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Random Survival #1
Random Survival
A deadly virus sweeps through the country, leaving Mark alone to face the new world. He has no idea why the disease spared him when so many others have died, but if he wants to stay alive, he needs to prepare.With survivors scarce and unsure who to trust, he begins collecting food and water, but as his stores grow, others will come for him.As bands of marauders reach his neighborhood stripping it of anything useful, Mark fortifies his house and stays hidden. However, when those bandits ambush a caravan of families, Mark can no longer sit back. The enemy closes in. With only a handful of young, inexperienced fighters in his group, Mark chooses to run. But when the woman he swore to save is abducted by the gang, he has only one choice. With time running out for their friend, Mark leads a daring and dangerous assault knowing that to fail means death for them all.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2012
196 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 8, 2020
Be prepared for an action-packed survival story. After our MC Mark’s wife and son were killed by the unknown virus, Mark began to accumulate supplies and ammunition, knowing what was to come. As usual in these types of stories, the MC comes across other survivors and begins to create a little community. The difference in this tale is how much fighting and killing there is between Mark’s group and the ever-present bad guys. Especially in Mark’s case; the guy is a one-man killing machine. The characters are interesting and fairly authentic, perhaps not so much in Mark’s unbelievable luck. I especially liked Lynn, she provided the touch of emotion and romance that would have been lacking without her. It’s a good story and I look forward to seeing how the series develops. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 13, 2023
Good story; Good characters...
I liked the main character and the way he began unfolding people into his family -- orphans, distressed women, etc. This story does share a common theme with many post-apocalyptic stories in that there is ALWAYS a maniacal bad guy character well-being on chasing down and murdering the protagonist at all costs. I'm not saying this impossible, but based on the numerous times I read the exact same thing, I conclued that this element of these stories has become embedded in the ethos of the genre, as in this is the way we inject conflict (literally) and drama.
That said , it's still enjoyable to read ( a couple chase scenes go one WAY too long) and is -- most importantly-- well-written.
Sincerely,
I liked the main character and the way he began unfolding people into his family -- orphans, distressed women, etc. This story does share a common theme with many post-apocalyptic stories in that there is ALWAYS a maniacal bad guy character well-being on chasing down and murdering the protagonist at all costs. I'm not saying this impossible, but based on the numerous times I read the exact same thing, I conclued that this element of these stories has become embedded in the ethos of the genre, as in this is the way we inject conflict (literally) and drama.
That said , it's still enjoyable to read ( a couple chase scenes go one WAY too long) and is -- most importantly-- well-written.
Sincerely,
June 8, 2018
If you like action, this is a great book for you. If you want character development, not so much. The main character, Mark, basically spends 300 pages bouncing from one gun fight to another. It is never explained how he got so good at killing. The supporting characters are just names that appear now and then. There is only a token attempt at developing Lynn. The others are so underdeveloped you can't remember which is Lynn's daughter, which is her friend, and which is the 50 yr old lady they found.
spoiler ahead
After essentially a week of constant gun-fights, the epilogue basically resolves up the next few years in a happily ever after 3 page summary of joy.
spoiler ahead
After essentially a week of constant gun-fights, the epilogue basically resolves up the next few years in a happily ever after 3 page summary of joy.
November 5, 2025
dangerous
The authors writing in apocalypse novel, it doesn’t understand basic firearms. It’s also overlooking significant story altering elements.
It’s hard to stay engaged in the story when the hero of vacillates between being John Wick , and clueless suburban Dad, who hasn’t had any military training.
If you like lots of action, are not particularly concerned about accuracy, and can ignore plot holes the size of lake Erie this might be for you.
Otherwise, pick something else .
I have read other books by the author and they were decent , so this may just be a wrong genre, kind of thing.
The authors writing in apocalypse novel, it doesn’t understand basic firearms. It’s also overlooking significant story altering elements.
It’s hard to stay engaged in the story when the hero of vacillates between being John Wick , and clueless suburban Dad, who hasn’t had any military training.
If you like lots of action, are not particularly concerned about accuracy, and can ignore plot holes the size of lake Erie this might be for you.
Otherwise, pick something else .
I have read other books by the author and they were decent , so this may just be a wrong genre, kind of thing.
November 26, 2021
Enjoyable and believable tale of the death of humanity.....
and the inevitable violence and mayhem that ensued among the survivors.... Those who were struggling to survive and help others found themselves pitted against others who wished only to rape and pillage as they rushed to seize power. Can one man organize clueless survivors enough to help them stand against those who seek only carnal pleasure and destruction? And then from there, what? A very definitely readable series that will reach out, grab you, and then hold your interest...Enjoy!
and the inevitable violence and mayhem that ensued among the survivors.... Those who were struggling to survive and help others found themselves pitted against others who wished only to rape and pillage as they rushed to seize power. Can one man organize clueless survivors enough to help them stand against those who seek only carnal pleasure and destruction? And then from there, what? A very definitely readable series that will reach out, grab you, and then hold your interest...Enjoy!
March 18, 2023
Good writing, but too violent for me
The premise of the story was intriguing, and I was drawn into the story. But as the book went on, it devolved into killing after killing, with descriptions. The character development from the beginning of the book dwindled to nothing. Maybe this was the author’s point, that people resort to violence in a crisis, and become like animals. But it was way too violent for me.
The premise of the story was intriguing, and I was drawn into the story. But as the book went on, it devolved into killing after killing, with descriptions. The character development from the beginning of the book dwindled to nothing. Maybe this was the author’s point, that people resort to violence in a crisis, and become like animals. But it was way too violent for me.
November 13, 2018
I met Ray Wenck at a Wizard World Comic-Con and thought I would give him a try. This book was extremely action packed and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters a lot, but would have appreciated more back story. It still... super fun read. I will probably pick up more of his books at another Con.
July 16, 2019
Audible:This was a pretty good world virus,survival story.I enjoyed it! Mark is our hero who loses his family to the virus ,but then wants to save everyone he meets.Some he can,some he can't. Jack de Golla was a very good narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
February 14, 2025
Non stop action.
If you are looking for a super hero post apocalyptic story this is for you. The story is basically about one man, Mark, taking on all the bad guys. He does have a bit of help from side characters, but he seems unstoppable. There is non stop action and killing. The story moved very quickly and there is some swearing.
I did not like the killing of dogs.
If you are looking for a super hero post apocalyptic story this is for you. The story is basically about one man, Mark, taking on all the bad guys. He does have a bit of help from side characters, but he seems unstoppable. There is non stop action and killing. The story moved very quickly and there is some swearing.
I did not like the killing of dogs.
August 22, 2019
I received this book for free for a honest review. The author did a good job of bringing the characters to life. The storyline was well written and held together. This book had all the feels. Reccomend. Dont read if sensitive to tape or violence
June 7, 2020
A good read with A lot of fast paced action.
I chose 3 stars because everything went for the hero. He could do no wrong the entire book. Sort of a John Wicke and James Bond all rolled into one.
I chose 3 stars because everything went for the hero. He could do no wrong the entire book. Sort of a John Wicke and James Bond all rolled into one.
January 9, 2023
survival
This was a great read. Kept me praying and hoping that they would survive. I keep hoping these books will teach me things to help if Iam ever in such a situation. Thank you for writing this story.
This was a great read. Kept me praying and hoping that they would survive. I keep hoping these books will teach me things to help if Iam ever in such a situation. Thank you for writing this story.
May 14, 2024
Awesome action
Action constantly. I started the book at 6pm and read to finish at 2am. Time well spent. Its hard to imagine the ending though. I felt it was rushed without more thought into the trials facing them.
Action constantly. I started the book at 6pm and read to finish at 2am. Time well spent. Its hard to imagine the ending though. I felt it was rushed without more thought into the trials facing them.
October 14, 2025
Too much killing for my taste. I just finished The Old Couple, and loved it, and wanted more like it. This was a disappointment as I just didn't connect with the main character, so didn't care what was happening.
November 5, 2025
Not so bad!
A hard book to get started and to keep me interested. Lack of character development is part of the problem. I know you are trying to make him seem civilized, but that would go away as soon as he saw the first girl attacked and the next one killed for water.
A hard book to get started and to keep me interested. Lack of character development is part of the problem. I know you are trying to make him seem civilized, but that would go away as soon as he saw the first girl attacked and the next one killed for water.
February 20, 2022
good storyline
The characters are interesting, and they emphasise that it’s a war as well as a fight for survival. Great battles, fists, guns, cars. I liked the emphasis on family.
The characters are interesting, and they emphasise that it’s a war as well as a fight for survival. Great battles, fists, guns, cars. I liked the emphasis on family.
June 29, 2022
Good story
Engaging and interesting characters. Well written full of violence. I enjoyed it. I hate writing these reviews and having to say so many words. But this was a good story.
Engaging and interesting characters. Well written full of violence. I enjoyed it. I hate writing these reviews and having to say so many words. But this was a good story.
August 8, 2022
Fun and engaging book
It was typical of the good guy bad guy but still was fun. I hope that you enjoy as I have
It was typical of the good guy bad guy but still was fun. I hope that you enjoy as I have
December 17, 2024
good story
An enjoyable read, with likable characters. I think anyone who enjoys this genre will enjoy the read.very well done story
An enjoyable read, with likable characters. I think anyone who enjoys this genre will enjoy the read.very well done story
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December 4, 2019I wish the women were written better.
I met the author at a game con and he was a nice guy.
I met the author at a game con and he was a nice guy.
September 17, 2018
I met the author, Ray Wenck, at Wizard Con a couple years back which was really cool. He was super friendly and nice to talk to. As it turns out he's from my hometown, so I scooped up all his books. I love to support local if/when I can. This was 2 years ago and I finally got around to reading one of his books. This one.
Mark's wife and child died of a virus that no one knows anything about.
The story literally started by telling us that and went into just his every day life. He went out every day looking for food and supplies, there was a massive life threatening horde of human beings, and he found other survivors and let them stay at his house which he was building up. Eventually, the house became too much of a risk with this horde out there, they all moved to a big farm house, and full on attacked their threat.
I actually really liked the characters. Mark is officially a favorite of mine. He's helping other people thrive in a tough time and protecting them as best as he can.
This isn't the best written book but it was entertaining to read. I can't say I'd recommend it to people I know or re-read it myself. But it kept me interested enough.
Mark's wife and child died of a virus that no one knows anything about.
The story literally started by telling us that and went into just his every day life. He went out every day looking for food and supplies, there was a massive life threatening horde of human beings, and he found other survivors and let them stay at his house which he was building up. Eventually, the house became too much of a risk with this horde out there, they all moved to a big farm house, and full on attacked their threat.
I actually really liked the characters. Mark is officially a favorite of mine. He's helping other people thrive in a tough time and protecting them as best as he can.
This isn't the best written book but it was entertaining to read. I can't say I'd recommend it to people I know or re-read it myself. But it kept me interested enough.
June 6, 2019
A sudden disease has come and killed seemingly random people, many people are dead and those that are still alive are fighting for what is left of their lives. They are hoping in time to rebuild and move on but it seems there is always people that wants to take there they have to so they don't take everything they have, is possible that some day they might be left alone to randomly survive as they wish?
This was such a awesome book on so many levels, the characters were real, no one pretended to be someone they were not, but did what they had to do when faced with each situation. The action was fierce and never ending, and the suspense at times had me holding onto my seat. I was lucky enough to have the audio version narrated by the very talented Jack de Golia who seemed to bring it all to life right there in my car. With his many voices each character was very distinct and real, Mr. de Golia had me rooting for the good guys and jeering for the bad (and they were bad, very bad). This book didn't exactly lead to a sequel, but a epilogue where it would have mention what it was like 10 or 15 years later might have been nice just to see what happened down the line.
This was such a awesome book on so many levels, the characters were real, no one pretended to be someone they were not, but did what they had to do when faced with each situation. The action was fierce and never ending, and the suspense at times had me holding onto my seat. I was lucky enough to have the audio version narrated by the very talented Jack de Golia who seemed to bring it all to life right there in my car. With his many voices each character was very distinct and real, Mr. de Golia had me rooting for the good guys and jeering for the bad (and they were bad, very bad). This book didn't exactly lead to a sequel, but a epilogue where it would have mention what it was like 10 or 15 years later might have been nice just to see what happened down the line.
November 5, 2014
The book was suspenseful and gripping. I appreciated the focus on a small group of survivors and mainly one character. Often times books in the genre try to tell too big of a story. I will say there was a moment when It describes Mark in his hidden basement room with generators and vents and escape hatches that left me saying "wait, what? Did I miss a chapter?" Mark's survival skills escalated quickly. That being said, from that point on it kept me turning pages, I was ok with the story focusing on the action and not so fleshed out characters as more survivors joined him. The writing was about what they would do, how they would do it, how they would survive, not pages of describing how they felt and I liked that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2020
This is fairly typical dystopian fiction with a few "good" people trying to survive gangs of "bad" guys. Some of the story focuses on their actual survival -- scavenging food and supplies, etc. -- but there's still a lot of violence and gunplay. There is a bit more cooperation among individuals and small groups than is often found in this genre which is something I like about this story. It also has a great epilogue, leaving the story with a very satisfying ending and absolutely no cliffhanger.
Jack de Golia performs well, giving distinctive voices to the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Jack de Golia performs well, giving distinctive voices to the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 4, 2013
This book kept me on my edge of my seat practically from the first page to the last. This book was well written and the story flowed from chapter to chapter. I enjoyed the characters and I found myself cheering for the good guys and booing the bad. I recommend this book.
December 15, 2023
5 stars
Wow. What a great book. Good character development and lots of non-stop action. I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series. Seriously talented writing. Awesome dialogue.
Wow. What a great book. Good character development and lots of non-stop action. I am so looking forward to the next installment in this series. Seriously talented writing. Awesome dialogue.
January 2, 2016
Could not put down!
This is an excellent read and I am looking forward to thee next one! This book kept me on the edge of my seat!
This is an excellent read and I am looking forward to thee next one! This book kept me on the edge of my seat!
April 2, 2016
This book was quick paced and full of suspense. I finished it rather quickly. I would definitely recommend this if you are a fan of horror or dystopian-like stories.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews