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Zournal #3
Scorched Earth
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
The Keys are an ideal vacation destination until Frank and 50 of his closest friends get stuck there during a Zombie Apocalypse. They think the ride to get there took forever, wait until they try to get out! At the end of their journey lies a meetup with Steve and his crew. They're at the tail end of working on getting out of Florida when they run into each other. Join Steve and Frank and the rest of the gang as they fight their way towards the cabin in Tennessee they are hoping will be their sanctuary.
The Keys are an ideal vacation destination until Frank and 50 of his closest friends get stuck there during a Zombie Apocalypse. They think the ride to get there took forever, wait until they try to get out! At the end of their journey lies a meetup with Steve and his crew. They're at the tail end of working on getting out of Florida when they run into each other. Join Steve and Frank and the rest of the gang as they fight their way towards the cabin in Tennessee they are hoping will be their sanctuary.
- GenresZombies
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2017
85 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Merritt
37 books468 followersLiving in a lighthouse as a child led me early to a love of reading. Despite what you may have been told the life of a lighthouse keeper's son is not all Glamour and Parties. There's a lot of time when there really isn't much to do besides wonder if the fog horn has finally made you deaf or watch your dad pull fishing lures out of different parts of people's bodies. (You'd be amazed!)
Two of my favorite houses growing up!
I read. I read a lot. We had a 'reading caterpillar' around the room at my school where every time you read a book you put your name on your color paper and hung it up. The teacher had to give me two colors because it was looking more like a worm than a caterpillar. I devoured CS Lewis before moving on to Tolkien. Reading has continued to be a big part of my life. I've moved into Alternative Realities by guys like Stirling and my guilty pleasure is Zombie novels. I can't seem to get enough of them!
I like reading about the extremes people will go to to survive. The ones who can rise above the rest and keep their sense of right and wrong. When humanity crumbles around them these flawed heroes stand tall and try to make their way. They go from struggling to pay the phone bill to struggling to keep themselves and others alive. I like to see how this either hardens or breaks them. I think these stories speak at a very primal level. I enjoy the journey greatly as I get to tag along seeing how the survivors manage and how the experience forges them into something more than they were.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you all!
Sincerely,
R S Merritt
Two of my favorite houses growing up!
I read. I read a lot. We had a 'reading caterpillar' around the room at my school where every time you read a book you put your name on your color paper and hung it up. The teacher had to give me two colors because it was looking more like a worm than a caterpillar. I devoured CS Lewis before moving on to Tolkien. Reading has continued to be a big part of my life. I've moved into Alternative Realities by guys like Stirling and my guilty pleasure is Zombie novels. I can't seem to get enough of them!
I like reading about the extremes people will go to to survive. The ones who can rise above the rest and keep their sense of right and wrong. When humanity crumbles around them these flawed heroes stand tall and try to make their way. They go from struggling to pay the phone bill to struggling to keep themselves and others alive. I like to see how this either hardens or breaks them. I think these stories speak at a very primal level. I enjoy the journey greatly as I get to tag along seeing how the survivors manage and how the experience forges them into something more than they were.
I look forward to sharing the journey with you all!
Sincerely,
R S Merritt
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 14, 2019
Awesome
What I mentioned in book one and book two also applies to book three. This series does not have to be read in order. However, I recommended it. This series is a zombie apocalypse that is not glorified but the ugly naked truth. It not a series for those that need a safe place and are easily offended. It can be triggers for people with suicide and rape.
I give it 4 stars for a few parts that I thought could be better explain, the grammar, and the brutal reality that can happen during a zombie apocalypse. This book shows more of the evil of humanity. One cannot always be at there best when enduring continuous traumas. Everyone handles trauma differently. This is shown throughout the series. I am reading the next book.
🇺🇸🐾
What I mentioned in book one and book two also applies to book three. This series does not have to be read in order. However, I recommended it. This series is a zombie apocalypse that is not glorified but the ugly naked truth. It not a series for those that need a safe place and are easily offended. It can be triggers for people with suicide and rape.
I give it 4 stars for a few parts that I thought could be better explain, the grammar, and the brutal reality that can happen during a zombie apocalypse. This book shows more of the evil of humanity. One cannot always be at there best when enduring continuous traumas. Everyone handles trauma differently. This is shown throughout the series. I am reading the next book.
🇺🇸🐾
October 1, 2019
I just noticed I never left a written review for this one. It's been a while since I visited Steve's version of the Apocalypse but the cover sure takes me back. Late nights and early mornings of closing my eyes and opening them in the dirt covered world where every decision held life or death consequences. Forced to adapt and wielding sarcasm like a ten year old with a switchblade he puts one foot in front of the other to survive.
It's written from the first person like the other books in this series which let me really experience it through Steve's eyes. It kept it real and raw for me and I loved writing it. I've loved all the positive feedback I've received from readers on it! Now it's time to dive back into my newest Zombies! series and see what's going down in a dark, deserted parking garage.
It's written from the first person like the other books in this series which let me really experience it through Steve's eyes. It kept it real and raw for me and I loved writing it. I've loved all the positive feedback I've received from readers on it! Now it's time to dive back into my newest Zombies! series and see what's going down in a dark, deserted parking garage.
January 15, 2021
Watching the Steve and Co's progress was something else. I can't believe they survived all those zombies only to...
...well, you'll never know unless you read the Zournal series, now will you?
...well, you'll never know unless you read the Zournal series, now will you?
April 9, 2020
Just gets better and better!
Lots of editing issues but hey it's worth the quick slowdown to translate when the story is so good. Thanks for the read!
Lots of editing issues but hey it's worth the quick slowdown to translate when the story is so good. Thanks for the read!
October 29, 2017
4.5 stars!
October 3, 2020
Non stop chasing Zombies or running from them.
I chose this book because I haven't read one on Zombies in several years. I thought it was a great, action packed read from the very beginning and through out to the end. I plan on reading another of the authors as there is never a dull moment in this one.
I chose this book because I haven't read one on Zombies in several years. I thought it was a great, action packed read from the very beginning and through out to the end. I plan on reading another of the authors as there is never a dull moment in this one.
December 30, 2020
Can't wait for the next one.
As I try to type this review I wipe tears shed for the loss and grit my teeth with resolve for the new battle plan. Can't wait to read the next
As I try to type this review I wipe tears shed for the loss and grit my teeth with resolve for the new battle plan. Can't wait to read the next
February 24, 2023
A lot of continuity errors in this along with the normal I've come to expect in regards to grammar and wording issues where sentences dont make sense at times. I really had to push myself through this one to finish it because of the issues. The attempts at humor are also starting to dry out on me and I find myself rolling my eyes more often rather than enjoying the attempts at humor in this apocalypse.
I guess I shouldn't expect too much out of a zombie apocalypse setting because I find most of them to be rather mindless entertainment but I do expect the author to at least remember things that happened a book before the new entry into a series, such as Thomas being bitten in book 2 and then having "been the only one of the group to not be bitten by anything" in this book. If the author can't keep their story straight and coherent, how the hell can I?
At this point I largely feel that I just have to brute force my way through the rest of this series and hope I can muster through the last 3 books without wanting to throw my phone against a wall in frustration.
I guess I shouldn't expect too much out of a zombie apocalypse setting because I find most of them to be rather mindless entertainment but I do expect the author to at least remember things that happened a book before the new entry into a series, such as Thomas being bitten in book 2 and then having "been the only one of the group to not be bitten by anything" in this book. If the author can't keep their story straight and coherent, how the hell can I?
At this point I largely feel that I just have to brute force my way through the rest of this series and hope I can muster through the last 3 books without wanting to throw my phone against a wall in frustration.
June 21, 2019
Not horrible read
So North Korea? Not a story where people build a community. Movement is life . Not sure theh will explain how zombies keep finding them hidden in buildings.
So North Korea? Not a story where people build a community. Movement is life . Not sure theh will explain how zombies keep finding them hidden in buildings.
August 20, 2020
Another excellent step in the storyline of Steve and his band of survivors. I would've finished this book much faster, if the hockey playoffs hadn't started. Whenever I picked it back up, I had to almost pry it out of my hands, so I could get some sleep! I find his books an excellent mix of survival story and high energy action. I especially love a book that has a storyline where I think twice about reading it at bedtime. Sometimes the excitement I get from the zombie action gets my adrenaline going! Merritt's books do exactly that! Its been a long time since I've read a zombie series that I've been so enthralled in(probably David Moody's Autumn series?)!! The only thing i still am not sure about yet, is the North Korea invasion angle? But I'm excited to see how it goes! (I've already started the next one and excellent so far). If you are a lover of zombie fiction, I totally recommend you give this series a try.
November 7, 2021
Wow!!!
Wow another great sequence to R S Merritt's , Zournal series!!! But again, there are a lot of errors that need to be corrected. The good thing though, is that it doesn't take anything from the series. Again the author, or the reader, can see everything by looking on Goodreads and checking out my highlights. Now, ON TO BOOK FOUR!!!! Kick some N.K. and zombie butt!!!!!!!!
Wow another great sequence to R S Merritt's , Zournal series!!! But again, there are a lot of errors that need to be corrected. The good thing though, is that it doesn't take anything from the series. Again the author, or the reader, can see everything by looking on Goodreads and checking out my highlights. Now, ON TO BOOK FOUR!!!! Kick some N.K. and zombie butt!!!!!!!!
January 8, 2024
A ways to go.
I love the plot of this book. Telling about their struggles and survival. Following their emotional journey as they travel across the United States. You are cheering for them to get out of their situation.
I love the plot of this book. Telling about their struggles and survival. Following their emotional journey as they travel across the United States. You are cheering for them to get out of their situation.
July 4, 2018
I really like how these books are keeping up the action and keeping me interested. However you just offed one of my favorite good guys. Please no more dead good guys. We need all of them to make it from now on!!!
July 1, 2023
Journal book 3
I loved this book I get so close the characters then they die. You never know who or how. I can't wait for book 4.
I loved this book I get so close the characters then they die. You never know who or how. I can't wait for book 4.
February 13, 2022
A good story
I enjoyed the story and characters. The editing was better in this book than the previous 2 books. I plan to go on to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the story and characters. The editing was better in this book than the previous 2 books. I plan to go on to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2023
excellent
Great story and just keeps getting better
Can’t wait to read on
Watch out bad guys
They’re coming for you
Great story and just keeps getting better
Can’t wait to read on
Watch out bad guys
They’re coming for you
October 18, 2019
Still a few edits needed, but I am over them now. The writing is better, the storyline good, I feel the pain! Onto book 4 and beyond. Keep up the good work.
January 1, 2022
Still a going strong!
This is a solid series that can go against any of the bigger name authors. It still needs a little editing, but it is easily forgiven. Well worth the time to read. Thanks you for sharing your work with us, Mr. Merritt.
This is a solid series that can go against any of the bigger name authors. It still needs a little editing, but it is easily forgiven. Well worth the time to read. Thanks you for sharing your work with us, Mr. Merritt.
April 3, 2021
Kick a read
Love this series. Late discovering it but glad I did. Its witty. It has comic relief in the middle of a pandemic zombie experiment gone wrong what's not to like
Love this series. Late discovering it but glad I did. Its witty. It has comic relief in the middle of a pandemic zombie experiment gone wrong what's not to like
November 13, 2025
I read/watch and listen to a lot of post apocalyptic stories. Not all zombie related but a fair share are. I didn’t know what to expect as I’m not a fan on humor for honors sake but Steve won me over instantly.
At first the AI generated narration didn’t bother me. Then it irked me when it would say words correctly and then screw them up. Turn it dawned on me I’ve fallen for narrators so much so I’ve bought books from authors I’ve never read simply because I love the narrator and that my support/tolerance/mere acceptance of this book would be in the long term jeopardizing their professions.
With all that said. Books are amazing. AI narration does well but wish it had been a human. I enjoyed enough to be willing to give author a look at other book but not if read by AI. One of the best apocalyptic zombie could be true yet not since Feed!
At first the AI generated narration didn’t bother me. Then it irked me when it would say words correctly and then screw them up. Turn it dawned on me I’ve fallen for narrators so much so I’ve bought books from authors I’ve never read simply because I love the narrator and that my support/tolerance/mere acceptance of this book would be in the long term jeopardizing their professions.
With all that said. Books are amazing. AI narration does well but wish it had been a human. I enjoyed enough to be willing to give author a look at other book but not if read by AI. One of the best apocalyptic zombie could be true yet not since Feed!
July 28, 2021
Awesome series.
Sure there are many spelling and grammar mistakes, but still easy to follow this very entertaining series. A serious book, but parts of book one, I was laughing so hard I was crying. Just finished book 3 and happy there is more in the series.
Sure there are many spelling and grammar mistakes, but still easy to follow this very entertaining series. A serious book, but parts of book one, I was laughing so hard I was crying. Just finished book 3 and happy there is more in the series.
April 24, 2020
I powered through it
I loved the characters.
I hated all the inconsistencies.
First the twins were two boys... then boy girl and then boys again...
Character names keep getting mixed up.
Seemingly key details are changed in middle of story, changing the narrative. Got a bit racist in the end. I hate that :( I read the other series 1st which I loved despite al the errors. This is just heartbreaking. I won’t be finishing. I get we need an enemy in the story but this isn’t the way. Too many errors. Mixed up details. Messes up edits. A lot of “are you serious?” I’m sad. I love the writing style but hate the mistakes and the direction this series took.
I loved the characters.
I hated all the inconsistencies.
First the twins were two boys... then boy girl and then boys again...
Character names keep getting mixed up.
Seemingly key details are changed in middle of story, changing the narrative. Got a bit racist in the end. I hate that :( I read the other series 1st which I loved despite al the errors. This is just heartbreaking. I won’t be finishing. I get we need an enemy in the story but this isn’t the way. Too many errors. Mixed up details. Messes up edits. A lot of “are you serious?” I’m sad. I love the writing style but hate the mistakes and the direction this series took.
February 27, 2021
Another great series by this author
This author has a great mind for the zombiepoc genre. I’m addicted to all of the books so far. If I have one gripe it’s that it still needs considerable editing. The flaws aren’t enough to make it hard to read at all. But very noticeable.
I seriously want to mail them some really great baklava and a balaclava and explain the difference. 🤣 In the other series by them I giggled at really inappropriate times because so many people were wearing baklava. Which we all know is delicious but very sticky.
This author has a great mind for the zombiepoc genre. I’m addicted to all of the books so far. If I have one gripe it’s that it still needs considerable editing. The flaws aren’t enough to make it hard to read at all. But very noticeable.
I seriously want to mail them some really great baklava and a balaclava and explain the difference. 🤣 In the other series by them I giggled at really inappropriate times because so many people were wearing baklava. Which we all know is delicious but very sticky.
March 3, 2018
Still "keep reading"
I'm headed for book 4, so I'm sticking with my initial recommendation to "keep reading" though I do have to admit book 3 was the best yet. Still going with a 4 because there are still places where the wrong "there/they're/their" is used, or the wrong name is in a scene and quite frankly, still places where I debated reading something else. all in all though, I'm still glad I've kept reading.
I'm headed for book 4, so I'm sticking with my initial recommendation to "keep reading" though I do have to admit book 3 was the best yet. Still going with a 4 because there are still places where the wrong "there/they're/their" is used, or the wrong name is in a scene and quite frankly, still places where I debated reading something else. all in all though, I'm still glad I've kept reading.
August 16, 2022
A really good zombie book
There's not anything here that is amazing or unique if you read zombie books. But it is a really good zombie book. Likeable characters who grow and change and come up with solutions to their apocalypse problems.
If you like zombie books in general, you'll like this series.
There's not anything here that is amazing or unique if you read zombie books. But it is a really good zombie book. Likeable characters who grow and change and come up with solutions to their apocalypse problems.
If you like zombie books in general, you'll like this series.
August 6, 2021
Great read following the group of survivors struggling to stay one step ahead of the zombies and, now, a new enemy who wants to kill them as much as the zombies. Can’t wait to start Book 4 in the series to find out they survive this newest threat.
November 25, 2021
Great again, love the series
June 29, 2020
Very good
The storytelling is very entertaining as Steve, Ann, Ginny, Thomas and Reeves continue their journey to Steve’s cabin in Tennessee. As usual their journey is fraught with dangerous situations and injuries.
The storytelling is very entertaining as Steve, Ann, Ginny, Thomas and Reeves continue their journey to Steve’s cabin in Tennessee. As usual their journey is fraught with dangerous situations and injuries.
February 9, 2023
Scorched earth plus!!
I loved everything that this storyline has in it. I feel bad that one of the central characters was killed. He added humor to the entire story. I can't wait to see how the group reacts to his death. RS Merritt is an awesome story teller.
I loved everything that this storyline has in it. I feel bad that one of the central characters was killed. He added humor to the entire story. I can't wait to see how the group reacts to his death. RS Merritt is an awesome story teller.
June 27, 2021
Fast paced with great characters
Nothing to dislike. The pacing is perfect and you can’t stop once you start. These poor magnificent people who not only survive but thrive during the apocalypse.
Nothing to dislike. The pacing is perfect and you can’t stop once you start. These poor magnificent people who not only survive but thrive during the apocalypse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews