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Red Line
Chaos erupts as Subway Train 440 rounds the bend to the First Avenue station. Something has happened. People are thrown into a deranged state. Fueled by an uncontrolled madness and rage, they viciously attack each other. It isn’t just a single riot, it is happening in every city, everywhere. Following a traumatic experience at her job, it is Andi Mason’s first day back after a six month leave. Not only is she behind the controls of the subway, but she is also thrust into a position where she is responsible for the lives of those on board her train. Those riding the 440 somehow escape being overcome by the event that is causing the rage attacks. They go from innocently making their commute to work to witnessing unforeseen horrors and are helpless to do anything. Everyone is at a loss. No one knows what is happening. Not only must the passengers stay onboard for their own safety, they must keep moving until they not only can find a safe place to stop, but find a safe place to go … if there is any place left on earth unscathed.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2018
257 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 5, 2023
Not bad. The story had a handful of points that dragged during the middle of the book. And, even though this wasn’t zombies, it was an extremely similar concept. And the ultimate explanation for the Ragers (28 Days Later anyone?) was completely expected. Not sure if it would’ve been better as a total mystery before that surprise finale or not, but it was fine. Wished for a little more explanation at the end, too, because I had lots of questions, which is never a good feeling after sinking two hours into a book. The beginning and end were the best parts, and referencing the middle again, it could have been trimmed up a bunch. And I would have liked to see some more definitive differences between this ragtag team of survivors dealing with the known threat vs a typical zombie book. Some missed opportunities there. But it was written well and with a lot of care. Readers who already are familiar with Jacqueline Druga’s works will soak this up, as will zombie apocalypse fanatics, but not sure it will bring anyone new in.
September 21, 2025
As any other Druga book, it has been 4 or 5 now, not counting Torn, I feel that I've read a Sci-Fi Channel movie. It serves the purpose. In this case we have a group of people who are trying to survive a apocalyptic scenario where the vast majority of people turn into zombies but alive. They are mindless ragers who just want to kill, it doesn't matter who is in front of them.
After the initial confrontation / survival , as they have a doctor with them, he thinks that there is somekind of seizure going on on the mind of people so he makes some TAC's and find out what is happening. He does help two other characters but only temporarily as they revert to it. Even so, it will not be forever. As this is going on, they are trying to get to a bunker which they think it may help them further.
I Think it's a really interesting take on zombies and the perpetrator remind me of that noise "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hum". Druga gives it a twist and make it more ominious. As I've read this novel I thought about my own Tinnitus. What about a noise that would do this or kill anyone without Tinniutus?
Well, as all Druga novels, noone is safe. Expect nothing and be vigilant because anyone is expendable.
I read a comment of someone angry that she killed a cat. I know that animals are precious, I do have one. But isn't it strange that people find animal killing above human ones?
Just a thought. I would rate 73/100 because at times I was a bit confused , the action sometimes happen and it's not well done. Also the editing errors are present as all novels by her. From two chapter 3, to missing " or - or even odd headings (chapter headings). It's quite funny reading a Druga novel.
After the initial confrontation / survival , as they have a doctor with them, he thinks that there is somekind of seizure going on on the mind of people so he makes some TAC's and find out what is happening. He does help two other characters but only temporarily as they revert to it. Even so, it will not be forever. As this is going on, they are trying to get to a bunker which they think it may help them further.
I Think it's a really interesting take on zombies and the perpetrator remind me of that noise "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hum". Druga gives it a twist and make it more ominious. As I've read this novel I thought about my own Tinnitus. What about a noise that would do this or kill anyone without Tinniutus?
Well, as all Druga novels, noone is safe. Expect nothing and be vigilant because anyone is expendable.
I read a comment of someone angry that she killed a cat. I know that animals are precious, I do have one. But isn't it strange that people find animal killing above human ones?
Just a thought. I would rate 73/100 because at times I was a bit confused , the action sometimes happen and it's not well done. Also the editing errors are present as all novels by her. From two chapter 3, to missing " or - or even odd headings (chapter headings). It's quite funny reading a Druga novel.
February 22, 2020
Meh... t’was okay.
August 31, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first book I read. It started out strong but somewhere in the middle, basically after they leave the train, it just started faltering a little, for me. I could have done without the cat's death, especially since it didn't further the plot. Still enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading more by the author, but I didn't like it as much as Sealed In.
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first book I read. It started out strong but somewhere in the middle, basically after they leave the train, it just started faltering a little, for me. I could have done without the cat's death, especially since it didn't further the plot. Still enjoyable and I am looking forward to reading more by the author, but I didn't like it as much as Sealed In.
December 24, 2018
Amazing
Another incredible book by the prolific Jacqueline Druga. She never fails to engage you in an amazing adventure into her imagination. This time she starts with a woman going about her usual routine like the rest of the world and it changes on a dime. You are caught up in her world on page one. This a must read that will take you on ride with no idea of the destination. Please find out why someone would step in front of a subway train for no apparent reason causing so many bad results and changes.
Another incredible book by the prolific Jacqueline Druga. She never fails to engage you in an amazing adventure into her imagination. This time she starts with a woman going about her usual routine like the rest of the world and it changes on a dime. You are caught up in her world on page one. This a must read that will take you on ride with no idea of the destination. Please find out why someone would step in front of a subway train for no apparent reason causing so many bad results and changes.
July 1, 2020
Ok
Read it in a day. It seems like an original concept. I gotta admit I cried at a couple of spots. I kinda felt like I was left hanging, I think she could get by with another book. It would have been better to make this a much longer novel
and completed it. Once again, as with all her books, though I don’t know why, there was typos. *****SPOILER*************
A cat dies in this. If I had known that I would have never read this. I really don’t see how an animal dying adds anything.
Read it in a day. It seems like an original concept. I gotta admit I cried at a couple of spots. I kinda felt like I was left hanging, I think she could get by with another book. It would have been better to make this a much longer novel
and completed it. Once again, as with all her books, though I don’t know why, there was typos. *****SPOILER*************
A cat dies in this. If I had known that I would have never read this. I really don’t see how an animal dying adds anything.
December 19, 2022
Not another zombie story
Druga is my go-to author when my literary palate needs cleansing. The books are quick page-turners that tell the story slightly differently than most authors of her genre. Red Line is no exception.
Andi Mason is a subway driver we meet the day someone steps in front of her train. 6-months later she is back to work on the Red Line 440 and people apparently become crazed and start to kill each other. Yup, sounds like another zombie story but his story is different in that it is not a virus causing the zombie plaque. Instead, it is caused by the sound emanating from the sky. These so-called zombies are not infectious and can be killed relatively easily. Being underground in a subway isolated the passengers on train 440 from the effects of the sound. What follows is classic Druga storytelling as Andie and a handful of passengers try to survive and seek answers to what is happening.
The interesting twist in this story keeps the pages turning. The ending is somewhat abrupt but not really too surprising.
This is a decent, quick read - just what I expect from Ms. Druga.
Druga is my go-to author when my literary palate needs cleansing. The books are quick page-turners that tell the story slightly differently than most authors of her genre. Red Line is no exception.
Andi Mason is a subway driver we meet the day someone steps in front of her train. 6-months later she is back to work on the Red Line 440 and people apparently become crazed and start to kill each other. Yup, sounds like another zombie story but his story is different in that it is not a virus causing the zombie plaque. Instead, it is caused by the sound emanating from the sky. These so-called zombies are not infectious and can be killed relatively easily. Being underground in a subway isolated the passengers on train 440 from the effects of the sound. What follows is classic Druga storytelling as Andie and a handful of passengers try to survive and seek answers to what is happening.
The interesting twist in this story keeps the pages turning. The ending is somewhat abrupt but not really too surprising.
This is a decent, quick read - just what I expect from Ms. Druga.
September 20, 2021
I very much enjoyed the first part of the book with the tension from the sudden violent behavior of people outside the subway train and the attempts of the Red Line survivors to evade them and discover what caused it. At some point, the Red Liners move rather listlessly from place to place. There were a lot of editing issues (Procced not Proceed, distain not disdain, and a lot of punctuation issues). I've learned not to get attached to any of this author's characters, but Erez bothered me. He was an integral part of their survival and when they to to their destination and rescue was at hand, he decided to end himself? Weak. We don't find out the real cause until the end, but then the book terminates abruptly with a bit of a whimper.
July 21, 2024
I enjoyed the story and premises of the book. There was plenty of tension and the character development was good. The author also did not let the characters get in the way of telling the story. And the plot unfolds in keeping with the central premises of the book (which becomes apparent as you get into the last third of the book).
The thing I didn't like was the ending, as it felt kind of rushed even though it was a surprise. But the reason for the 3 stars instead of 4 (painful as that was to do) was that the version I was reading was littered with errors which regularly distracted me from the story while I worked out the correct words.
Having said all of that, I'm happy that I read the book and am keen to read more of Jacqueline Druga's works.
The thing I didn't like was the ending, as it felt kind of rushed even though it was a surprise. But the reason for the 3 stars instead of 4 (painful as that was to do) was that the version I was reading was littered with errors which regularly distracted me from the story while I worked out the correct words.
Having said all of that, I'm happy that I read the book and am keen to read more of Jacqueline Druga's works.
February 8, 2019
A group of train travellers try to survive when a strange noise drives people mad.
The first half of this book is basically "Speed on a train", except that instead of a bomb our plucky survivors are trying to stay away from people turned into the zombie-like cannibals from 28 Days Later. The author even calls them "Ragers". *sigh* If the premise hadn't been cribbed from two popular movies, the idea of it could have been successful. Unfortunately the writing is not up to par IMO, so the characters come off as melodramatic and the action sequences fall flat instead of being scary.
The first half of this book is basically "Speed on a train", except that instead of a bomb our plucky survivors are trying to stay away from people turned into the zombie-like cannibals from 28 Days Later. The author even calls them "Ragers". *sigh* If the premise hadn't been cribbed from two popular movies, the idea of it could have been successful. Unfortunately the writing is not up to par IMO, so the characters come off as melodramatic and the action sequences fall flat instead of being scary.
September 24, 2020
Fun read
This was a fun little read in a zombie sort of way although the affected are not exactly zombies. It's more along the lines of Stephen King's Cell. It did grab me from the start and the author was not afraid of horrible things happening to the main characters. This made it more realistic. It did get a bit boggy a third of the way in but then it was back up and rolling at a fast pace again. If you like apocalyptic survival stories, this is a good intro. The ending with a Three Months Later, wrapped up loose ends and answered some questions, but it was a little short.
This was a fun little read in a zombie sort of way although the affected are not exactly zombies. It's more along the lines of Stephen King's Cell. It did grab me from the start and the author was not afraid of horrible things happening to the main characters. This made it more realistic. It did get a bit boggy a third of the way in but then it was back up and rolling at a fast pace again. If you like apocalyptic survival stories, this is a good intro. The ending with a Three Months Later, wrapped up loose ends and answered some questions, but it was a little short.
November 5, 2021
Jacqueline Druga strikes again, I loved this book. It totally took me in right from the first page, it was the train did it to be honest. It was so different to any other apocalyptic story. The characters were amazing every single one. I was gutted that Erez committed suicide, I can understand that he didn’t want to get torn apart but it took the shine of the book for me. I’m not sure I loved the ending, I kind of thought that the story could have been spun out a bit more, even another book. Very fast paced and a brilliant book. I highly recommend it.
December 17, 2018
Noises in the Sky
Sky noises turning human brains into angry eaters who attack. This was a very interesting story. Andi is a mom and train conductor, who along with a group of passengers struggles to survive and understand their new reality. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I have also heard the "sky trumpets" in early 2018 and was very freaked out. This book makes for an interesting and scary read!
Sky noises turning human brains into angry eaters who attack. This was a very interesting story. Andi is a mom and train conductor, who along with a group of passengers struggles to survive and understand their new reality. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I have also heard the "sky trumpets" in early 2018 and was very freaked out. This book makes for an interesting and scary read!
January 1, 2019
OMG, I read way past my bedtime but I regret nothing. I love this authors writing. And this was a home run!!
I loved the way the apocalyptic ending was something taken from real world. Not saying what, spoilers. But I had all the feels. Sadness, but it was needed. And utilized perfectly. Humor, terror. Just everything.
If you have not read her books, why???? Buy this, get ready to read to late. Don’t regret it.
I loved the way the apocalyptic ending was something taken from real world. Not saying what, spoilers. But I had all the feels. Sadness, but it was needed. And utilized perfectly. Humor, terror. Just everything.
If you have not read her books, why???? Buy this, get ready to read to late. Don’t regret it.
January 25, 2019
Sounds from the sky are turning the populous into homicidal maniacs. A subway driver and the passengers on her train are not affected but soon they have to band together to find a place to survive. Once above ground they no longer safe from the deadly people who have been exposed. This is a well written book with interesting characters and story line. I highly recommend this book for the horror fans out there.
June 5, 2019
Truly scary how many ways the world we know could end.
Absolutely one of my favorite authors. Druga has a mind that works with world ending apocalypse. This time it all starts with a noise coming from Earth's atmosphere. Then people start turning homicidal. If you survive the horde then you have to solve the cause. The small group of survivors from the Red Line has to do just that. Excellent characters and story line that doesn't disappoint.
Absolutely one of my favorite authors. Druga has a mind that works with world ending apocalypse. This time it all starts with a noise coming from Earth's atmosphere. Then people start turning homicidal. If you survive the horde then you have to solve the cause. The small group of survivors from the Red Line has to do just that. Excellent characters and story line that doesn't disappoint.
October 23, 2022
A page turning thriller
According to the note from the author, this stories premise originated from an actual ongoing event. I am always amazed by Ms. Jacqueline's ability to write such intriguing novels. This one had me reading until almost 4 a.m. and I have to go to work in three hours. The plot is believable and the characters are relatable. Twists and turns keep you at the edge of your seat. Strong recommendations to my fellow sci-fi enthusiasts.
According to the note from the author, this stories premise originated from an actual ongoing event. I am always amazed by Ms. Jacqueline's ability to write such intriguing novels. This one had me reading until almost 4 a.m. and I have to go to work in three hours. The plot is believable and the characters are relatable. Twists and turns keep you at the edge of your seat. Strong recommendations to my fellow sci-fi enthusiasts.
December 22, 2018
Moving
A very interesting and powerful story. Makes people wonder if this is, could or can be true.
The book is fast paced, thought provoking and had me googling many facts the author wrote to find out more. As the saying goes "Fact is stranger than Fiction" but to combine them in a story, makes this book awesome.
Happy reading.
A very interesting and powerful story. Makes people wonder if this is, could or can be true.
The book is fast paced, thought provoking and had me googling many facts the author wrote to find out more. As the saying goes "Fact is stranger than Fiction" but to combine them in a story, makes this book awesome.
Happy reading.
July 28, 2019
Another spine tingling thriller
Every time I read one of her thrillers, I wonder where she gets her ideas. Thankfully she tells us us at the end. This story is well plotted and interesting with no doldrums. It held my interest as new characters entered the story. This is as good as her other books.
Every time I read one of her thrillers, I wonder where she gets her ideas. Thankfully she tells us us at the end. This story is well plotted and interesting with no doldrums. It held my interest as new characters entered the story. This is as good as her other books.
September 7, 2020
Too Abrupt
This book had me from the beginning. I read all through the night.
Then abruptly it went from exciting to nothing.
It was as if the author either got tired or couldn't come up with what happens next. That is the reason for not giving it 5*. The whole book just becomes a waste of time as the last pages fizzle out. I was left with, HUH?
This book had me from the beginning. I read all through the night.
Then abruptly it went from exciting to nothing.
It was as if the author either got tired or couldn't come up with what happens next. That is the reason for not giving it 5*. The whole book just becomes a waste of time as the last pages fizzle out. I was left with, HUH?
December 25, 2018
Another great one
Ok Jackie, you scared me a little with this one but in a good way. Your note at the end made me rethink some of my own experiences that have been dismissed or explained away. Could it be???
Ok Jackie, you scared me a little with this one but in a good way. Your note at the end made me rethink some of my own experiences that have been dismissed or explained away. Could it be???
December 25, 2018
A Big Wow!
A train, a mom, a child, a strange noise that changes everything. Jacqueline Druga never disappoints! A spellbinding plot centered on those strange, recurring noises. What if they are real? What happens when they are? One heck of a story!
A train, a mom, a child, a strange noise that changes everything. Jacqueline Druga never disappoints! A spellbinding plot centered on those strange, recurring noises. What if they are real? What happens when they are? One heck of a story!
December 27, 2018
Still on of my favorite authors!
I really enjoy reading books by this author. Her characters are always well developed , and interestingly human. Her stories are ones that really could happen and I can tell that much research goes into the books she writes.
I really enjoy reading books by this author. Her characters are always well developed , and interestingly human. Her stories are ones that really could happen and I can tell that much research goes into the books she writes.
January 1, 2019
I couldn't stop reading!
If I read a book that I can't stop reading them it is 5stars! This watch a different approach which is exactly what expect from this author! It kept me guessing who or what was causing the death of the human race! Well worth the time used reading it!
If I read a book that I can't stop reading them it is 5stars! This watch a different approach which is exactly what expect from this author! It kept me guessing who or what was causing the death of the human race! Well worth the time used reading it!
January 5, 2019
Fascinating story
I was immediately drawn into this book. Interesting characters that you slowly start to identify with. Storyline is both emotional and mysterious! Highly recommend!
I was immediately drawn into this book. Interesting characters that you slowly start to identify with. Storyline is both emotional and mysterious! Highly recommend!
January 13, 2019
Excellent read
A thoroughly enjoyable read.I wanted more of the story.Her books are never long enough. Jacqueline Druga writes a consistently good story,this did not fail to entertain me.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.I wanted more of the story.Her books are never long enough. Jacqueline Druga writes a consistently good story,this did not fail to entertain me.
February 12, 2019
Actually a decent read. Editing wasn't without flaws but didn't distract too much. The story-line was interesting at first, lots of action though some inconsistencies. Kept my interest enough to finish it but probably won't go on to the next book (if there is one).
April 17, 2019
Could be better
Liked the story line just felt that at the end of the book I didn't bond or even get to know the characters. Not very descriptive. I like to escape into a book but felt this was not possible with the lack of detail and characters i couldn't care less about.
Liked the story line just felt that at the end of the book I didn't bond or even get to know the characters. Not very descriptive. I like to escape into a book but felt this was not possible with the lack of detail and characters i couldn't care less about.
May 21, 2019
A JD. SYFY. Novel/The House Makers Came Then the End Was Near
JD. has. penned a SyFY. novel about !the end of civilization as we know it. They came and attacked with frequency moduladtion, which created unbalanced minds. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JD. has. penned a SyFY. novel about !the end of civilization as we know it. They came and attacked with frequency moduladtion, which created unbalanced minds. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 26, 2020
Redline, a different kind of apocalypse.
I was expecting a zombie story when I started this book and was pleasantly surprised by the story I read. Only one other book that I have read took me on the emotional ride this one did. Well worth the read.
I was expecting a zombie story when I started this book and was pleasantly surprised by the story I read. Only one other book that I have read took me on the emotional ride this one did. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews