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The Dice Are Cast...
Death Watches and Waits

The sanctuary walls were breached and through them poured screaming hordes of night runners. About to be overrun, the survivors formed a last stand against the thousands that threatened to end their existence. Inexplicably, the night runners, who were on the verge of taking one of the last vestiges of humanity, departed, carrying the limp body of Lynn with them.

Communications with the compound failed as Jack was out searching for additional survivors, leaving him unaware of what was happening at home. A tragedy sends him rushing back where he learns about the attack and Lynn being taken. Not knowing if she's alive or dead, he sets off in search for her.

A mysterious image is sent setting forth a confrontation with Sandra, the female night runner responsible for the attack on the sanctuary. Is Lynn alive or is this some elaborate trap? Jack will put everything on the line in order to find out.

When logical reasoning fails...
Insanity must be expected

Audible Audio

First published April 28, 2013

41 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

About the author

John O'Brien

45 books285 followers
John O'Brien is a former Air Force fighter instructor pilot who transitioned to Special Operations for the latter part of his career gathering his campaign ribbon for Desert Storm. Immediately following his military service, John became a firefighter/EMT with a local department. Along with becoming a firefighter, he fell into the Information Technology industry in corporate management. Currently, John is writing full-time.

As a former marathon runner, John lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and can now be found kayaking out in the waters of Puget Sound, mountain biking in the Capital Forest, hiking in the Olympic Peninsula, or pedaling his road bike along the many scenic roads.

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5 stars
495 (54%)
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304 (33%)
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87 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Paige.
13 reviews
May 3, 2013
Takedown the latest book of the A New World series provides all the elements one would expect from the zombie apocalypse, vivid details, heart stopping excitement, triple thrill action and a touch of humor. The characters portrayed are strong, well seasoned civilians and military who work well as a team. John provides the reader a glimpse into the thoughts of his characters, their fear, compassion and loyalty without diminishing from the essence of the story.
I found myself unable to stop reading, wanting to find out how Jack and the teams solve the problems thrown at them, deal with personal issues, fight off night runners and get home safe to the sanctuary. I agree with the other reviewers - this is by far the best book ... yet!
Profile Image for Amanda Davies.
22 reviews
February 4, 2018
I didn’t think I could be more captivated, I mean what the heck??? I was I the edge of my seat, my reactions reminded me of watching a film and shouting at the screen don’t do that..... fantastic book on to the next one now
Profile Image for lynn.
10 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2018
How can an author this awful publish ?
Profile Image for Cindy.
18 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2019
This series keeps getting better. I know I will soon run out and that is sad!
Profile Image for Corinne Marshall.
409 reviews10 followers
September 12, 2019
Another Thrilling book to this Series. Love how some of the night walkers are evolving. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Jim Scriven.
313 reviews17 followers
August 17, 2023
Great next level to this series. And that ending! O’Brien continues to deliver on hints and nuggets he’s dropped earlier in the series. So good.
Profile Image for Linda.
9 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2013
Just gets better and better. One hell of a series!!, May 18, 2013

This review is from: A New World: Takedown (Paperback)
I just finished this, the 7th book in 'The New world' series. I turned off my Kindle, GOT OUT OF BED AND TURNED ON MY PC so I could write this review. It's 3 in the morning!!! Damn book got me so pumped!! Mr. O'Brien gets you, puts you on a tightrope, the stress is incredible, and just when you think you're finally safe on the ground, the earth opens under your feet. Don't know whether to hit him in the nose or kiss him. (I've seen his picture, so I would have to kiss him)

What an incredible man this author is. Read his bio, and then read this series from the beginning. Each book gets better and better. You will love the characters and the survival ideas they come up with. Oh, I forgot to mention the zombies. Lots and lots of zombies.

This is not your run-of-the-mill Zombie Apocalypse series either. There is a twist in this story that makes it stand out. If you're curious, you'll have to buy the book. Just buy the first one and soon you'll understand, and you won't have to wait with bated breath for the next one like I did. You'll be able to devour, at least, 7 of them in a row. And yes, so can I by just rereading them, and I have; I'm pretty sure I will again.

There is nothing I love more then reading a book good enough to immerse me in its world. So I feel I owe Mr. O'Brien a debt of gratitude for letting me hang out with Jack et al.
239 reviews
December 13, 2015
If the creatures die from sunlight exposure, why aren't we seeing that used as a weapon? I'd suggest punching holes in walls and roofs, using mirrors or metal reflectors to light a lobby further, perhaps using a prism or disco ball to spread the light through a room. Haven't seen anybody using a generator with ultraviolet lamps to clear out a building. The author has made it clear that Jack believes that sunlight would be torture, but certainly some of the groups he met would have no such compunctions. From the foreword of the next book, I see that the creatures wouldn't be susceptible to commercial UV lights or grow lamps, but none of the characters in the series have even tested UV lighting, so how would they know? As I see it, the creatures are fighting a losing battle. The environment itself will kill them in minutes if their shelter is compromised. Like the classic vampire, this monster has fatal flaws that should prevent it from dominating the world.

There a handful of errors that should have been caught by the editor. For instance, a physicist is not the same as a physician.

The writing style seems designed for a television miniseries - with lots of descriptions that are meant to be developed into computer generated graphics as done by the CSI series. In my opinion, each book should be able to stand alone as a story, and not end with such an obvious cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
October 23, 2015
Several of the oddities concerning the Night Runners come to a head. The convert staying in the sanctuary falls off the wagon, so to speak. Missing the excitement of the hunt and the taste of blood, takes his nightly stroll in the compound only this time he opens the main gate allowing thousands of Night Runners led by Sandra to overrun sanctuary. According to Sandra's demented plan, including a shock to all the survivors, the Night Runners capture Lynn and retreat back to their lair. They had the survivors by the short hairs and could have wiped them out, but Sandra held to her insane...jealousy? snatching Lynn and calling the Night Runners off. Many of the Night Runners left Sandra in anger, joining with Michael knowing they could have killed all the "two-legged ones" feasting in grand style. Michael was none too pleased to say the least, increasing the animosity between Sandra and himself. Jack is off on a two week mission fulfilling a promise to a dozen of his troops in search of family members. The poop will definitely hit the fan when Jack returns! The sub captain has decided to throw in with Jack, has made his way to the rendezvous point, and is waiting for Jack to arrive. Jack returns to sanctuary with another 80 survivors, bringing their total to 330 now, and immediately plans to find and rescue Lynn are made.
Profile Image for T.W. Brown.
Author 96 books303 followers
May 22, 2013
How fortunate to have been able to read an advanced copy of this book. I have read the entire series and John O'Brien brings so much to the table that you will want to keep this series around and read it again over time. This book is one that will leave you gasping and wondering just how soon before the next book in the series comes out.

O'Brien brings in an element to this genre that adds vast amounts of credibility. Yes, it is an apocalyptic even, but infuse it with some "Tom Clancy" styled military flavor and this story goes where so many fear to tread. Yes, the central protagonist has some skills that the average "Joe" lacks, but he is not perfect, nor is he infallible. He just happens to have his stuff wired a little tighter than most people.

A New World: Takedown is O'Brien's risky expansion into giving his night runners a sense of cognition. While I was hesitant at first out of my odd sense of "traditionalism", this story won me over because it was done right by a talented author who has etched his name into a slot of my favorites.

No spoilers here. Read it for yourself....then set it down for a few minutes...pick it up and read it again.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
90 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2013
What a great way to start a book - from page one you are thrown in the deep end, right in the middle of an intense battle that is taking place. Thousands of night runners had invaded the sanctuary, and hundreds lay dead, but they were there on a mission and nothing would stop them from completing that mission. Once they had what they came for, they left, just like that.

That was just the start. From page one right up until the last page, it was non-stop action. Intense, heart stopping action. At one stage in the book I counted four different nail biting encounters happening with various characters all at the same time. I was even tempted at one stage to `skim read' to find out what was happening at another location, but I never did, I just breathed deeply and carried on reading.

This was an awesome book. I have probably read well over a thousand books in my life, but this one will always stand out as one of the greats.
Profile Image for Erika.
30 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2013
This is the 7th in the New World series and I have read them all. Written by an Air Force veteran, therenis a degree of realism that I really enjoy. Over the last 5 months, I've read a great many dystopian novels. This series is one of my favorites because the characters are very likeable, mostly logical and sincere. The reflection on the response of our military personnel in such circumstances fascinates me. I'm a proud Air Force brat with tremendous admiration and respect for our servicemen and women. Speaking of whom, women are well represented in both number and strength of character in the books.
There is only thing that bothers me: the stories could use a bit more editing and proofreading. Verb-subject agreement, spelling errors and missing words irritate me to no end. This is usually a deal breaker for me though the story is compelling enough that I eagerly read on to see what will happen next.
Profile Image for Jett Cat.
123 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2013
Um, I know this just came out, but when is the next due? I tried to savor and read slow, but alas I failed and burned through it!

Junkie needing her fix here!


I know it is repetitive to say the same thing, but I really just enjoy these! Keep it comming! On the edge here!

I love this series! Normal people, okay maybe they are far more witty than I am, but I wish I had thier smarmy come-backs!

Anyways, way fun, emotional, sorta zombie infected / omega man type ragers who make life hell for our heros!

I reccomend this series for anyone who likes witty, well written post apocalypse, zombie, or adventure stories!
Profile Image for Jessica.
15 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2013
This has to be my favorite series. Once I start reading it, I honestly can't stop. It is very well written. Usually by the time a series gets to it's 4th or 5th book, I am ready for it to end. I just finished the 8th book in this series and I think I could honestly enjoy 10 more!!!!! The story line is always fresh, there isn't too much drama between the characters. In my opinion, this book is very realistic in the events. Thank you, John, for writing this series!
36 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2014
Still hooked and that's not changing!

so much has happened since the being of the series and how the characters have had to adapt to this new world. Jack sure does care a whole lot of responsibility but can't seem to find the perfect person to pass responsibility to. all he knows at the moment that everyone's life depends on him and wouldn't want someone else carrying that heavy burden. next book...
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews32 followers
April 21, 2016
I am on to book 8....I loved this one...the search and rescue for the soldiers...finding others and helping people.... .The Rescue of Lynn...and yet ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!!!!!! Book 8 is in my ears now! LOL Jack is a GREAT main character...his snarkiness and love for others is remarkable and makes me just adore him!!!
Profile Image for Robert.
206 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2013
This series was only supposed to last for 3 books...can't seem to decide when to end, though...not bad...not typical zombies, but OK. Hate the way they are getting intelligent...should stick to keeping them as animals.
Profile Image for Farmer Lily.
28 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2013
Copied from my review on Amazon:
... I swear you just get better with each book. The way you take the critiques and then improve that lil, (I mean lil), weakness is talent. This ending, as usual, left me stunned! If you hinted at it, I didn't catch it. Leaves me wondering...who?!
32 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2013
Another great book in the series. I am loving how fast the books are coming out. John, we need to talk about the cliff hanger ending on this one. Your killing me here. Thanks for the great story, fantastic world, and the well thought out environment.
Profile Image for Julie Jones.
80 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2013
awesome. Omgoodness can't wait to read the next one....pins n needles. O Brian better hurry :)
7 reviews
May 14, 2013
This is a wonderful series! Its heart pounding and action packed. i highly recommend u to try this book ;)
Profile Image for Heidi Frese.
62 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2013
Liked this less than previous books by this author, but still an entertaining read. I need a GREAT BOOK to read!
Profile Image for Morgan.
40 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2013
I absolutely love the way these books are written. John O'Brien has put such amazing details and accurate descriptions! I have loved the whole series so far, and can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Jason.
7 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2013
Absolutely epic thrill right that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire read!
Profile Image for Theresa.
5 reviews
November 10, 2013
John never disappoints! This series is one of my favorites, and I follow him avidly on Facebook anxiously awaiting each new addition to the series.
Profile Image for Brandon.
556 reviews35 followers
May 20, 2016
This installment was one of my favorite ones out of the last few. The ending is a major cliffhanger though.... fair warning.
Profile Image for Geoff.
Author 87 books129 followers
March 10, 2025
Great series here. I can't stop reading them.
Now, on to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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