed was masterfully written by Mr. Konkoly and he did a fabulous job highlighting these relationships with all the fear, doubt, etc. Supreme character development.... with all their complexities and baggage... never missing a beat nor becoming convoluted.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed is how much the storyline delves into the human instinctual innate/primal drive to survive and what we are capable of when it is literally do or die. Hard to think about and yet I find this element of our psyche absolutely fascinating. Well done.

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. It was fast paced and intriguing. The only complaints are that he could have given more of an ending. Not that it was bad, just not a lot of it. Also, he often gave a little too much detail about the setting. Details are great, but you can go a little overboard.

[Barbara Karam · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was such an amazing series. The excitment was endless, and this entire 3 book series was so hard to put down. Had to force myself since I knew I had other things I had to take care of. If you enjoy Sci-Fi or thriller books; you are going to going to LOVE THIS. What an imagination Steven has to come up with this stuff. Going to keep this one in my Kindle, so I can go back and read it again at some point. I bet there will be things I didn't pick up on, or remember the first time around. It's worth a second read anyway.

[Ronald C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for all 3 books in this series

Good storyline and good pacing.
Pretty far fetched on the action, specifically when it comes to casualties for the core group. Some pretty important characters disappear in the last book, a short chapter at the end to provide an update for them would have been a nice touch. The pills mentioned in book 2 needed some updating in book 3. I'm not going to spoil the story, once you read it you should understand what I'm saying.

I strongly suggest reading the Black Flagged series first.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome boxed set! I enjoyed them all. A doctor on an emergency rotation encounters a virus running rampent through the hospital.She also runs into the fist of a very violent patient and is rescued by another doctor.She is told to get some rest at his place.The rest you will have to listen to yourself. Charles Hubbell was a fantastic narrator. I'm not sure but :I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Stayce L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading the Black Flagged series first

I read the Zulu chronicles back in 2020. Recently read the Black Flagged series and just had to read the Zulu Chronicles again. It honestly makes it better having the background of the Black Flagged missions and characters. The Alex Fletcher series was my first introduction to this author and remains in my top 3 favorite post apocalyptic series. If it’s written by Steven Konkoly it’s absolutely a thrilling read.

[RKim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed this series and have already completed The Black Flagged Series! In fact I have already read every book written by Stephen except the latest one which I have on my Kindle to start later today. I think I already pre-ordered the second book in the new series. If you have not yet read this I believe you will enjoy it because I sure did.

Stephen please write some more books before I finish all your work!

[Tim Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy finale

An excellent conclusion to the series as ever focused on the build up to,mand execution, a major battle. This time it’s to take out the head of the snake responsible for the chemical carnage sweeping America. As ever all the characters bind together well, and the story never flags. There are a few loose ends that could open the way to another book(s) should the author be so inclined.

[Arienne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storyline

Well-written, believable characters, great action. Please do not leave this as the ending - too many unresolved issues. Il e



Great storyline, believable characters, lots of action. Please tell
me this is not the end!! Too many unresolved issues.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave book one- Hot Zone a 4 star rating, good book, good character development, good story.
Book 2- 2 stars, the story lost all focus, drug in tons of characters and explained getting t Chang’s apartment and back for 39 chapters.
Book 3- 1 star
Hat a waste of time, all for a mercenary story - the virus got forgotten somewhere along the way.

[Pamela Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been hands down one of my favourite series to read, I was so disappointed when it was over. The storyline and characters were interesting and exciting and the scary part is I could see this happening in our lifetime.
I wish the storyline had followed through with Dr. Chang though, it would have been nice to see where that went

[Patrick Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting series

I really enjoyed this box set of the Zulu Virus series . Great action and some timely humor here and there. Nice tie ins to the black flagged series although they are relatively somewhat minor it is neat to see. Great read although I think the ending could have filled out a touch more, the story worked as is.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best series I have read

I like the characters the development the dialogue call very realistic and captivating , the applaud in all three books hangs together well and is extremely interesting and plausible Powerball Harry's books I have read this far by this author this is my favourite

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Michael Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series, I couldn’t put it down!

[Christopher Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed, just waiting for the next one now.

[Gloria Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like an action series

I binge read through this box set. There were lots of characters who were very well developed. I found myself really caring about many of them.

[Lauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his best but an ok listen.

[Larry Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. Only got 1/4 way through. Waste of time.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the series. Absolutely excellent.

[taffykathiegmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guidelines are still around

All three stories are exceptionally exciting, intriguing, & puts you right there in the middle of the action!I Loved all three stories!!

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished in january - forgot to rate, my bad

[Chris Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read hard to put down

As always a fast paced action story with no stopping. Love the black flag overlap and few new characters I hope we see again.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but too long. I like the imagery. Definitely best as audiobook

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good series. I wish there was more. I enjoyed the characters and I feel there was at least 1 more story here. Hope the writer considers giving us 1 more story to this series. .

[Ebony Irby · Rating 1 out of 5]

03/27/2019 I just finished Book 1 of the Saga. If I had purchased this as a stand alone novel, I would not have gone to book 2. I say that because there's not much zombie action (if any) in this book. There is quite a bit of character development, and a back story of the virus but not much else. You get the feeling that something was on the verge of happening, but there was never a follow thru. I am assuming the real action will be in the next books, and this one was just getting us prepared for what's to come. I will see what the next book holds, and update form there.

04/01/2019 Book 2: I'm up to Ch18, and guess what? No zombies!!! This reads more like a tactical novel than a traditional zombie Novel. I found myself skipping over parts that didn't bring anything to the story line. Why did it take almost 3 chapters for the band of soldiers/law enforcement to rescue the doctor? I mean that segment dragged on and on, not to mention the author seemed to get lazy (or lost his creative juices) because 1 chapter read like this:

Got it, said Larson
Ok, said James
I understand, said David
We're moving ,said Dr. Chang
Close the door, said Houston
I see him, said James
Shoot at will, said Larson
Get down, said Chang
etc., etc. I swear this is no exaggeration. This type of dialogue went on for so long that it became mind numbing. I'm STILL trying to hold on because of all the positives reviews, and because I got this 3 book deal on Audible for 1 credit so it's not like I'm losing much. I'm just ready for some ACTION!


03/24/2020: Said, said, said, said, SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF????? Ok, so I'm giving this book series a second chance, and this is by far the most glaring issue in the book! Even when someone is asking a question, it's always "said Chang, said Larson, said Dr. Hale!" What about "asked", "inquired", "questioned", "queried"?? Even "exclaimed", "shouted", "noted" etc. So many different ways, but it's ALWAYS "Said this person", and "SAID that person"!! There's NO way this was proofread by a reputable company. I will finish it this time, but I refuse to continue the saga.

Nope. Couldn't finish book 3. It was horrible!! The dialogue did not change. This was VERY difficult to get through. I don't know HOW it got so many positive reviews, and how NOONE mentioned the "said" problem in this book! I'm listening on Audible, so it is ALL I notice