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Lazarus Strain Chronicles #1
The Spread
Scientists told us the dead would never walk the Earth. They were wrong.
They call it Lazarus. A virus so deadly that it kills and resurrects virtually everybody it infects. Bangkok becomes the first city to fall to the unstoppable army of the undead…but this is only the beginning. By the time the news channels are reporting on the devastated Thai capital, the virus has already spread around the globe.
Growing, infecting…spreading.
One by one reports come in from other countries. The dead are getting back up… and they’re killing everything in their path.
In the UK, clandestine government agent Nick Carter and his team find themselves faced with their deadliest enemy yet as they are forced to deal with the countries first outbreak.
Yet in the depths of this tragedy, they find a glimmer of hope. A woman, a single survivor from the outbreak, someone whose blood might hold the secret to defeating the virus. Could she be humanities only chance of salvation?
Or is it already too late?
The Spread, a zombie novel, is the first book in the Lazarus Strain Chronicles. If you enjoy reading about the fall of man under the relentless onslaught of the zombie hordes, then you will enjoy this no-holds-barred story.
They call it Lazarus. A virus so deadly that it kills and resurrects virtually everybody it infects. Bangkok becomes the first city to fall to the unstoppable army of the undead…but this is only the beginning. By the time the news channels are reporting on the devastated Thai capital, the virus has already spread around the globe.
Growing, infecting…spreading.
One by one reports come in from other countries. The dead are getting back up… and they’re killing everything in their path.
In the UK, clandestine government agent Nick Carter and his team find themselves faced with their deadliest enemy yet as they are forced to deal with the countries first outbreak.
Yet in the depths of this tragedy, they find a glimmer of hope. A woman, a single survivor from the outbreak, someone whose blood might hold the secret to defeating the virus. Could she be humanities only chance of salvation?
Or is it already too late?
The Spread, a zombie novel, is the first book in the Lazarus Strain Chronicles. If you enjoy reading about the fall of man under the relentless onslaught of the zombie hordes, then you will enjoy this no-holds-barred story.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2018
207 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 10, 2019
NOT a “zombie” story ... And even worse.....
In all my years of reading and being passionate about apocalypse fiction, this is the first time I’ve felt obliged to give a 1 star review.
The book is technically well written, to be sure. Grammar, syntax, etc. is not an issue.
But it’s painfully boring.
Also - there isn’t any real zombie material one would expect from a book claiming to feature (I’d even say, focus on) zombies, until almost halfway through. 42% to be exact.
I made it reading to the 55% mark. (With a quick read through of various sections found in the last 25%.) Pushing myself on - determined to see the story through to the end; I’ve very rarely not finished a book. Each time my mind wandered, as was too often, I forced myself to return to the page. Perhaps it was all those textbooks I was required to persist through in college that gave me the required muscle and resolve to continue to slog through this tremendously boring tale?
The three major problems are the dry, emotionless writing, the overwhelming number of characters, and far too many subplots.
Now, I’ve read the complaint regarding other books before, “too many characters to follow!” And admittedly I’ve rolled my eyes. I mean if you can’t keep up with a bunch of different characters - give me a break.
Here I am, now opining the very same. In the case of, “The Spread” however, it truly is ridiculous to try and follow without taking notes as you read. Character after character is introduced. The one-time characters are tediously numerous- muddying the already cloudy waters of the story. The primary characters get so completely pig-piled by the endless one-timers that when they do appear again it’s extremely difficult to remember who is who. And what their place is in the plot. And forget about remembering the role of any secondary characters. It takes until the last portion of the book to comprehend who is, in fact, an actual secondary character, so lost are they in the subplots. Certainly, it’s the one-timers who dominate more than any other. (Imagine bouncing between many different short stories. Then having to recall all the elements of a story you read 7 stories ago.)
It’s all confusing.
I’ve never used the X-ray feature so much. Constantly referencing and rereading portions of previous sections. And — I only made it halfway through the book, let’s keep in mind! A lot of work for a book which is supposed to entertain.
The fundamental story idea is not complex, it’s pretty straightforward. It is creative, certainly. Unfortunately, however, it’s so bogged down by too many ever-changing people, places, and overwriting, that the point of the story gets totally lost. There was a moment when I realized I had completely lost the point of the story (cause of infection, primary characters, etc.), and I found myself sifting through earlier sections, rereading, in an attempt to be reminded of what the heck was happening again, and why.
There are too many content and character rich subplots, spread too far apart, that causes much of the problem. I’ve never encountered a book which contains this amount of subplots.
The story is also devoid of any and all humor. Of course, including humor in a story is not a requirement, but it’s more often than not found in zombie tales. At least a bit. As zombies are one of the least serious subjects out there.
A proper editing could solve many problems. Though this story would be cut and chopped to such a degree, we’d be left with a totally different book. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing. It could possibly let the main idea and characters shine; trimming all the extraneous fat, leaving us with a plot that’s clean. A book that’s a pleasure to read.
Thus, reader beware, this is one serious and dry apocalypse book. Much like a chemistry text. And just as complicated. While also being devoid of the “chemistry” which is promised by the title of such book.
I feel terrible about having to share such a negative review, as I’m a huge supporter and cheerleader of independent writers. But, I also must be honest with my fellow readers as I read and review at least four books within the apocalypse genre weekly.
In all my years of reading and being passionate about apocalypse fiction, this is the first time I’ve felt obliged to give a 1 star review.
The book is technically well written, to be sure. Grammar, syntax, etc. is not an issue.
But it’s painfully boring.
Also - there isn’t any real zombie material one would expect from a book claiming to feature (I’d even say, focus on) zombies, until almost halfway through. 42% to be exact.
I made it reading to the 55% mark. (With a quick read through of various sections found in the last 25%.) Pushing myself on - determined to see the story through to the end; I’ve very rarely not finished a book. Each time my mind wandered, as was too often, I forced myself to return to the page. Perhaps it was all those textbooks I was required to persist through in college that gave me the required muscle and resolve to continue to slog through this tremendously boring tale?
The three major problems are the dry, emotionless writing, the overwhelming number of characters, and far too many subplots.
Now, I’ve read the complaint regarding other books before, “too many characters to follow!” And admittedly I’ve rolled my eyes. I mean if you can’t keep up with a bunch of different characters - give me a break.
Here I am, now opining the very same. In the case of, “The Spread” however, it truly is ridiculous to try and follow without taking notes as you read. Character after character is introduced. The one-time characters are tediously numerous- muddying the already cloudy waters of the story. The primary characters get so completely pig-piled by the endless one-timers that when they do appear again it’s extremely difficult to remember who is who. And what their place is in the plot. And forget about remembering the role of any secondary characters. It takes until the last portion of the book to comprehend who is, in fact, an actual secondary character, so lost are they in the subplots. Certainly, it’s the one-timers who dominate more than any other. (Imagine bouncing between many different short stories. Then having to recall all the elements of a story you read 7 stories ago.)
It’s all confusing.
I’ve never used the X-ray feature so much. Constantly referencing and rereading portions of previous sections. And — I only made it halfway through the book, let’s keep in mind! A lot of work for a book which is supposed to entertain.
The fundamental story idea is not complex, it’s pretty straightforward. It is creative, certainly. Unfortunately, however, it’s so bogged down by too many ever-changing people, places, and overwriting, that the point of the story gets totally lost. There was a moment when I realized I had completely lost the point of the story (cause of infection, primary characters, etc.), and I found myself sifting through earlier sections, rereading, in an attempt to be reminded of what the heck was happening again, and why.
There are too many content and character rich subplots, spread too far apart, that causes much of the problem. I’ve never encountered a book which contains this amount of subplots.
The story is also devoid of any and all humor. Of course, including humor in a story is not a requirement, but it’s more often than not found in zombie tales. At least a bit. As zombies are one of the least serious subjects out there.
A proper editing could solve many problems. Though this story would be cut and chopped to such a degree, we’d be left with a totally different book. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing. It could possibly let the main idea and characters shine; trimming all the extraneous fat, leaving us with a plot that’s clean. A book that’s a pleasure to read.
Thus, reader beware, this is one serious and dry apocalypse book. Much like a chemistry text. And just as complicated. While also being devoid of the “chemistry” which is promised by the title of such book.
I feel terrible about having to share such a negative review, as I’m a huge supporter and cheerleader of independent writers. But, I also must be honest with my fellow readers as I read and review at least four books within the apocalypse genre weekly.
January 19, 2019
The Spread by Sean Deville is the zombie apocalypse novel that brings the horror home in this present day/near future horror zombie apocalypse novel. The author gives the reader a variety of characters to follow as the story transitions from one location to many all over the globe as the viral agent spreads that carries the dangerous disease that transforms the human body with ravaging efficiency to transform the host into a murderous creature upon its resurrection.
The Spread is the first book that I have read by Sean Deville and this book is hard to put down. The story moves at an even pace as the author weaves this story with the variety of characters that he brings. It may seem a bit much to some but trust me when I say that there is an important point to each character we are introduced to. Whether they are a carrier of the contagion, someone instrumental in the further passing on (not a carrier), or someone who will be impacted in a different way, each character places a part in the bigger picture. I like that with some of these characters we get more of their background and history of what is going on in their lives. For me, the story is engaging and while it is long it is worth the read.
There is nothing that I don't like about this book. The author has done a lot of work perfecting this story and there are few to zero editorial issues in this book. There were moments of where I wanted the story more fast-paced, but honestly when everything begins to hit the fan...that's really when this book becomes "edge of your seat" and "can't put it down to save your life." Haha!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love a good horror movie and this book brings that and more by the author writing this book in "present day/near future." If you enjoy a good zombie apocalypse novel that gives you some espionage in the process then this is the book for you. The destruction of the world is at hand...and this...this is JUST the beginning. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Spread is the first book that I have read by Sean Deville and this book is hard to put down. The story moves at an even pace as the author weaves this story with the variety of characters that he brings. It may seem a bit much to some but trust me when I say that there is an important point to each character we are introduced to. Whether they are a carrier of the contagion, someone instrumental in the further passing on (not a carrier), or someone who will be impacted in a different way, each character places a part in the bigger picture. I like that with some of these characters we get more of their background and history of what is going on in their lives. For me, the story is engaging and while it is long it is worth the read.
There is nothing that I don't like about this book. The author has done a lot of work perfecting this story and there are few to zero editorial issues in this book. There were moments of where I wanted the story more fast-paced, but honestly when everything begins to hit the fan...that's really when this book becomes "edge of your seat" and "can't put it down to save your life." Haha!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love a good horror movie and this book brings that and more by the author writing this book in "present day/near future." If you enjoy a good zombie apocalypse novel that gives you some espionage in the process then this is the book for you. The destruction of the world is at hand...and this...this is JUST the beginning. Definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2019
Sean DeVille at his best.
I had read the Cobra series of books by this author and gave them a five star review. This book deserves 6 stars, it’s that good.
If you like happening right now zombie fiction then this is it. It’s moment by moment step by step. No six months later events. I prefers this kind of story.
I normally have several books on the go at any one time, but I read this all the way through, no interruptions.
I would thoroughly recommend this book and it’s author.
I had read the Cobra series of books by this author and gave them a five star review. This book deserves 6 stars, it’s that good.
If you like happening right now zombie fiction then this is it. It’s moment by moment step by step. No six months later events. I prefers this kind of story.
I normally have several books on the go at any one time, but I read this all the way through, no interruptions.
I would thoroughly recommend this book and it’s author.
February 15, 2019
THE SPREAD is a lovingly detailed account of a very real near-future probability: a pandemic involving an unidentifiable and unstoppable virus. Not only does it kill seven billion population; it's also a resurrecting virus. Yes, zombies are created by it. I enjoyed the "backstage" look at "The Other Government," a UK department of Military Intelligence, which performs what Americans call "Black Ops."
If you prefer your Apocalypse implacable, surely you will marvel at the Lazarus virus. It's undefeatable and indefatigable--or is it? Seven billion think it is.
If you prefer your Apocalypse implacable, surely you will marvel at the Lazarus virus. It's undefeatable and indefatigable--or is it? Seven billion think it is.
June 17, 2020
Read: June 15, 2020
Rating: 3,5 Stars
The Spread begins somewhat slowly and is at times a little confusing because the whole conspiracy thing happening, which you get little snippets of in-between "the real characters". It's told from a lot of different people, some we follow throughout and some perish quickly or are only mentioned once or twice, this makes for a somewhat fragmented story but the plot itself is not bad at all.
What I liked best were the characters we stayed with throughout the story since I liked the whole feeling a connection with a character.
Rating: 3,5 Stars
The Spread begins somewhat slowly and is at times a little confusing because the whole conspiracy thing happening, which you get little snippets of in-between "the real characters". It's told from a lot of different people, some we follow throughout and some perish quickly or are only mentioned once or twice, this makes for a somewhat fragmented story but the plot itself is not bad at all.
What I liked best were the characters we stayed with throughout the story since I liked the whole feeling a connection with a character.
January 11, 2019
The Spread
A Zombie Novel
Sean Deville
This was a wonderful zombie apocalypse novel. I loved the way the outbreak spread over the world. The soul survivor they could find who was not infected with the virus is what they are placing their hopes on. Will she prove to be the saving grace of the world? Only time will tell. Great descriptions, and character development. Can't wait for the next novel in the series.
A Zombie Novel
Sean Deville
This was a wonderful zombie apocalypse novel. I loved the way the outbreak spread over the world. The soul survivor they could find who was not infected with the virus is what they are placing their hopes on. Will she prove to be the saving grace of the world? Only time will tell. Great descriptions, and character development. Can't wait for the next novel in the series.
January 18, 2019
Great well-rounded characters and an interesting plot, at times it can get a bit dry but there is more good than bad! It’s a full-length novel and apparently the first in a series which makes it even better as I shall be more than happy to read more on this story with some of these characters! Very well written in an easy to read style. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2019
Fantastic read.
I absolutely loved this storyline. I live in Manchester and I was fascinated by the description of places I know well. It's also refreshing. The majority of ZA books I've read usually begin well after the spread of a virus . It was tense throughout and I loved the charcters. Even though there were quite a few characters i did not find it difficult to follow what was happening to them. I really enjoyed this book. Now I'm off to read book 2.
I absolutely loved this storyline. I live in Manchester and I was fascinated by the description of places I know well. It's also refreshing. The majority of ZA books I've read usually begin well after the spread of a virus . It was tense throughout and I loved the charcters. Even though there were quite a few characters i did not find it difficult to follow what was happening to them. I really enjoyed this book. Now I'm off to read book 2.
October 22, 2019
This book was longer than I expected, but well-written. The writing style reminded me quite a lot of I Am Pilgrim; many viewpoints, characters, agents.
That being said, the story itself didn’t wrap up at all. If you’re going in thinking there’s going to be some sort of satisfying conclusion, you’ll need to read the next books for that. And, as of right now, I can’t be bothered to commit to reading the next books.
That being said, the story itself didn’t wrap up at all. If you’re going in thinking there’s going to be some sort of satisfying conclusion, you’ll need to read the next books for that. And, as of right now, I can’t be bothered to commit to reading the next books.
June 7, 2020
It all started in one city and before it could be reported others start to fall. Soon every city across the world is infected. The dead are rising and they infect all who they come in contact with. He finds a girl who has survived. Could she be the cure? Is it already too late to save everyone? See if she is the cure
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.
November 8, 2020
This book really wasn't for me. Normally, I enjoy books that have a bit of detail, but the detail was in the wrong place for me-- nearly two full paragraphs given to a background character, describing her appearance and the flavour and type of crisps she was eating. Overall, there was to much tedious detail. I ended up quitting it, thinking I would get back to it, but I haven't looked at it in a month. One star.
January 17, 2021
Powerful and thrilling
I've read alot of zombie stories and most them blend into each other. You know what's coming and can predict it. The way the book has been written draws you in. You know the zombie virus is coming but each character is described in such a way you still feel like you have to keep reading. That you have to see what happens to them. I loved this book and can not wait to read more.
I've read alot of zombie stories and most them blend into each other. You know what's coming and can predict it. The way the book has been written draws you in. You know the zombie virus is coming but each character is described in such a way you still feel like you have to keep reading. That you have to see what happens to them. I loved this book and can not wait to read more.
April 17, 2021
This book is scary. Scary because its proceedings eerily mirror what is happening in the world right now. Being the first book of the series, The Spread establishes the basic story in all its gory and cataclysmic detail. The writing is superb and the author's attention to detail is a bonus. I was definitely shaken, at times shaken to the core while reading this book. Definitely enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 23, 2019
I love this book and I am looking forward to the next book. I do love apocalyptic stories and this one is one of my favorites that I've read so far. It was a page-turner for me right from the beginning. I cannot wait for the next book.
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 28, 2020
Different than normal zompoc.
I love zombie fiction, but after reading so many there are similarities, which can make a story predictable. This book doesn't follow the normal story lines, it brings a new type of zombie fiction to the table. I would highly recommend this book to any one looking for a slightly different zombie read.
I love zombie fiction, but after reading so many there are similarities, which can make a story predictable. This book doesn't follow the normal story lines, it brings a new type of zombie fiction to the table. I would highly recommend this book to any one looking for a slightly different zombie read.
September 26, 2020
If you love straight up Zombie action then this book is right up your alley.
There are no gangs of humans attacking humans but there is plenty of Zombies attacking to make up for it. This virus makes Covid-19 seem like a mild cold. Humanity has one chance and that is a woman who is immune.
This series is not ending soon so get into it from the start.
There are no gangs of humans attacking humans but there is plenty of Zombies attacking to make up for it. This virus makes Covid-19 seem like a mild cold. Humanity has one chance and that is a woman who is immune.
This series is not ending soon so get into it from the start.
March 28, 2021
Couldn't finish it
It took over a 100 pages (1/3) of the book to explain how the virus spread before the actual outbreak occurred, the exposition for characters and the virus was far, far too long and when it did finalky begin the zombies behaved almost theatrically and in a completely ludicrous manner to point thst it was cringe worthy, couldn't even finish this nonsense
It took over a 100 pages (1/3) of the book to explain how the virus spread before the actual outbreak occurred, the exposition for characters and the virus was far, far too long and when it did finalky begin the zombies behaved almost theatrically and in a completely ludicrous manner to point thst it was cringe worthy, couldn't even finish this nonsense
February 10, 2019
Love it
Starts out from the beginning. Grabs you and brings along from the start of the very first infected. Great characters and story line. I love zombie genre but few take the time to build from the very first zombie on. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
Starts out from the beginning. Grabs you and brings along from the start of the very first infected. Great characters and story line. I love zombie genre but few take the time to build from the very first zombie on. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2019
Slow Read
I love the zombie genre but i found this book a little slow,like trying to run thru mud. There is potential and I would like to see what happens but if the following books are as slow as i found this one.... There is no way i would be able to stay awake to finish them.
I love the zombie genre but i found this book a little slow,like trying to run thru mud. There is potential and I would like to see what happens but if the following books are as slow as i found this one.... There is no way i would be able to stay awake to finish them.
August 3, 2019
Zombie.book with a difference.
This book.is different from many zombie books,to start with it's in England
so the population don't have guns,and you don't go from 1 or 2 zombies to thousands, a slow build up that gets better and better.
This book.is different from many zombie books,to start with it's in England
so the population don't have guns,and you don't go from 1 or 2 zombies to thousands, a slow build up that gets better and better.
October 17, 2019
Brilliant!
Scary to know how quick and easy it could happen. Once I started reading it was heard to put down. A refreshing take on the typical zombie story....well done Mr Seville for a fantastic read - can't wait to start the next book!
Scary to know how quick and easy it could happen. Once I started reading it was heard to put down. A refreshing take on the typical zombie story....well done Mr Seville for a fantastic read - can't wait to start the next book!
July 30, 2020
The Spread
A brilliant thrilling masterpiece!! It makes you think is covid-19 the precursor to the zombie apocalypse? (yes I am joking ) but if you like an action and thrill packed tale of how it may occur buy this book. I loved it!!!!
A brilliant thrilling masterpiece!! It makes you think is covid-19 the precursor to the zombie apocalypse? (yes I am joking ) but if you like an action and thrill packed tale of how it may occur buy this book. I loved it!!!!
January 23, 2021
The Lazarus virus, a manmade virus, has hit the world creating chaos. It spreads so fast that control is lost almost immediately with the only hope for humanity resting with Nick Carter and his special forces team who may have located someone with immunity.
December 3, 2022
Great book
A new angle on the coming apocalypse. Who would ever think that we would turn into zombies. Scary thought. A great book, well written and keeps you glued to it. I recommend reading to all the apocalypse lovers.
A new angle on the coming apocalypse. Who would ever think that we would turn into zombies. Scary thought. A great book, well written and keeps you glued to it. I recommend reading to all the apocalypse lovers.
January 8, 2019
Great book
Great book. A new twist on the Z Poc. I am really looking forward to the next boom. Keep them coming!
Great book. A new twist on the Z Poc. I am really looking forward to the next boom. Keep them coming!
March 20, 2019
Fantastic
Picked it up and never put it down! Wow, loved it. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Will Nick survive?
Picked it up and never put it down! Wow, loved it. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Will Nick survive?
April 19, 2019
Loved the book
The genre has been done to death, with greater and lesser levels of success - this book is certainly one of the more successful, looking forward to the next book.
The genre has been done to death, with greater and lesser levels of success - this book is certainly one of the more successful, looking forward to the next book.
October 7, 2019
Excellent. Really well written with lots of sun plots that all inter link at the end. Can’t wIt to read next book
February 17, 2020
The Spread
Loved the book cannot Waite for the next one , bring it on , got my gun and extra food ready. lol
Loved the book cannot Waite for the next one , bring it on , got my gun and extra food ready. lol
May 7, 2020
Very slow winded
It took ages to get anywhere in this story , I ended up skipping pages just to get to the very limited good parts
It took ages to get anywhere in this story , I ended up skipping pages just to get to the very limited good parts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews