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Extinction New Zealand #2
The Fourth Phase
Would you risk it all to save your family? The Hemorrhage Virus tore through America and swept the globe, leaving no country untouched. New Zealand was no exception. Those infected mutated into monsters, monsters that became known as Variants.
Seven weeks have passed since Jack and Dee's quiet world shattered. Along with a small band of survivors, they fled to Mayor Island. Determined to help stem the Variant scourge, they volunteer for what remains of the army. Led by Captain Ben Johns, a grizzly retired NZ SAS soldier, they are sent on a dangerous mission to rescue a scientist. They must call on all their skills and courage to overcome a deadly foe.
They thought the worst was over, but humanity's fight for the future of mankind has just begun. Evil forces have a score to settle with the survivors in New Zealand.
Seven weeks have passed since Jack and Dee's quiet world shattered. Along with a small band of survivors, they fled to Mayor Island. Determined to help stem the Variant scourge, they volunteer for what remains of the army. Led by Captain Ben Johns, a grizzly retired NZ SAS soldier, they are sent on a dangerous mission to rescue a scientist. They must call on all their skills and courage to overcome a deadly foe.
They thought the worst was over, but humanity's fight for the future of mankind has just begun. Evil forces have a score to settle with the survivors in New Zealand.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2017
334 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 13, 2022
In 'The Fourth Phase' - book two of the ENZ series - Dee and Jack are ecstatic to finally be reunited - thanks to the help of the survivors they met along the way. Miraculously, the two groups have converged (though weakened and exhausted) into a formidable assemble - proving many times over they are a force to be reckoned with. Both parties also found and saved several terrified orphaned children - all of whom Jack and Dee love and treat as if they were their own.
Ben is the oldest member as well as the unspoken default group leader. He served for years in the military - and making his seasoned knowledge on warfare survival tactics indispensable. Ben has undoubtedly proven an essential asset for training and preparing this overly exhausted and inexperienced bunch- for any and all foreseeable contingencies....
In this episode we also meet Maggie - who managed to escape from a group of evil men tasked with rounding up humans for the Variants to eat in exchange for sparing their own lives. She is a tough, bright, and a very capable fighter in her right. Like Dee and Jack, her concern is protecting and saving the children - especially after seeing the Variants sporting the heads of kids as decorations on their uniforms.
The survivors have managed to to learn how and why the Variants came into existence. Now, the few remaining are not only fighting for their lives - they must find a way to put an end these extremely intelligent and insidious beasts from hell - if it is not already too late....
Up next: 'The Five Pillars' (ENZ, #3)
Ben is the oldest member as well as the unspoken default group leader. He served for years in the military - and making his seasoned knowledge on warfare survival tactics indispensable. Ben has undoubtedly proven an essential asset for training and preparing this overly exhausted and inexperienced bunch- for any and all foreseeable contingencies....
In this episode we also meet Maggie - who managed to escape from a group of evil men tasked with rounding up humans for the Variants to eat in exchange for sparing their own lives. She is a tough, bright, and a very capable fighter in her right. Like Dee and Jack, her concern is protecting and saving the children - especially after seeing the Variants sporting the heads of kids as decorations on their uniforms.
The survivors have managed to to learn how and why the Variants came into existence. Now, the few remaining are not only fighting for their lives - they must find a way to put an end these extremely intelligent and insidious beasts from hell - if it is not already too late....
Up next: 'The Five Pillars' (ENZ, #3)
December 13, 2020
2.5 Stars
CW: Gore, loss of loved ones
Well this wasn't quite as engaging as the first one. I also struggled to get past the lack of effort to use correct Māori pronunciation. This beautiful language isn't difficult so there isn't really any excuse. I liked that there was a lot of inclusion of Māori culture and some references to historical mistreatment, so it was a shame that the author didn't find a voice actor who had some basic Te Reo Māori proficiency. It was still, however, a fun zombie romp in terms of the story itself.
CW: Gore, loss of loved ones
Well this wasn't quite as engaging as the first one. I also struggled to get past the lack of effort to use correct Māori pronunciation. This beautiful language isn't difficult so there isn't really any excuse. I liked that there was a lot of inclusion of Māori culture and some references to historical mistreatment, so it was a shame that the author didn't find a voice actor who had some basic Te Reo Māori proficiency. It was still, however, a fun zombie romp in terms of the story itself.
March 27, 2020
NZ fights back! Another fun book in the series.
December 8, 2019
The second book was decent.
Yet, it was again in a bubble.
They were rescued by the Maori warriors, and I felt they didn’t do much in return.
Like providing them with supplies or at least a radio to stay in contact. Anything really. They lost over 10 warriors to help them.
Then there is the rescue of Boss and George. They lost so many soldiers with that downed helicopter. I had at least expected for them to rescue some more kidnapped victims to equal the balance. More search in the tunnels down there.
They are in a way self-centred and only concern themselves with the people close to them.
And I felt no remorse coming from the characters afterwards or a befitting addressing of the fallen.
With all the injuries they and the victims endured, they didn’t go to the doctors afterwards instead straight to their house tow shower and then to a party?
How long can a human body endure all the stress, shock and injuries without sleep and rest? They are no trained soldiers. Yet they went on and on and on. It felt unrealistic.
The festivity was misplaced in my opinion, the timing felt wrong.
Why did Ben hold the speech and not James?
The plot threads, the characters and their thought process was too limited.
I missed the bigger picture at times.
A different input. The characters were very similar and didn’t distinguish much from each other to provide different views on things and work together towards a common goal. To illuminate different aspects and view points on a situation.
All the logistics of fuel, food, ammunition and medicine. Where did the resources come from?
Wasn’t there a chain of command, at least it didn’t feel much like it.
Building an infrastructure on the islands, rebuilding a working society? Or recon missions up to missions on clearing the main land? Rescuing survivors?
The first book aimed for Dee and Jack to find each other amidst the outbreak and get somewhere safe. The second book didn’t have a goal. Something to look forward to.
All I read was of them showering, training and rescue someone.
Besides the again repetitive and almost identical romantic feelings and thoughts, the book didn’t offer much of them struggling and working through psychological problems.
For example:
The bubble of having a baby together.
This was all nice and good, but they didn’t think things through. Not once did any of them grapple with the implications and responsibility. There was no depth to that struggle.
Thoughts about medical support, thoughts about settling down somewhere for good and somewhat secure, what about what a baby needs and that one of them isn’t able to fight anymore? All this was neglected.
They only thought about what emotionally prevented them in the past and that caring about orphans awakened maternal instincts. It is all selfish and not thought through. The present and future not playing into it.
And this is what I also criticised in the first book. The lack of depth and a wish for a brighter horizon to the situations and characters.
Book two didn’t deliver and with all the shine and polish the first book was able to get away with, it stood out more in the second book.
Yet, it was again in a bubble.
They were rescued by the Maori warriors, and I felt they didn’t do much in return.
Like providing them with supplies or at least a radio to stay in contact. Anything really. They lost over 10 warriors to help them.
Then there is the rescue of Boss and George. They lost so many soldiers with that downed helicopter. I had at least expected for them to rescue some more kidnapped victims to equal the balance. More search in the tunnels down there.
They are in a way self-centred and only concern themselves with the people close to them.
And I felt no remorse coming from the characters afterwards or a befitting addressing of the fallen.
With all the injuries they and the victims endured, they didn’t go to the doctors afterwards instead straight to their house tow shower and then to a party?
How long can a human body endure all the stress, shock and injuries without sleep and rest? They are no trained soldiers. Yet they went on and on and on. It felt unrealistic.
The festivity was misplaced in my opinion, the timing felt wrong.
Why did Ben hold the speech and not James?
The plot threads, the characters and their thought process was too limited.
I missed the bigger picture at times.
A different input. The characters were very similar and didn’t distinguish much from each other to provide different views on things and work together towards a common goal. To illuminate different aspects and view points on a situation.
All the logistics of fuel, food, ammunition and medicine. Where did the resources come from?
Wasn’t there a chain of command, at least it didn’t feel much like it.
Building an infrastructure on the islands, rebuilding a working society? Or recon missions up to missions on clearing the main land? Rescuing survivors?
The first book aimed for Dee and Jack to find each other amidst the outbreak and get somewhere safe. The second book didn’t have a goal. Something to look forward to.
All I read was of them showering, training and rescue someone.
Besides the again repetitive and almost identical romantic feelings and thoughts, the book didn’t offer much of them struggling and working through psychological problems.
For example:
The bubble of having a baby together.
This was all nice and good, but they didn’t think things through. Not once did any of them grapple with the implications and responsibility. There was no depth to that struggle.
Thoughts about medical support, thoughts about settling down somewhere for good and somewhat secure, what about what a baby needs and that one of them isn’t able to fight anymore? All this was neglected.
They only thought about what emotionally prevented them in the past and that caring about orphans awakened maternal instincts. It is all selfish and not thought through. The present and future not playing into it.
And this is what I also criticised in the first book. The lack of depth and a wish for a brighter horizon to the situations and characters.
Book two didn’t deliver and with all the shine and polish the first book was able to get away with, it stood out more in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2018
We Fight
And at the last we fight. Adrian has written another great book in the realm of The Extinction Cycle. He has brought the death and death of the Variants to New Zealand . This and his twists of Lord of the Rings obtained in to the story and his use of classic rock to spur the small band of hero's on toward The Fight.
And at the last we fight. Adrian has written another great book in the realm of The Extinction Cycle. He has brought the death and death of the Variants to New Zealand . This and his twists of Lord of the Rings obtained in to the story and his use of classic rock to spur the small band of hero's on toward The Fight.
September 25, 2020
I am really enjoying this series and started the next book as soon as I can.
March 13, 2019
This picks up not long after the ending of book 1. Dee, Jack, Boss and George are settling into life on the island. Dee and Jack are being trained by Ben because it will be all hands on deck. Ben, Dee and Jack along with some others are nicknamed The Renegades and are sent on a mission to retrieve a doctor who could help stop the virus. While on the mission the island is attacked and some of the people are taken. Jack knows where they will be taken and The Renegades have another mission to save who they can and take out as many of the Variants as possible.
I loved book 1 and dived into this one straight away. The action never lets up and it was so hard to put this down as there was never a moment where it seemed to stop!! The plot is heating up and the newly formed Renegades have their hands full. I love that the author has such a descriptive writing style as it was so easy to picture the settings. I also loved that he introduced us to the Maori, and their culture.
The characters are always developing and growing. Dee and Jack are thriving in their new army rolls. Ben is as grizzly as ever and Boss is just as awesome. I love that the characters feel so real. Even with the new army training, Jack is still spouting out nerdy references all the time and Dee is getting tougher and stronger.
In all, this book was fast paced, intense and thrilling. The ending left me shocked and I can't wait to see what happens next. This is an author to look out for because his writing style is amazing. I hope we see lots more books from him.
I loved book 1 and dived into this one straight away. The action never lets up and it was so hard to put this down as there was never a moment where it seemed to stop!! The plot is heating up and the newly formed Renegades have their hands full. I love that the author has such a descriptive writing style as it was so easy to picture the settings. I also loved that he introduced us to the Maori, and their culture.
The characters are always developing and growing. Dee and Jack are thriving in their new army rolls. Ben is as grizzly as ever and Boss is just as awesome. I love that the characters feel so real. Even with the new army training, Jack is still spouting out nerdy references all the time and Dee is getting tougher and stronger.
In all, this book was fast paced, intense and thrilling. The ending left me shocked and I can't wait to see what happens next. This is an author to look out for because his writing style is amazing. I hope we see lots more books from him.
January 10, 2021
The second volume in the Extinction NZ series, again deserving 3 stars as a solid apocalypse novel (would give 3 & 1/2 if I could). If you suspend disbelief you can get caught up in the story and enjoy the exciting events, set in a remote country far from more populated areas of the globe...
I have issues however with the 'noble savage' depiction of Maori, and the romantic version of pre-European life in NZ. As a NZer I think this veered into 'woke' territory and glossed over the hard realities and savage inter-tribal warfare of Maori history. It is not as simple as Maori=good and Pakeha= evil as depicted here, there were many, many peaceful and beneficial Maori/Pakeha interactions prior to the treaty being signed. Some balance would have been nice...
There is also no explanation of how fuel, ammunition, medical supplies etc are provided, and it is never really explained how the collaborators managed to side with the Variants.
And I know baddies are required for the storyline, but I really doubt NZers would side with others as depicted here against their own. We sort of have a 'don't be a dickhead' mindset that would have prevailed here I (like to) think...
These are easy things to pick on though, and the good far outweighs the niggles. A pretty good read with much action, some character development and some brutal storylines that keep you entertained. On to book 3 for me...
I have issues however with the 'noble savage' depiction of Maori, and the romantic version of pre-European life in NZ. As a NZer I think this veered into 'woke' territory and glossed over the hard realities and savage inter-tribal warfare of Maori history. It is not as simple as Maori=good and Pakeha= evil as depicted here, there were many, many peaceful and beneficial Maori/Pakeha interactions prior to the treaty being signed. Some balance would have been nice...
There is also no explanation of how fuel, ammunition, medical supplies etc are provided, and it is never really explained how the collaborators managed to side with the Variants.
And I know baddies are required for the storyline, but I really doubt NZers would side with others as depicted here against their own. We sort of have a 'don't be a dickhead' mindset that would have prevailed here I (like to) think...
These are easy things to pick on though, and the good far outweighs the niggles. A pretty good read with much action, some character development and some brutal storylines that keep you entertained. On to book 3 for me...
January 23, 2018
Continuing the storyline from The Rule of Three, Adrian has provided another terrific read. The New Zealand fight against the Variants enters a new phase as the variant alpha known as the Trophy King for the grizzly heads mounted on his shoulder horns. His thick mutated bark-like skin formed pikes above his shoulders, providing him a terrifying mount for his bloody, decaying trophies.
The Renegades, a commando unit of the NZ armed forces, leads the action as they try to stop the depredations of the Trophy King and his minions. The Variants are aided by human collaborators and the action is non-stop!
I was hesitant when Amazon started the Kindle Worlds system, fearing that the story would get watered down or distracted, but I don't mind admitting that I was wrong. Kindle Worlds has brought a storyline that I love - Extinction Cycle - and the new authors and storylines have been top notch, thrilling, bringing the Extinction Cycle into new directions and the authors have done an amazing job putting their own horses in the race. None have done better than Adrian Smith. The New Zealand fight has been a tremendous read, and is a welcome addition to the world of the Hemorrhage Virus and its mutated monsters. A tremendous read, I can't wait for the next chapter.
The Renegades, a commando unit of the NZ armed forces, leads the action as they try to stop the depredations of the Trophy King and his minions. The Variants are aided by human collaborators and the action is non-stop!
I was hesitant when Amazon started the Kindle Worlds system, fearing that the story would get watered down or distracted, but I don't mind admitting that I was wrong. Kindle Worlds has brought a storyline that I love - Extinction Cycle - and the new authors and storylines have been top notch, thrilling, bringing the Extinction Cycle into new directions and the authors have done an amazing job putting their own horses in the race. None have done better than Adrian Smith. The New Zealand fight has been a tremendous read, and is a welcome addition to the world of the Hemorrhage Virus and its mutated monsters. A tremendous read, I can't wait for the next chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
Wow- never have i read a book where all the protagonists do is sh*t on humanity- then fight to survive. Paradoxical and nihilist. Will not be reading #3 and glad i got this from the library
May 8, 2020
These characters smile/grin way too much.
April 15, 2019
Even Better Than The First
For sure this second book in the Extinction New Zealand series is a bit more enjoyable than the first.
It has to do with the pacing and spacing of the action, it seems. Here in the second story the action scenes come at us rapidly. One short scene after another. This is exciting reading.
Of course Adrian Smith is extremely skilled, thus everything else you need to make a great story is ingeniously placed throughout. Including continuing and brand new character development, world building, scene setting, dialogue, humour, emotion, interesting facts/historical or cultural tidbits, on and on........
The first book in this series, on the other hand, did include all of the aforementioned. But the pacing and spacing of the action was just off. The battles (or action) were spaced far apart with lengthy planning periods, or just general plot, in between. Then the action scenes themselves were far too drawn out. Unfortunately, it can become somewhat draAdd in my next point, and you can see why book #2 is showing an uphill curve within this series.......
Finally, from book #1 title: "Romance in Extinction New Zealand," ----- the "Romance" can be removed!
Whereas book #1 in the series was dripping with Romance Novel 101 dialogue and behaviors, thankfully the author dialed it back from a dozen roses to 5 in book #2. Now I have nothing against love. And the love these two characters share is something most people would envy. That said, in book #2 they are training to become special operators. I mean, Even if they were training to be infantry, the situation would be the same. Which is -- no trainer (in our case, Ben) would ever allow hand holding, kissing, neck nuzzling, or even stopping to gaze into each other's eyes, during training, immediately before a battle, in the middle of a battle, or as soon as the action stops. For the extremely obvious reason. These actions could get one, or both, of the lovebirds killed. Or their whole team. And will definitely distract from the mission objective.
So, off to book #3. Can't wait! I'm afraid to be excited. Don't want to really get my hopes up ...... ? But I'm hoping they'll be a boating adventure as part of the in-flight tale........ ??????
For sure this second book in the Extinction New Zealand series is a bit more enjoyable than the first.
It has to do with the pacing and spacing of the action, it seems. Here in the second story the action scenes come at us rapidly. One short scene after another. This is exciting reading.
Of course Adrian Smith is extremely skilled, thus everything else you need to make a great story is ingeniously placed throughout. Including continuing and brand new character development, world building, scene setting, dialogue, humour, emotion, interesting facts/historical or cultural tidbits, on and on........
The first book in this series, on the other hand, did include all of the aforementioned. But the pacing and spacing of the action was just off. The battles (or action) were spaced far apart with lengthy planning periods, or just general plot, in between. Then the action scenes themselves were far too drawn out. Unfortunately, it can become somewhat draAdd in my next point, and you can see why book #2 is showing an uphill curve within this series.......
Finally, from book #1 title: "Romance in Extinction New Zealand," ----- the "Romance" can be removed!
Whereas book #1 in the series was dripping with Romance Novel 101 dialogue and behaviors, thankfully the author dialed it back from a dozen roses to 5 in book #2. Now I have nothing against love. And the love these two characters share is something most people would envy. That said, in book #2 they are training to become special operators. I mean, Even if they were training to be infantry, the situation would be the same. Which is -- no trainer (in our case, Ben) would ever allow hand holding, kissing, neck nuzzling, or even stopping to gaze into each other's eyes, during training, immediately before a battle, in the middle of a battle, or as soon as the action stops. For the extremely obvious reason. These actions could get one, or both, of the lovebirds killed. Or their whole team. And will definitely distract from the mission objective.
So, off to book #3. Can't wait! I'm afraid to be excited. Don't want to really get my hopes up ...... ? But I'm hoping they'll be a boating adventure as part of the in-flight tale........ ??????
December 27, 2017
THIS BOOK WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT, THANK YOU ADRIAN SMITH!!!!
I was a "beta" reader for this Author and his book and all I can say is, it was just as great the second time around. What a great book, from someone becoming one very great Author, which would be Adrian J Smith. This Book picked up right where the first one "The Rule Of Three" left off and it didn't disappoint, not one bit. For an Author starting out he has the writing down to a knack and I for one can't wait for the next installment in this series. Jack and Dee are about the best characters someone could write about and I seriously can't wait to see where "The Five Pillars" will take us, will it be still in the territory of New Zealand or will we get to see what happens now with Maggie and the others on their way to Hawaii and the United States? Also I'm very curious as to what drastic actions Captain Koto takes with the what he held in his hands, the last page and paragraph of the book. Whether he helps the Island or hurts it, we will just have to see as nothing is black and white in what we all call "The Variant Apocalypse". Thank you Adrian Smith for one awesome story and I, like I believe many others, will be waiting for the next book in this great series you have started, as its one definitely to pass on to others. It's great being along for the ride.
I was a "beta" reader for this Author and his book and all I can say is, it was just as great the second time around. What a great book, from someone becoming one very great Author, which would be Adrian J Smith. This Book picked up right where the first one "The Rule Of Three" left off and it didn't disappoint, not one bit. For an Author starting out he has the writing down to a knack and I for one can't wait for the next installment in this series. Jack and Dee are about the best characters someone could write about and I seriously can't wait to see where "The Five Pillars" will take us, will it be still in the territory of New Zealand or will we get to see what happens now with Maggie and the others on their way to Hawaii and the United States? Also I'm very curious as to what drastic actions Captain Koto takes with the what he held in his hands, the last page and paragraph of the book. Whether he helps the Island or hurts it, we will just have to see as nothing is black and white in what we all call "The Variant Apocalypse". Thank you Adrian Smith for one awesome story and I, like I believe many others, will be waiting for the next book in this great series you have started, as its one definitely to pass on to others. It's great being along for the ride.
March 19, 2019
Parenting is tough when you're a fighter in the apocalypse.
Things to know before reading: This is the second book of the New Zealand trilogy which is a "spin-off" of the Extinction Cycle series of books. In my humble opinion, it should be read after "Extinction Edge" by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Note: this book was once part of the Kindle World program. I read the updated version done by the author after the deletion of that program by Amazon. As this is set in a post-apocalyptic world expect violence as well as adult language and situations that may not be appropriate for everyone.
Jack and Dee have been training to help fight against the monsters known as Variants. They believed that the island was protected by fellow soldiers and would be safe for the teenager and young boy under their care. Unfortunately, an Alpha Variant had other plans. Is surviving moment to moment the new norm or will Jack and Dee figure out a way for peace to rule the day?
As a parent who was in the military, I feel for this set of parents-in-training. It's tough to be everywhere. That doesn't stop the instincts from kicking in and making you want to do something you may regret later. It's a great sign when a book can make you feel as though characters and situations are real.
Things to know before reading: This is the second book of the New Zealand trilogy which is a "spin-off" of the Extinction Cycle series of books. In my humble opinion, it should be read after "Extinction Edge" by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. Note: this book was once part of the Kindle World program. I read the updated version done by the author after the deletion of that program by Amazon. As this is set in a post-apocalyptic world expect violence as well as adult language and situations that may not be appropriate for everyone.
Jack and Dee have been training to help fight against the monsters known as Variants. They believed that the island was protected by fellow soldiers and would be safe for the teenager and young boy under their care. Unfortunately, an Alpha Variant had other plans. Is surviving moment to moment the new norm or will Jack and Dee figure out a way for peace to rule the day?
As a parent who was in the military, I feel for this set of parents-in-training. It's tough to be everywhere. That doesn't stop the instincts from kicking in and making you want to do something you may regret later. It's a great sign when a book can make you feel as though characters and situations are real.
June 9, 2024
A solid 3 stars. I don't feel one way or another about this book, if I'm honest. I had some issues with the pacing and the general plot of the story. In particular, I can't help but feel everyone was way more well equipped to deal with the threat of the apocalypse in such a short amount of time than I feel is reasonable, if that makes sense. The characters adjust so quickly that I feel like we miss out on the fun of dealing with rebuilding and finding a place amongst the threat. The characters all feel kind of similar to me, as well. I get wanting everyone to be heroic and brave, but I feel like it would make sense for people to have harsher and more timid reactions to things. I do understand that this was written to be characters familiar with the apocalypse, but I feel like there was little emotion regarding the events that transpire. This isn't to say this is a bad book, and I definitely think the author can write well. It just might not be the type of book for me, necessarily.
January 24, 2025
While generally of similar quality to its predecessor (The Rule of Three) the Fourth Phase fails to really justify its existence, struggling to balance one of its core themes (an exploration of real military tactics versus zombies) with the demands of its genre (horror.)
The Fourth Phase transitions from an action/survival to more just an action horror, with an emphasis more on the action featuring several major conflicts. It's still solid, but much of the horror and the sensation of being hunted that helped make the Rule of Three compelling is absent.
The characters are more or less the same, albeit with more competence due to military training, but do suffer somewhat from the overbearing LOTRs references.
I found the brief racism themes to be a bit uninspired, and a little too mundane for a story about human mutation/experimentation and a zombie apocalypse.
The Fourth Phase transitions from an action/survival to more just an action horror, with an emphasis more on the action featuring several major conflicts. It's still solid, but much of the horror and the sensation of being hunted that helped make the Rule of Three compelling is absent.
The characters are more or less the same, albeit with more competence due to military training, but do suffer somewhat from the overbearing LOTRs references.
I found the brief racism themes to be a bit uninspired, and a little too mundane for a story about human mutation/experimentation and a zombie apocalypse.
March 31, 2025
If you battled your way through what for me was tough going in The Rule Of Three (book one of this series) you will love this second instalment; the characters are all much better developed, the action is non stop but much easier to read, and the story is really good.
Helped by the New Zealand Army, survivors are beginning to settle on offshore islands, but their tranquility is short lived as The Variants learn how to sail. Culminating in a raid on the death facility the children are being held at, and the nearby camp where survivors have turned traitors and capture children in return for their lives, the plot races through the characters’ constant battle to hold back The Variants.
After book one I was somewhat undecided whether to continue the series, I’m very glad I did.
Helped by the New Zealand Army, survivors are beginning to settle on offshore islands, but their tranquility is short lived as The Variants learn how to sail. Culminating in a raid on the death facility the children are being held at, and the nearby camp where survivors have turned traitors and capture children in return for their lives, the plot races through the characters’ constant battle to hold back The Variants.
After book one I was somewhat undecided whether to continue the series, I’m very glad I did.
January 2, 2018
Awesome Read!
Excellent follow up to the first book in the series. This book takes off right from the beginning and takes you on a non-stop action - filled thrill ride! Cover to cover, and every page in between is filled with action, adventure, drama, and suspense. I love the author's writing style. It is easy to make a movie in the mind while reading. The words flow effortlessly across the page painting realistic scenes throughout the book. I couldn't put it down!
Excellent follow up to the first book in the series. This book takes off right from the beginning and takes you on a non-stop action - filled thrill ride! Cover to cover, and every page in between is filled with action, adventure, drama, and suspense. I love the author's writing style. It is easy to make a movie in the mind while reading. The words flow effortlessly across the page painting realistic scenes throughout the book. I couldn't put it down!
December 26, 2017
This riveting follow-up to The Rule of Three has plenty of action, intensity and suspense, tempered with thoughtful, fascinating glimpses of Maori culture. The main characters will keep you intrigued and the Variants are beyond terrifying. The 4th Phase is an excellent addition to the bestselling Extinction Cycle Kindle World series. Looking forward to more great stories from this author.
December 28, 2017
This is a great book 2 in Adrian's storyline in the Extinction Cycle Worlds created by Nicholas Smith. Adrian does an amazing job of making his characters come alive in this post apocalyptic world where people change into creatures right out of your nightmares. I am really looking forward to book 3, to see how Jack, Dee and Boss are getting on.
March 1, 2018
Amazing
Wow, mind blown! Well done Adrian Smith. I love the characters you have developed, they are amazing. Everyday people thrust into dealing with the Varients, monsters in anyway they can to survive and remake a life for themselves. Dee and Jack are true everyday heros. Every page is packed with action and emotion. This specification was epic!
Wow, mind blown! Well done Adrian Smith. I love the characters you have developed, they are amazing. Everyday people thrust into dealing with the Varients, monsters in anyway they can to survive and remake a life for themselves. Dee and Jack are true everyday heros. Every page is packed with action and emotion. This specification was epic!
March 5, 2019
Great series that follows the Extinction Cycle hemorrhagic virus. Jack, Dee, Ben, Boss, George are all wonderful characters that come to life through the pages of this book. The action never slows down. Kill or be killed, fight or die...the monsters just don't want to die. The Renegades do what they have to to save loved ones and to survive. Another great action packed read.
April 22, 2019
There’s always a way out.
Light on prepper detail and laced with interpersonal relationships, the story has a strong foundation. From there it pits the post viral Variants against strong wills and stronger love. Not too many unbelievable action sequences, the main characters go through the wringer. A very enjoyable read.
Light on prepper detail and laced with interpersonal relationships, the story has a strong foundation. From there it pits the post viral Variants against strong wills and stronger love. Not too many unbelievable action sequences, the main characters go through the wringer. A very enjoyable read.
July 18, 2023
Loved this read, as time went on I realized I loved it even more than the first book. Such an awesome series. What continues to ring true, the end of the world is going to be a shit show. Loved the revealing of more details to this story and the background of the variants and how they operate. Looking forward to more, also the ending!!! MIND BLOWN.
January 22, 2024
A highly enjoyable sequel in the series, this one sees Jack and Dee reunited but the threat of the Variants pushed up a notch. There is a lot of action in this one and it flows really well for the most part. Some of the character’s back stories surprised me a little bit (potential triggers for some people) but overall I really found this a tense but enjoyable read.
March 15, 2024
It's not often I can't get through a book but here I am. Close to the end of the second one and I just can't. I'm going to stop here and not move forward with any more of this New Zealand sidequest. The first installment was pretty bad and this one's even worse. I just didn't connect with anything. In fact, this book made me care less about the world in which it inhabits.
December 31, 2017
Prefect
I really hope Adrian Smith is hard at work on book 4 because you can't end a book like that dammit!
This book fits perfectly into the Extinction Cycle and I highly recommend it for any dams of the series.
I really hope Adrian Smith is hard at work on book 4 because you can't end a book like that dammit!
This book fits perfectly into the Extinction Cycle and I highly recommend it for any dams of the series.
January 11, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It’s an excellent addition to the Extinction cycle world. I’m a huge fan of the characters Dee and Jack. Just normal people thrown into a nightmare. The variants are beyond scary and I can’t wait for book 3! This is definitely worth a read.
February 16, 2018
Adrian!!! Good job!
2nd book for this new author and his books are already awesome... fantastic writing. Good character building with your ppl. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. WooHOO looking forward to the next in the series. Two thumbs up!
2nd book for this new author and his books are already awesome... fantastic writing. Good character building with your ppl. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. WooHOO looking forward to the next in the series. Two thumbs up!
March 31, 2019
WOW!!!
These stories just get better and better!!! The Prologue starts the wild ride and the Epilogue ends it. From page 1 to the very last page of is a heck of a ride!!! This series is amazing!!! Such a good one!! Great job Adrian!!!!
These stories just get better and better!!! The Prologue starts the wild ride and the Epilogue ends it. From page 1 to the very last page of is a heck of a ride!!! This series is amazing!!! Such a good one!! Great job Adrian!!!!
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