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The Wretched #1
The Wretched
The Human Race Just Got Bumped From The Top of the Food Chain…Early fall. A top-secret research project goes terribly wrong. A new species, the Reapers, are unleashed onto the unsuspecting citizens of Philadelphia and soon the rest of the country. The Reapers are stronger, faster, and have no mercy for any humans who have the misfortune of crossing their paths.Philadelphia Cop Malcolm Foster quickly discovers a routine disturbance call is anything but ordinary. Foster soon finds himself scrambling to survive, gather together a rag-tag group of survivors, and get them out of the city. As Foster and his group fight to escape the city and find a Reaper-free sanctuary, a looming question prevails.Can anyone stop the Reapers from taking over the world? This is the story of the Wretched, a rag-tag group of survivors who may be the only ones that can keep the human race from becoming extinct.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2018
543 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
dnfed
January 17, 2025DNF at 28%
This book came up in my recommendations based on my zombies shelf, it's not your traditional zombies though which could have been interesting but the timeline (both too much and not enough time passing at different points) and dialogues (snide remarks galore) weren't it for me. Then I saw that people who liked this book also liked Luke's Apocalypse: Zero Day and I decided to nope it out of there because clearly it just wasn't for me.
This book came up in my recommendations based on my zombies shelf, it's not your traditional zombies though which could have been interesting but the timeline (both too much and not enough time passing at different points) and dialogues (snide remarks galore) weren't it for me. Then I saw that people who liked this book also liked Luke's Apocalypse: Zero Day and I decided to nope it out of there because clearly it just wasn't for me.
January 2, 2019
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic stories, then you are going to LOVE this one. It’s interesting holding your attention to the very end of the book! It’s a full-length book so be prepared to sit for a very long time or to read it over a day or 2. I was unhappy to have to put it down and take a break to do family stuff and couldn’t wait to get back to my reading! It’s one of those books that you keep telling yourself, just one more page or chapter then I’ll put it down, but you just never want to actually put it down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2021
I was really excited to pick up this book and from the description I was hoping for a new type of creature or at least a creative play on "traditional" monsters. What I saw was a slight spin on a werewolf, which is fine, but then add in the cliché of silver being the holy grail weapon against them and I'm just thoroughly disappointed. I will say that I liked that the people who were injected as opposed to turned were alphas and had the power to control those they and their families changed. But that was about it.
The dialogue was terrible, there were way too many clichés throughout the book (several of them reused several times) and the characters all felt the same to me (sadly none of them were likeable). Foster seemed especially annoying and came across as rude and alpha male and I just didn't enjoy him at all. Yes, someone has to take charge, but when you're a cop paired with two former Rangers, at least don't act like a jerk and work with them and not try to command them.
There was too much attempt at snark and humor especially during scenes when I'm sure most people would be too busy trying to survive and focus to care to make snide remarks to each other. It really ruined some of the more exciting scenes in the book. And all the ridiculously dumb decisions made by each and every character was astounding and became so predictable and old as the book went on. I also just overall have a very hard time believing that even the most self-absorbed, egotistical politician wouldn't at least seriously consider sending in the national guard when a city's entire police force had been demolished in such a short window, "monsters" or not.
Speaking of a short window, I couldn't get the feel of the timing of the book. There was no real indication of how much time was passing as we go along and there were several spots where some of the actions taken by the team members should have taken a lot longer than indicated and just left glaring holes in the time line that kept nagging at me as I read on. It wasn't until the very end that we are told that really maybe one day has passed, but it just feels so off and unbalanced. As much as I really was excited to read this book, I didn't connect with any of the characters and the virus itself isn't interesting enough for me to continue with the series.
The dialogue was terrible, there were way too many clichés throughout the book (several of them reused several times) and the characters all felt the same to me (sadly none of them were likeable). Foster seemed especially annoying and came across as rude and alpha male and I just didn't enjoy him at all. Yes, someone has to take charge, but when you're a cop paired with two former Rangers, at least don't act like a jerk and work with them and not try to command them.
There was too much attempt at snark and humor especially during scenes when I'm sure most people would be too busy trying to survive and focus to care to make snide remarks to each other. It really ruined some of the more exciting scenes in the book. And all the ridiculously dumb decisions made by each and every character was astounding and became so predictable and old as the book went on. I also just overall have a very hard time believing that even the most self-absorbed, egotistical politician wouldn't at least seriously consider sending in the national guard when a city's entire police force had been demolished in such a short window, "monsters" or not.
Speaking of a short window, I couldn't get the feel of the timing of the book. There was no real indication of how much time was passing as we go along and there were several spots where some of the actions taken by the team members should have taken a lot longer than indicated and just left glaring holes in the time line that kept nagging at me as I read on. It wasn't until the very end that we are told that really maybe one day has passed, but it just feels so off and unbalanced. As much as I really was excited to read this book, I didn't connect with any of the characters and the virus itself isn't interesting enough for me to continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
This captivating zombie/infected narrative follows a North Korean spy who steals and injects himself with an experimental virus, transforming unsuspecting humans into ravenous monsters. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling installment and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 9, 2021
Excellent (not)zombie read
Likable characters, plenty of action, with a zombie-werewolf-something mashup going on. Bonus stars for the characters - lately I keep picking up books where the soulless, flesh-eating zombies are more likable than the human main character(s).
Likable characters, plenty of action, with a zombie-werewolf-something mashup going on. Bonus stars for the characters - lately I keep picking up books where the soulless, flesh-eating zombies are more likable than the human main character(s).
September 15, 2019
Okay, this wasn't a wonderful read, BUT, it ended up a guilty pleasure anyway. You WILL have to suspend disbelief, in a big way. Other reviewers have complained about the unlikely actions and decisions of everyone in this book, and I agree. There were MANY nonsensical decisions, and the character's ignorance drove the storyline, completely. It was very fast paced and action packed, which I like, but there were so many "what the hell were they thinking" scenarios that anyone who is a critical thinker will shake their heads. Despite all this, the book is FUN.
It begins with Pak, a North Korean spy/ informant/ mad scientist attempting to sneak out a formula that creates fast healing super beings, that are also rage filled monsters. Of course everything that CAN go wrong, does. Not a very original premise, but a plausible one. Every government in the world works to create bio-weapons, and I'd wager nearly every one has a turncoat in their ranks.
I really liked the main character Malcolm Foster - a Philadelphia police officer, who wants to do the right thing, but often doesn't thoroughly consider the consequences to other people. Then again, how often do police officers get attacked by super strong, fast healing, packs of mutants in real life? He's an affable guy who lives by a desire to serve his community.
Nick is Foster's buddy, who was an Army Ranger. He seems to have the most sense out of everyone in the group, but he's injured and relegated to sidekick status.
Nick's wife, Lizzy is a nurse with a true calling to help others. She's knowledgeable, but not great at considering consequences either. For example... If you, literally, run into an ER doctor who is running hell for leather OUT of the hospital because monsters are chasing you and have killed/injured everyone there, you DON'T insist on going back into the hospital to get security. I did "facepalm" at this.
I couldn't stand Nick's friend, Sams, who was an Army Ranger pal, who reminded me of Friends Joey Tribbiani, just as dumb, with a lame sense of humor, zero tact, and a Ranger complex. His entire dialog revolves around insulting others in "good ol' boy" manner that just comes off like he feels he has to compensate and put others down in order to feel better about himself.
Nor did I care for the ER Dr., Amanda Johnson, who, I think, may become Malcom's love interest in book 2. For an ER doctor, this gal has zero common sense. To me, she's a liability in a fight and only good for patching others up after they've protected her butt.
Another thing that needled me was the author's description of the hospital and, well just about any measured length in the book. It was mentioned SO frequently that I actually did a search with the key words "two hundred". Everything was 200 yards away. He uses this 10 times, especially in the hospital. I'm not sure he understands that measurement, as few hospitals have straight hallways 200 yards in length That is 2 football fields long, sir!
Yes, I've complained, a lot. However, despite all this, I enjoyed the story and plan to read book 2.
It begins with Pak, a North Korean spy/ informant/ mad scientist attempting to sneak out a formula that creates fast healing super beings, that are also rage filled monsters. Of course everything that CAN go wrong, does. Not a very original premise, but a plausible one. Every government in the world works to create bio-weapons, and I'd wager nearly every one has a turncoat in their ranks.
I really liked the main character Malcolm Foster - a Philadelphia police officer, who wants to do the right thing, but often doesn't thoroughly consider the consequences to other people. Then again, how often do police officers get attacked by super strong, fast healing, packs of mutants in real life? He's an affable guy who lives by a desire to serve his community.
Nick is Foster's buddy, who was an Army Ranger. He seems to have the most sense out of everyone in the group, but he's injured and relegated to sidekick status.
Nick's wife, Lizzy is a nurse with a true calling to help others. She's knowledgeable, but not great at considering consequences either. For example... If you, literally, run into an ER doctor who is running hell for leather OUT of the hospital because monsters are chasing you and have killed/injured everyone there, you DON'T insist on going back into the hospital to get security. I did "facepalm" at this.
I couldn't stand Nick's friend, Sams, who was an Army Ranger pal, who reminded me of Friends Joey Tribbiani, just as dumb, with a lame sense of humor, zero tact, and a Ranger complex. His entire dialog revolves around insulting others in "good ol' boy" manner that just comes off like he feels he has to compensate and put others down in order to feel better about himself.
Nor did I care for the ER Dr., Amanda Johnson, who, I think, may become Malcom's love interest in book 2. For an ER doctor, this gal has zero common sense. To me, she's a liability in a fight and only good for patching others up after they've protected her butt.
Another thing that needled me was the author's description of the hospital and, well just about any measured length in the book. It was mentioned SO frequently that I actually did a search with the key words "two hundred". Everything was 200 yards away. He uses this 10 times, especially in the hospital. I'm not sure he understands that measurement, as few hospitals have straight hallways 200 yards in length That is 2 football fields long, sir!
Yes, I've complained, a lot. However, despite all this, I enjoyed the story and plan to read book 2.
March 3, 2024
This was just not good. I made it 20% of the way through and called it quits. Even for apocalypse fiction, you really have to suspend all belief to get through this. And I'm not going to accuse anyone of anything without reading the entire book, but, making the person who infiltrates a lab, steals a serum, injects it, and turns into a rabid maniac who is trying to convert as many others as possible while also giving up on the sole mission that caused all of this be the only minority is a bad call, particularly when the background story just isn't convincing.
December 29, 2018
A zombie story with bite! This is an exciting story that certainly took a number of unexpected turns. I love zombie apocalypses and this is one of the best stories about zombies that I've read. Very engaging right to the end. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2021
Tedious and loaded with goofy dialogue
Hard pass on this. Thankfully it was an Unlimited free read and no actual money was spent. As a first draft, there's some salvageable scenes here and there, but The Wretched is in dire need of a rewrite. Wretched in more ways than the author intended, no doubt.
Hard pass on this. Thankfully it was an Unlimited free read and no actual money was spent. As a first draft, there's some salvageable scenes here and there, but The Wretched is in dire need of a rewrite. Wretched in more ways than the author intended, no doubt.
December 27, 2018
Fantastic read!!
by EllenM
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down. Loved it!! The storyline was flowing and the suspense level kept you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by EllenM
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down. Loved it!! The storyline was flowing and the suspense level kept you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2019
Like a bullet out of a gun
Non-stop action. Immediate mind blowing entrance into the story. It's like the author said, "We go on three!" Only he says one, two and takes off like a shot. Too many monster-people to fight off. What do you do? Better than zombies!
Non-stop action. Immediate mind blowing entrance into the story. It's like the author said, "We go on three!" Only he says one, two and takes off like a shot. Too many monster-people to fight off. What do you do? Better than zombies!
August 15, 2022
Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang! Oops, just gave away the entire plot.
There a lot of books like this on Kindle. Mindless savagery and endless killing. Some authors do it well and others just do it, ad infinitude. I thought this book sucked. Who in their right mind would read volume 2?
There a lot of books like this on Kindle. Mindless savagery and endless killing. Some authors do it well and others just do it, ad infinitude. I thought this book sucked. Who in their right mind would read volume 2?
February 22, 2019
5 stars
Fast paced action keeps you working to keep up. Good characters and plot. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Fast paced action keeps you working to keep up. Good characters and plot. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 6, 2019
The Wretched was a great book will be reading more of the series.
July 27, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Makind has become the Wretched."
A zombie story with a slight difference: these 'reapers' are fast, dog like in movement and are of two types, the alphas, chemically created, and their followers, made by being bitten and resurrected from death. The alphas are able to plan and have ambition, and they control their children telepathically. This makes them far more dangerous than the mindless shambling undead of many stories.
However, the book is mostly about a small group of humans just trying to survive, in particular a police officer and his ex-army buddy, together with his wife who is a nurse, and her doctor friend, and another just discharged army guy. Initially just trying to find each other, then fighting to survive, this code group gains, and loses, members as time passes. This is a non stop action story as the madness of infection rapidly spreads across the city then on into the state.
Readers who enjoy zombie stories should love this: it has the gore, the growls and the biting tension of a decent horror thriller as our handful of human heroes evade and fight the hordes of hungry yellow eyed, self healing, super strong monsters. The main protagonists, though not fully characterised, are far from simple two dimensional characters, engaging a certain empathy from the reader in addition to the natural instinct to see the people survive and win. Narrator Brian Callahan further enhances the living individuality of each protagonist, giving them each a separate voicing for their conversation and frequent banter as well as reading the story text with a certain emotional tension.
This is the first of a new series so, whilst there is a suitable conclusion, the story does not end but will continue into book two. My thanks to the rights holder of The Wretched, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. It was an enjoyable read but only time will tell if I am invested enough to continue with the rest of the series: I tend to doubt it.
"Makind has become the Wretched."
A zombie story with a slight difference: these 'reapers' are fast, dog like in movement and are of two types, the alphas, chemically created, and their followers, made by being bitten and resurrected from death. The alphas are able to plan and have ambition, and they control their children telepathically. This makes them far more dangerous than the mindless shambling undead of many stories.
However, the book is mostly about a small group of humans just trying to survive, in particular a police officer and his ex-army buddy, together with his wife who is a nurse, and her doctor friend, and another just discharged army guy. Initially just trying to find each other, then fighting to survive, this code group gains, and loses, members as time passes. This is a non stop action story as the madness of infection rapidly spreads across the city then on into the state.
Readers who enjoy zombie stories should love this: it has the gore, the growls and the biting tension of a decent horror thriller as our handful of human heroes evade and fight the hordes of hungry yellow eyed, self healing, super strong monsters. The main protagonists, though not fully characterised, are far from simple two dimensional characters, engaging a certain empathy from the reader in addition to the natural instinct to see the people survive and win. Narrator Brian Callahan further enhances the living individuality of each protagonist, giving them each a separate voicing for their conversation and frequent banter as well as reading the story text with a certain emotional tension.
This is the first of a new series so, whilst there is a suitable conclusion, the story does not end but will continue into book two. My thanks to the rights holder of The Wretched, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. It was an enjoyable read but only time will tell if I am invested enough to continue with the rest of the series: I tend to doubt it.
July 10, 2019
This was just OK. It took me way longer than I would have liked to finish listening because it just didn't capture my attention like I hoped.
The plot was slow enough to start, and then when it did get going, the pacing was all over the place. There were parts I had to re-read because the pacing slowed way down and my attention started wandering. I liked the different "reapers", yet I felt like we didn't get enough information about how the virus worked or why there was two different types. Also the way the virus spread was not well thought out, and by that I mean, how did it spread so quickly?? One second it said it was only in one place, then all of a sudden we find out it's in other places too. Maybe I missed something about how that happened but I don't think so.
I also didn't particularly care about any of the characters. Malcolm was ok but the rest felt like run of the mill ones that I found hard to connect to. There was also no character development to speak of. It's hard to read a story when you don't care if any of the characters die!
In all, this was readable. I hope that the author can put it all together in the next book and spends time on the character and world development.
The only reason I actually finished the book was because of Brian Callanan. His narration was faultless and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him. He has a clear voice that's easy to listen to, he had plenty of different voices for the characters and he read this really well. I must check out more narrated by him!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
The plot was slow enough to start, and then when it did get going, the pacing was all over the place. There were parts I had to re-read because the pacing slowed way down and my attention started wandering. I liked the different "reapers", yet I felt like we didn't get enough information about how the virus worked or why there was two different types. Also the way the virus spread was not well thought out, and by that I mean, how did it spread so quickly?? One second it said it was only in one place, then all of a sudden we find out it's in other places too. Maybe I missed something about how that happened but I don't think so.
I also didn't particularly care about any of the characters. Malcolm was ok but the rest felt like run of the mill ones that I found hard to connect to. There was also no character development to speak of. It's hard to read a story when you don't care if any of the characters die!
In all, this was readable. I hope that the author can put it all together in the next book and spends time on the character and world development.
The only reason I actually finished the book was because of Brian Callanan. His narration was faultless and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him. He has a clear voice that's easy to listen to, he had plenty of different voices for the characters and he read this really well. I must check out more narrated by him!!
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
December 1, 2019
The Wretched is an action-packed apocalyptic thriller, that will hold your attention right to the end. After Puc, a North Korean agent injects himself with a top-secret serum, he releases a virulent virus on to the unsuspecting population. It doesn't take long for Philadelphia to be overrun by abominable monsters. The creatures (Reapers) are the stuff of nightmares; yellow-eyes, vicious hairy primaeval monsters that retain their intelligence and heal fast. Werewolf like with a pack mentality and led by an Alpha, they strategize and select whom they want to convert. It doesn't take cake long for the Reapers to overwhelm the city and forge ahead to the rest of the country.
E.G. Michaels's writing is consistent and well-paced. The plot is engaging with lots of action loaded with twists and unexpected turns, further enticing the reader/listeners. The characters are well developed, particularly the protagonist, Malcolm Foster, a Philadelphia police officer. Foster and a small group of survivors search for refuge as they struggle to stay alive; while battling the pitiless Reapers.
Brian Callanan's performance was phenomenal. He is what I call a one-person show. His ability to modify his voice to suit various character types is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.
The Wretched is a fantastic listen with a great plot, characters and an exceptional narrator. I highly recommend this audiobook.
E.G. Michaels's writing is consistent and well-paced. The plot is engaging with lots of action loaded with twists and unexpected turns, further enticing the reader/listeners. The characters are well developed, particularly the protagonist, Malcolm Foster, a Philadelphia police officer. Foster and a small group of survivors search for refuge as they struggle to stay alive; while battling the pitiless Reapers.
Brian Callanan's performance was phenomenal. He is what I call a one-person show. His ability to modify his voice to suit various character types is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.
The Wretched is a fantastic listen with a great plot, characters and an exceptional narrator. I highly recommend this audiobook.
July 1, 2024
Minor spoilers warning: nothing of major plot points but you could use my review as insight into some things.
This was a solid entry novel to this series. It moves at a rapid pace and sets things up nicely for the future. The villain is given clear backstory and makes it seem more important. The main characters can be clichè but they are also likable. The main thing it did well was represent the real time chaos of a city falling quick. Even though the book occurs over maybe a single day or two, the stakes feel real. I will say it did feel like at points the book made a trivial note of certain characters, mainly in regard to big moments for them that get forgotten in a matter of pages. The political side of things also carried little weight in the grand scheme of things. My hope is those chapters hold more weight in the future books. Otherwise they seemed just like bonus content for the story rather than meaningful dialogue for the characters. We will see. Overall, I felt it was a good standalone start to the series, leaving me interested in more without ending prematurely to make me pick up the next book. I am also generous on the 5 star scale to help support self published authors so I gave it 4 stars here
Official rating: 7.4/10
This was a solid entry novel to this series. It moves at a rapid pace and sets things up nicely for the future. The villain is given clear backstory and makes it seem more important. The main characters can be clichè but they are also likable. The main thing it did well was represent the real time chaos of a city falling quick. Even though the book occurs over maybe a single day or two, the stakes feel real. I will say it did feel like at points the book made a trivial note of certain characters, mainly in regard to big moments for them that get forgotten in a matter of pages. The political side of things also carried little weight in the grand scheme of things. My hope is those chapters hold more weight in the future books. Otherwise they seemed just like bonus content for the story rather than meaningful dialogue for the characters. We will see. Overall, I felt it was a good standalone start to the series, leaving me interested in more without ending prematurely to make me pick up the next book. I am also generous on the 5 star scale to help support self published authors so I gave it 4 stars here
Official rating: 7.4/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2022
I was expecting a zombie apocalypse book, but this one was different. I agree with some of the other reviewers that talk about the fact that in some instances, people turn into monsters quickly while at other times, they are killed outright (without any explanation). Also, toward the end of the book, the group of survivors reach a supposedly safe place only to find one lone Reaper in a very secure building. There was no explanation as to how this person was infected and no mention of other Reapers in the area.
The story was action packed and full of close calls for the group dubbed The Wretched. Since this is the first book in a series, I hope that some of the inconsistencies will be corrected as the series progresses. The series shows promise, but this first book could have been so much better.
The narrator did a great job and kept my attention with his performance. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
The story was action packed and full of close calls for the group dubbed The Wretched. Since this is the first book in a series, I hope that some of the inconsistencies will be corrected as the series progresses. The series shows promise, but this first book could have been so much better.
The narrator did a great job and kept my attention with his performance. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
May 22, 2022
Read : May 23, 2022
Rating : 3,5 Stars
This starts of immediately in the first stages and you get to experience the fall together with out characters which I like most in zombie books.
But is it a zombie book? Yes and no, as far as we know the reapers aren't dead but changed somehow by a "miracle" drug that obviously isn't that much a miracle lol.
But they do(mostly) only die with a head shot so in that way they are enough like zombies to be fun,for me at least.
I'm not sure if any of that is going to change and what that means for our group since the ending of this book threw a bunch of possibilities at us before ending.
There were some things that I liked less, like Lizzy constantly pointing out that Amanda's life was so incomplete without a man and that she was lonely and alone etcetera, that was a little whack.
The weird "alpha" reapers were not really my favourite thing but it isn't done badly so I'll read the next one.
Rating : 3,5 Stars
This starts of immediately in the first stages and you get to experience the fall together with out characters which I like most in zombie books.
But is it a zombie book? Yes and no, as far as we know the reapers aren't dead but changed somehow by a "miracle" drug that obviously isn't that much a miracle lol.
But they do(mostly) only die with a head shot so in that way they are enough like zombies to be fun,for me at least.
I'm not sure if any of that is going to change and what that means for our group since the ending of this book threw a bunch of possibilities at us before ending.
There were some things that I liked less, like Lizzy constantly pointing out that Amanda's life was so incomplete without a man and that she was lonely and alone etcetera, that was a little whack.
The weird "alpha" reapers were not really my favourite thing but it isn't done badly so I'll read the next one.
June 17, 2019
Research project gone wrong, resulting in reptilian-like monsters known as Reapers set loose on Philadelphia. Police officer Malcolm Foster is bound and determined to save as many people as possible to make tracks out of the city. In an unexpected twist, one of the researchers called Poc discovers he can communicate and control the Reapers. It doesn’t take long for world domination dreams to form in Poc’s head. The stage is set for the series; Philadelphia is over-run, the heroes and villains are identified, and the virus spreads across the country. Three.point.five for a decent start to a new series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 12, 2020
First, the story is good and the monsters are interesting. The characters are okay. I will certainly read the next book.
However the author is just really bad at writing dialogues. At the beginning the weirdly cruel "single shaming" Lizzy inflicted on Amanda made me dislike her for the whole series. There were less sexist ways to make clear that Amanda was prime love interest material.
The forced banter between the cop and the soldiers is cringe-worthy as well, and there is far too much military terms for a group that only contains 2 soldiers. It's a zombie apocalypse, not a war.
I listened to the audiobook so I was also rooting for Lizzy's death because the narrator makes her sound like a 65 year old. He's great at men voices, not so much at women's.
However the author is just really bad at writing dialogues. At the beginning the weirdly cruel "single shaming" Lizzy inflicted on Amanda made me dislike her for the whole series. There were less sexist ways to make clear that Amanda was prime love interest material.
The forced banter between the cop and the soldiers is cringe-worthy as well, and there is far too much military terms for a group that only contains 2 soldiers. It's a zombie apocalypse, not a war.
I listened to the audiobook so I was also rooting for Lizzy's death because the narrator makes her sound like a 65 year old. He's great at men voices, not so much at women's.
January 17, 2019
I wanted to like this, I really did. In the end, the best thing it had was that it was fast paced and kept that momentum from start to finish which made it a fairly quick read. If I had devoted all my reading time to this, I probably could've finished it in a day or two, but i did have to take a break from this to read other books. It wasnt bad, I've read much worse, but it was predictable to an annoying degree. The dialogue felt forced and was used more to tell me things as a reader rather than allowing me to make my own assumptions based in what was being shown to me. At this time, it doesnt rank at the top of my man-eating zombie-like apocalyptic books, but again, I've read much worse.
August 23, 2023
ohh my gawd!!
Such a superb read!! I could hardly put this book down! Even reading while I'd eat or use the bathroom. LOL! I love the new take on the "monster" apocalyptic storyline.
The flow is fast paced and steady from the very beginning. I was hooked within the first page. Situations, circumstances, and plot are all nicely done. Characters are fleshed out and believable. The Wretched is an excellent book and was very thrilling to read.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes monster stories. I give it two huge thumbs up, five stars, and a standing ovation. With this said, I now move on the book number two in the series.
Such a superb read!! I could hardly put this book down! Even reading while I'd eat or use the bathroom. LOL! I love the new take on the "monster" apocalyptic storyline.
The flow is fast paced and steady from the very beginning. I was hooked within the first page. Situations, circumstances, and plot are all nicely done. Characters are fleshed out and believable. The Wretched is an excellent book and was very thrilling to read.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes monster stories. I give it two huge thumbs up, five stars, and a standing ovation. With this said, I now move on the book number two in the series.
December 30, 2018
Zombies!
NR
I read the blurb and did not realise that the new species were zombies! This is not a genre that I would normally pick up but I am glad that I did.
This was a real page turner and kept me glued through the book and I am looking forward to the next which is due out in March? 2019.
If zombies are your thing then you will enjoy. If zombies are not your thing, this might just surprise you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
NR
I read the blurb and did not realise that the new species were zombies! This is not a genre that I would normally pick up but I am glad that I did.
This was a real page turner and kept me glued through the book and I am looking forward to the next which is due out in March? 2019.
If zombies are your thing then you will enjoy. If zombies are not your thing, this might just surprise you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2019
Pak is a North Korean working in a lab producing a drug that can help heal your body. He tries to steal a vial, but gets caught by a lab worker. Pak stabs this worker, then injects himself with the serum in hopes of returning to North Korea where they can analyse his blood. This turns him into a monster that bites others and it turns them into the same kind of monster coined reapers. A small group of a cop and former Rangers keep up the fight against the reapers. This is a page turner that will keep you wanting to keep reading.
May 7, 2021
The repetition was killing me
The author needed to find a new phrase besides saying the bullets “flew true” and reminding us that the guns they are carrying are strapped to them so dropping the gun doesn’t mean it lands on the floor. Shooting, running, shooting, running and not much for storyline. I wish we had gotten some more back story in the beginning about what the scientists were doing and who they were doing them to. Is Meeks a soldier, a prisoner, someone else? I mean, it’s a good premise but everyone but Foster falls flat as a character.
The author needed to find a new phrase besides saying the bullets “flew true” and reminding us that the guns they are carrying are strapped to them so dropping the gun doesn’t mean it lands on the floor. Shooting, running, shooting, running and not much for storyline. I wish we had gotten some more back story in the beginning about what the scientists were doing and who they were doing them to. Is Meeks a soldier, a prisoner, someone else? I mean, it’s a good premise but everyone but Foster falls flat as a character.
February 11, 2020
I’ve had this for a month or two but I just wasn’t sure if I’d like it. I didn’t, I loved it! Action packed, relatable characters and a total new take on things apocalyptic. Think maybe it’s a werewolf strain but super cool concept and idea. I’m starting book two tonight.
Brian did an excellent job narrating. I think this is the first book I’ve listen to by him.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
Brian did an excellent job narrating. I think this is the first book I’ve listen to by him.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
April 24, 2020
Humans are no longer the top of the food train. Scientists have created a new species, they are faster and will kill if their path is crossed. They have escaped and lives are being taken. He knows he needs to find a place of safety and he soon has a small group with him. Can they escape the city? Can they find a place to be safe in? See if they will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
Readable
I only found a few typos, which is refreshing. Some of the dialogue I found absolutely cheesy. Also some scenes just didn’t mesh with the reality of the situation the characters where in. It didn’t flow and seemed choppy. That being said, you would think I didn’t like the book but you would be wrong. For all its faults I still enjoyed it. So pull it off the shelf and give it a try.
I only found a few typos, which is refreshing. Some of the dialogue I found absolutely cheesy. Also some scenes just didn’t mesh with the reality of the situation the characters where in. It didn’t flow and seemed choppy. That being said, you would think I didn’t like the book but you would be wrong. For all its faults I still enjoyed it. So pull it off the shelf and give it a try.
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