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Extinction Survival #2
Satan's Gate
Battle plans never survive first contact with the enemy... John Eric Carver and Shrek, a retired SEAL war dog team, have created a safe haven in the high mountain desert. The remote former Boy Scout Camp seems perfect, with enough water and stored food to last years. Everything is in place to ride out the viral storm that is consuming the world. Off the California coast, an aircraft carrier strike group carrying nearly fifteen thousand souls seeks refuge. There is talk of moving to an isolated island, untouched by the infected. That changes when they are given new orders to retake Los Angeles from the Variant hordes. Survival will require courage and commitment. But most of all, it will demand sacrifice. Both groups thought they had escaped the apocalypse, but they are about to find out how wrong they are.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
623 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 3, 2020
Well, I was greedy and I have only myself to blame. The first book, Lost Valley, was a rather solid entry in the zombie survival genre, so I immediately went on to the next book. This, this was something else, something troubled by uneven structuring, outright bizarre characterization, and even more bizarre developments in zombie capabilities.
Oh, I hear you; 'it's a zombie book--what did you expect?' Honestly, the same thing that I expect from books with A.I.s, aliens, sentient bugs, and vampires. Internally consistent worlds, decent and ideally interesting characterization, and a whole lot of ideas on what survival might look like without our normal forces of Law & Order. In the course of, I don't know, a month, these zombies turn into... idk, smart, hungry ants? Hunting, food caching and apparently having sex? Just... no (and try and scrub that one out of your visual cortex). It annoyed me even more to read the description about the 'real' science. I guess, if you mean 'science' as conceived by Republican lawmakers from Oklahoma.
The first 30%, interestingly, is a detailed military mission of a small group entering a zombie-infested area and then attempting extraction. It's well written and conceived. Cuts to Lost Valley find that things are progressing there. Specifically, John Eric Carver has fallen in LUV with--bear with me now--Hope. Yes. Hope. So now when we check in with his narrative, we have to hear about how 'real' this is, and how totally not a symptom of the duress this experience is. Hope is a Mother. And a dope who insists they try and rescue someone in a zombie infested area, so they do.
Meanwhile, the Mean Coyote that John Eric Carver and his dog Shrek unsuccessfully hunted in the beginning of Lost Valley has it in for Shrek. Oh yes. If you are going to have a dog narrator, you must have a dog antagonist, apparently, but it's not going to be heartworms. In even more insane developments, a zombie has become BFFs with the Mean Zombie Coyote and they've paired up to hunt The Meat. It's super-dumb, and not even fun at this point.
Back at the last hopes of humanity, Jen, the camp leader, is hanging out in the camps protected by the military. When it becomes clear that the camps are in danger, Jen starts obsessing on how to find the right size tampons. Because that's always the biggest worry in a zombie apocalypse. I know you think I'm exaggerating, and I admit, there are times when I do. But for real.
People, I can't even tell you how many more kinds of awful this is. There's a soldier who has a leg wound from the extraction and gets taken to a destroyer to be treated. There's a couple of scenes involving helicopters. There's a completely-out-of-character scene with Jen, who has her own opinion for about two minutes, which makes virtually no sense. I think the author included it to show that women are 'strong' when they put a knife to someone's throat. I have another suggestion for that knife.
Nothing about this story makes sense. The first 1/3 military mission is the only reason it's not a zero stars, and my own book OCD is the only reason it isn't a dnf. Read the first book if you like survivalist stories, and consider it a stand-alone.
Oh, I hear you; 'it's a zombie book--what did you expect?' Honestly, the same thing that I expect from books with A.I.s, aliens, sentient bugs, and vampires. Internally consistent worlds, decent and ideally interesting characterization, and a whole lot of ideas on what survival might look like without our normal forces of Law & Order. In the course of, I don't know, a month, these zombies turn into... idk, smart, hungry ants? Hunting, food caching and apparently having sex? Just... no (and try and scrub that one out of your visual cortex). It annoyed me even more to read the description about the 'real' science. I guess, if you mean 'science' as conceived by Republican lawmakers from Oklahoma.
The first 30%, interestingly, is a detailed military mission of a small group entering a zombie-infested area and then attempting extraction. It's well written and conceived. Cuts to Lost Valley find that things are progressing there. Specifically, John Eric Carver has fallen in LUV with--bear with me now--Hope. Yes. Hope. So now when we check in with his narrative, we have to hear about how 'real' this is, and how totally not a symptom of the duress this experience is. Hope is a Mother. And a dope who insists they try and rescue someone in a zombie infested area, so they do.
Meanwhile, the Mean Coyote that John Eric Carver and his dog Shrek unsuccessfully hunted in the beginning of Lost Valley has it in for Shrek. Oh yes. If you are going to have a dog narrator, you must have a dog antagonist, apparently, but it's not going to be heartworms. In even more insane developments, a zombie has become BFFs with the Mean Zombie Coyote and they've paired up to hunt The Meat. It's super-dumb, and not even fun at this point.
Back at the last hopes of humanity, Jen, the camp leader, is hanging out in the camps protected by the military. When it becomes clear that the camps are in danger, Jen starts obsessing on how to find the right size tampons. Because that's always the biggest worry in a zombie apocalypse. I know you think I'm exaggerating, and I admit, there are times when I do. But for real.
People, I can't even tell you how many more kinds of awful this is. There's a soldier who has a leg wound from the extraction and gets taken to a destroyer to be treated. There's a couple of scenes involving helicopters. There's a completely-out-of-character scene with Jen, who has her own opinion for about two minutes, which makes virtually no sense. I think the author included it to show that women are 'strong' when they put a knife to someone's throat. I have another suggestion for that knife.
Nothing about this story makes sense. The first 1/3 military mission is the only reason it's not a zero stars, and my own book OCD is the only reason it isn't a dnf. Read the first book if you like survivalist stories, and consider it a stand-alone.
August 19, 2019
It's a good book of zombie apocalypse, but there is nothing very original in it, except maybe for the short chapters that take the point of view of the dog.
The first third of the book is wonderful, in a "Black Hawk down" way. But the end of the book is far less interesting.
Most twists are predictable enough, and the author controls much better the composition of the arsenal of the Navy that the melodramas lived by his characters, very clichés.
Nice but not essential.
The first third of the book is wonderful, in a "Black Hawk down" way. But the end of the book is far less interesting.
Most twists are predictable enough, and the author controls much better the composition of the arsenal of the Navy that the melodramas lived by his characters, very clichés.
Nice but not essential.
June 9, 2021
Awesome book! I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book. Carver and Shrek continue to fight the variants. I especially liked the Navy base and ship aspects of the book. Looking forward to listening to the next book of the series.
August 17, 2023
This one started out slow, so slow that I put it down for several months. But I am so glad I went back to it, because the ending is stellar!
November 22, 2019
It was for free like the first one in this series, the only reason i read it and gave it another shot, after book one was a disappointment for me.
It was a nice point of view of the failure of Operation liberty. Yet, it went on for 16 long chapters, with people I didn’t know, of which only one appeared briefly in the first book. It was all nicely done but I didn’t have a chance to get to know them to even be remotely interested in reading about them.
I wanted to read about Carver and his people.
Tough luck, some parts I just scrolled through to be honest.
The two books are way to short. And with mostly new characters in the lead in the second book, the series lost its thread. It wasn’t bad but there was just no background to it to matter.
Then there was the fact the book pointed out constantly differences between man and women. Like the author didn’t yet overcome the changes equality has brought us and had to point it out. Instead of treating everyone like normal persons impartial of their gender. That gave me pause to think and yes, there were no strong or military females mentioned or portrait, besides a pilot in the background. The women were not trained in weapons in the camp for example. They were all portrait as idiots, running into danger without thinking or being prepared, they cook and are in charge of everything parenting. And when they act normal and feisty, it is shown as totally unexpected, like with Menily. It is just sad to read really. Why does it have to be a man hug, can’t it just be a hug? Small snippets like this were unnecessary and irritating.
I am sorry to say but this series couldn’t hold a candle to the original one from Sansbury Smith. In every regard.
Like i said in the review of book one. I expect more love for detail, when you write your book on the basis and world building of another author.
I would have expected a base of characters introduced from the start and not trickling in over a stretch of two short books. Providing no consistency and it having unnecessary info dumbs to fill the pages, like dreams and inner monologues that are boring. The characters were one dimensional, stereotypical and with the shortness of the series there was no development in character or growth.
The writing wasn’t good either, several times the POV switched in a chapter marked for a specific character for several sentences to another person. With no distinct way of knowing, I constantly had to reread those happenings twice, as they were confusing and irritating to suddenly switch a few sentences to a different person and back. At times it looked like the author couldn’t decide to call people by their sur- or last names. That back and forth was confusing as well.
Then there was the infection. I know these guys didn’t know anything about VX9H9 but after their experiences it would be highly unlikely to not treat people like they are still highly contagious. Instead they hug and ruffle their hair, it is not thought through.
A whole in the mountain, sigh, they should have smelled them and not found them accidentally by fresh air. Thousands of rotting variants in a cave and this is the only hole that lets air out and ventilates the cave and the air is fresh? And doesn’t stink to high heaven? Makes no sense.
The story line was all too convenient.
It was a nice point of view of the failure of Operation liberty. Yet, it went on for 16 long chapters, with people I didn’t know, of which only one appeared briefly in the first book. It was all nicely done but I didn’t have a chance to get to know them to even be remotely interested in reading about them.
I wanted to read about Carver and his people.
Tough luck, some parts I just scrolled through to be honest.
The two books are way to short. And with mostly new characters in the lead in the second book, the series lost its thread. It wasn’t bad but there was just no background to it to matter.
Then there was the fact the book pointed out constantly differences between man and women. Like the author didn’t yet overcome the changes equality has brought us and had to point it out. Instead of treating everyone like normal persons impartial of their gender. That gave me pause to think and yes, there were no strong or military females mentioned or portrait, besides a pilot in the background. The women were not trained in weapons in the camp for example. They were all portrait as idiots, running into danger without thinking or being prepared, they cook and are in charge of everything parenting. And when they act normal and feisty, it is shown as totally unexpected, like with Menily. It is just sad to read really. Why does it have to be a man hug, can’t it just be a hug? Small snippets like this were unnecessary and irritating.
I am sorry to say but this series couldn’t hold a candle to the original one from Sansbury Smith. In every regard.
Like i said in the review of book one. I expect more love for detail, when you write your book on the basis and world building of another author.
I would have expected a base of characters introduced from the start and not trickling in over a stretch of two short books. Providing no consistency and it having unnecessary info dumbs to fill the pages, like dreams and inner monologues that are boring. The characters were one dimensional, stereotypical and with the shortness of the series there was no development in character or growth.
The writing wasn’t good either, several times the POV switched in a chapter marked for a specific character for several sentences to another person. With no distinct way of knowing, I constantly had to reread those happenings twice, as they were confusing and irritating to suddenly switch a few sentences to a different person and back. At times it looked like the author couldn’t decide to call people by their sur- or last names. That back and forth was confusing as well.
Then there was the infection. I know these guys didn’t know anything about VX9H9 but after their experiences it would be highly unlikely to not treat people like they are still highly contagious. Instead they hug and ruffle their hair, it is not thought through.
A whole in the mountain, sigh, they should have smelled them and not found them accidentally by fresh air. Thousands of rotting variants in a cave and this is the only hole that lets air out and ventilates the cave and the air is fresh? And doesn’t stink to high heaven? Makes no sense.
The story line was all too convenient.
June 12, 2019
I am Shrek, the ghost that kills in the night. I always win. It's who I am.
U.S. Navy SEAL John Carver and his faithful war dog Shrek safeguard their loved ones and friends and the scouts that are sheltering at Lost Valley at the Schoepe Boy Scout Camp. When the virus turning infected people into raging monsters craving blood and flesh has overwhelmed the world, Shrek will need all the abilities he has to protect Carved and the campers. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is fighting a losing battle against the Variant infestation.
This tale from the Extinction Cycle world offers explanations about how the virus arrived and spread across the U.S. and the planet. I loved the characters and the plotline that Walt Browning has detailed for us, and the carefully crafted and excellently described action sequences are believably drawn to draw us into the action. I literally devoured each thrilling page as I was drawn deeper into the story with every sentence. Hard to put down, easy to fall deeper into the excitement, this side story of the EC world is an excellent addition to its genre. I had to read it twice to make sure I hadn't missed even a word of this thrilling tale of cooperation survival. An excellent conclusion to an amazing story!
U.S. Navy SEAL John Carver and his faithful war dog Shrek safeguard their loved ones and friends and the scouts that are sheltering at Lost Valley at the Schoepe Boy Scout Camp. When the virus turning infected people into raging monsters craving blood and flesh has overwhelmed the world, Shrek will need all the abilities he has to protect Carved and the campers. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is fighting a losing battle against the Variant infestation.
This tale from the Extinction Cycle world offers explanations about how the virus arrived and spread across the U.S. and the planet. I loved the characters and the plotline that Walt Browning has detailed for us, and the carefully crafted and excellently described action sequences are believably drawn to draw us into the action. I literally devoured each thrilling page as I was drawn deeper into the story with every sentence. Hard to put down, easy to fall deeper into the excitement, this side story of the EC world is an excellent addition to its genre. I had to read it twice to make sure I hadn't missed even a word of this thrilling tale of cooperation survival. An excellent conclusion to an amazing story!
July 2, 2019
I liked it but not amazing
First of all--spoiler alert--the dog lives. There. Hopefully that saves someone anxiety. I enjoyed it but I didn't like how so many chapters ended with things like "they thought it was over..but they were wrong." I feel as if we don't need to be told that so often.
First of all--spoiler alert--the dog lives. There. Hopefully that saves someone anxiety. I enjoyed it but I didn't like how so many chapters ended with things like "they thought it was over..but they were wrong." I feel as if we don't need to be told that so often.
April 7, 2025
My rating is 4.6 stars.
I found great enjoyment in the first book of this captivating series, which draws inspiration from the Extinction Cycle saga crafted by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. What captivates me about these books is their familiar foundation juxtaposed with unique twists that set them apart from the original. The connection I’ve developed with the characters is profound, evoking emotions that often elude me in other reads. They feel deeply real and multi-faceted, sparking a strong sense of loyalty and empathy for their struggles. As I journey through their harrowing experiences, I yearn for their survival and prosperity; I’m often perched on the edge of my seat during their perilous moments, fully aware that logic dictates their eventual rescue due to their significance in the overarching narrative.
In the rugged expanse of a high mountain desert, John Eric Carver and his steadfast companion, Shrek—a retired SEAL war dog—have forged a sanctuary. This isolated former Boy Scout camp, with its sprawling grounds and natural resources, seems to be a perfect oasis amidst chaos, stocked with ample water and provisions to sustain them for years. Here, they believe they can safely weather the viral storm ravaging the world outside.
Meanwhile, off the shimmering coast of California, an aircraft carrier strike group, brimming with nearly fifteen thousand souls, grapples with uncertainty and fear. Whispers of retreat to a distant, uninhabited island, free from the clawing grip of the infected, echo through the ranks. Yet, this fragile hope shatters when they receive sudden orders to reclaim Los Angeles from the relentless Variant hordes.
Survival in this bleak new world will demand not just courage and unwavering determination but will ultimately call for profound sacrifice. Both groups NAIVELY believed they had escaped the clutches of the apocalypse, but the harsh reality of their situation is about to reveal the depths of their miscalculation.
The narrative unfolds through the voices of all the characters rather than through a singular perspective, providing a rich, multifaceted account of their experiences. This approach uncovers their deepest feelings and thoughts, illuminating the intensity of their circumstances as they navigate the turmoil that surrounds them.
I found great enjoyment in the first book of this captivating series, which draws inspiration from the Extinction Cycle saga crafted by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. What captivates me about these books is their familiar foundation juxtaposed with unique twists that set them apart from the original. The connection I’ve developed with the characters is profound, evoking emotions that often elude me in other reads. They feel deeply real and multi-faceted, sparking a strong sense of loyalty and empathy for their struggles. As I journey through their harrowing experiences, I yearn for their survival and prosperity; I’m often perched on the edge of my seat during their perilous moments, fully aware that logic dictates their eventual rescue due to their significance in the overarching narrative.
In the rugged expanse of a high mountain desert, John Eric Carver and his steadfast companion, Shrek—a retired SEAL war dog—have forged a sanctuary. This isolated former Boy Scout camp, with its sprawling grounds and natural resources, seems to be a perfect oasis amidst chaos, stocked with ample water and provisions to sustain them for years. Here, they believe they can safely weather the viral storm ravaging the world outside.
Meanwhile, off the shimmering coast of California, an aircraft carrier strike group, brimming with nearly fifteen thousand souls, grapples with uncertainty and fear. Whispers of retreat to a distant, uninhabited island, free from the clawing grip of the infected, echo through the ranks. Yet, this fragile hope shatters when they receive sudden orders to reclaim Los Angeles from the relentless Variant hordes.
Survival in this bleak new world will demand not just courage and unwavering determination but will ultimately call for profound sacrifice. Both groups NAIVELY believed they had escaped the clutches of the apocalypse, but the harsh reality of their situation is about to reveal the depths of their miscalculation.
The narrative unfolds through the voices of all the characters rather than through a singular perspective, providing a rich, multifaceted account of their experiences. This approach uncovers their deepest feelings and thoughts, illuminating the intensity of their circumstances as they navigate the turmoil that surrounds them.
August 15, 2024
First, the bad. I did not enjoy this book. I am a huge fan of the parent and sequel series by NSS. but there was a failure here from top to bottom. This is shaping up to be similar in quality to any of the middling-to-atrocious “EMP immediately causes civilizational collapse” and I am not excited.
This book was riddled with typos, (Trey vs Tray, for one towards the end, but there were a lot for an ostensibly professionally published book) weird characterization, and VERY weird digressions. The weird exchange decrying Carver’s concern for the safety of the whole camp as communist? Shader’s weird sexist inner monologue about women in the military being fine as long as they know their place? Both bad! Shader just discounting her lack of military experience would have accomplished the same thing without making me dislike one of the protagonists. Instead I was treated to out-of-place ruminations on women in the military. Jennifer behaving either like a wallflower or a badass ready to stab said SEAL? Weird! And then she completely disappears, besides a single mention after the Navy contingent arrive at Lost Valley.
I can’t tell if Browning is weirded out by gay men or is only friends with a 2000’s film version of a gay man.
And finally, calling every M4 a “battle rifle” ripped me out every time. Someone clearly thought it made the weapon sound cooler, but battle rifle is a specific category. The US M4 is not a battle rifle.
Now the good: The view of the West Coast Operation Liberty was cool. There were some inconsistencies with the mainline series, but excusable. The world is compelling enough that i’m going to continue reading, but Browning is not the originator of this world.
This book was riddled with typos, (Trey vs Tray, for one towards the end, but there were a lot for an ostensibly professionally published book) weird characterization, and VERY weird digressions. The weird exchange decrying Carver’s concern for the safety of the whole camp as communist? Shader’s weird sexist inner monologue about women in the military being fine as long as they know their place? Both bad! Shader just discounting her lack of military experience would have accomplished the same thing without making me dislike one of the protagonists. Instead I was treated to out-of-place ruminations on women in the military. Jennifer behaving either like a wallflower or a badass ready to stab said SEAL? Weird! And then she completely disappears, besides a single mention after the Navy contingent arrive at Lost Valley.
I can’t tell if Browning is weirded out by gay men or is only friends with a 2000’s film version of a gay man.
And finally, calling every M4 a “battle rifle” ripped me out every time. Someone clearly thought it made the weapon sound cooler, but battle rifle is a specific category. The US M4 is not a battle rifle.
Now the good: The view of the West Coast Operation Liberty was cool. There were some inconsistencies with the mainline series, but excusable. The world is compelling enough that i’m going to continue reading, but Browning is not the originator of this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2019
I liked this book even better than the first one.
It feels like the second half of the original book though, people just take off from where they were left in the first book without much in the way of backstory or setup.
I actually thought it was about the same "world" but a different set of people as the first 17 chapters follow a whole new group and it wasn't until chapter 18 that Carver and Shrek showed up. With that said, the action in the first 17 chapters was both believable and amazing. I could picture each scenario and agonized along with the people and the action was nothing short of amazing with mouth-dropping scenes that ramped up the challenges every few pages,
I have to admit I was pretty depressed by the middle of the book. With the way the "variants" were behaving and how things went, it was pretty much a guarantee of lights out for the human race. I think the author might have sensed this as the focus switched to Carver and his little band hidden up in the hills. The big finale was exciting and certainly possible and attempted to end on a high note but I still feel things look grim and its only a matter of time.
It feels like the second half of the original book though, people just take off from where they were left in the first book without much in the way of backstory or setup.
I actually thought it was about the same "world" but a different set of people as the first 17 chapters follow a whole new group and it wasn't until chapter 18 that Carver and Shrek showed up. With that said, the action in the first 17 chapters was both believable and amazing. I could picture each scenario and agonized along with the people and the action was nothing short of amazing with mouth-dropping scenes that ramped up the challenges every few pages,
I have to admit I was pretty depressed by the middle of the book. With the way the "variants" were behaving and how things went, it was pretty much a guarantee of lights out for the human race. I think the author might have sensed this as the focus switched to Carver and his little band hidden up in the hills. The big finale was exciting and certainly possible and attempted to end on a high note but I still feel things look grim and its only a matter of time.
July 14, 2019
There are times when you have to do what seems right for the situation.
Upfront: This is the second book in the Extinction Survival series which is a spin-off of the Extinction Cycle series authored by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. If you haven't read that series, then you might want to read at least the first two books to get a grasp on the underlying event and how things play out. However, if you are sensitive to violence as well as adult language and situations of an intimate nature, then perhaps you should pass on the whole series and spin-off books.
While the people at the Boy Scout camp in Lost Valley are getting settled in, military members on the southern coast of California are being deployed. Among them is John Eric Carver's friend and fellow Navy SEAL, Chief Petty Officer "Porky" Shader. Porky is on the front lines against the Infected aka Variants. His suggestions for keeping his troops safe fall on deaf ears. Being forced to go into a supposedly empty coliseum has one benefit but will the risk be worth the reward?
Porky's interaction with the "higher-ups" reminded me of some conversations I had when I was in the military. I really enjoyed how things played out as the story continued to unfold.
Upfront: This is the second book in the Extinction Survival series which is a spin-off of the Extinction Cycle series authored by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. If you haven't read that series, then you might want to read at least the first two books to get a grasp on the underlying event and how things play out. However, if you are sensitive to violence as well as adult language and situations of an intimate nature, then perhaps you should pass on the whole series and spin-off books.
While the people at the Boy Scout camp in Lost Valley are getting settled in, military members on the southern coast of California are being deployed. Among them is John Eric Carver's friend and fellow Navy SEAL, Chief Petty Officer "Porky" Shader. Porky is on the front lines against the Infected aka Variants. His suggestions for keeping his troops safe fall on deaf ears. Being forced to go into a supposedly empty coliseum has one benefit but will the risk be worth the reward?
Porky's interaction with the "higher-ups" reminded me of some conversations I had when I was in the military. I really enjoyed how things played out as the story continued to unfold.
December 29, 2020
Action right out of the gate
The first third of the book tells the story of the battle of Los Angeles, which, if you read the first book, we already know Is going to be a disaster. It does intro a bevy of new characters and expands on a few old ones, like Porky the ex seal we met briefly in book one.
The next half of the book Is the slowly rising threat of the variant apocalypse, life in the Coronado naval station, and plan to evac the personnel there and how it all goes to crap. We are then left with a thrilling rescue of a few main characters of the coast as a virtual zombie tsunami builds to menace them, oh done by an Osprey, a tilt wing aircraft that has to maneuver crazy close as they have no rope.
It's the little things.
The last third is the epic showdown between Carver and the people of Lost Valley and the zombie.... Pack I guess. You see, the virus has infected wolves, and they bond with certain infected humans to create zombie families, kinda.
Zombies with pets? Didn't see that one coming.
Anyway,fun read, easy read, good characters, and pretty realistic, some good guys die, although a few have pretty much used up their 9 lives. If you like this sort of thing for recreational reading, you're going to enjoy the three book series.
The first third of the book tells the story of the battle of Los Angeles, which, if you read the first book, we already know Is going to be a disaster. It does intro a bevy of new characters and expands on a few old ones, like Porky the ex seal we met briefly in book one.
The next half of the book Is the slowly rising threat of the variant apocalypse, life in the Coronado naval station, and plan to evac the personnel there and how it all goes to crap. We are then left with a thrilling rescue of a few main characters of the coast as a virtual zombie tsunami builds to menace them, oh done by an Osprey, a tilt wing aircraft that has to maneuver crazy close as they have no rope.
It's the little things.
The last third is the epic showdown between Carver and the people of Lost Valley and the zombie.... Pack I guess. You see, the virus has infected wolves, and they bond with certain infected humans to create zombie families, kinda.
Zombies with pets? Didn't see that one coming.
Anyway,fun read, easy read, good characters, and pretty realistic, some good guys die, although a few have pretty much used up their 9 lives. If you like this sort of thing for recreational reading, you're going to enjoy the three book series.
February 24, 2021
Operation Liberty is underway. The Military Brass has decided to clear and retake Los Angeles. The landing area around The Forum has been bombarded by offshore destroyers for two days. Moving platoon-sized units into five FOBs surrounding The Forum, the units slowly advance. The Forum itself had not been cleared, relying on Intelligence that nothing had been seen in days. SCPO Schader with four soldiers of the QRF prepares to clear The Forum. According to Intelligence, little to no resistance is to be found anywhere. I believe we all know how this will turn out. The Battle of The Forum! The story now focuses on Coronado and the North Island Naval Air Station. The infected are evolving and massing in huge numbers. The defense of Coronado hangs in the balance. The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and the USS Boxer (LHD-4) lay off the peninsula to receive civilian survivors and the wounded. Hopefully, should disaster strike, there is time to evacuate to these ships. Stay tuned, it’s a page-turner!
August 18, 2019
Death is just a sniff away.
Even though I have read every book wether it be large or small in the Extinction Cycle event. Nicholas Sansbury Smith started this apocalypse off an gave other authors the chance to flush out even more stories set in this universe.
Now Walt brings us Lost Valley and Satan’s Gate and damn if he doesn’t just smash it into smithereens. I have so enjoyed the story from all the points of view and to actually make you give a crap about each of his characters..Especially the Marines as I happen to be one.. This story line is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I want to see what happens next .. how secure is the camp going to become with all the modifications.? Is Shrek going to get a lady friend so he can pass on his marvelous genetics ? Hell even if Kinney is going to run out of Modelo ? Hopefully the third book will come out so we can continue the lives of The Survivors of Lost Valley..
Even though I have read every book wether it be large or small in the Extinction Cycle event. Nicholas Sansbury Smith started this apocalypse off an gave other authors the chance to flush out even more stories set in this universe.
Now Walt brings us Lost Valley and Satan’s Gate and damn if he doesn’t just smash it into smithereens. I have so enjoyed the story from all the points of view and to actually make you give a crap about each of his characters..Especially the Marines as I happen to be one.. This story line is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I want to see what happens next .. how secure is the camp going to become with all the modifications.? Is Shrek going to get a lady friend so he can pass on his marvelous genetics ? Hell even if Kinney is going to run out of Modelo ? Hopefully the third book will come out so we can continue the lives of The Survivors of Lost Valley..
February 7, 2025
I'm rooting for the infected
At this point, the people left beHind are so stupid and self seeking that they don't deserve to survive. For instance, they finally realize just how dangerous the infected are so they finally move everyone to the buildings and reinforce them. Until the families from Yuma come. Hey you all go die out over there in the tents we deemed not safe. Reinforced when they only mourn the lost twin and the girlfriend. Speaking of which if they weren't so selfish taking extra time to gather the stupid beer, he would have been back in time. And why stay in America anymore. The creatures are breeding and they don't die of hunger, plus they are evolving, they develop armor skin and think. But why are only the coyotes able to change in the animal kingdom? Why not rats and birds that feed on the pieces of infected meat. But no they decide to grow crops in a place they can't defend against the sheer numbers of the enemy. I'm done reading this series.
At this point, the people left beHind are so stupid and self seeking that they don't deserve to survive. For instance, they finally realize just how dangerous the infected are so they finally move everyone to the buildings and reinforce them. Until the families from Yuma come. Hey you all go die out over there in the tents we deemed not safe. Reinforced when they only mourn the lost twin and the girlfriend. Speaking of which if they weren't so selfish taking extra time to gather the stupid beer, he would have been back in time. And why stay in America anymore. The creatures are breeding and they don't die of hunger, plus they are evolving, they develop armor skin and think. But why are only the coyotes able to change in the animal kingdom? Why not rats and birds that feed on the pieces of infected meat. But no they decide to grow crops in a place they can't defend against the sheer numbers of the enemy. I'm done reading this series.
December 7, 2019
Excellent!
I've read a lot of post apocalyptic books and this series is by far the best one I've read to date. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the pace of the book. I hope there will be more because I must know what happens to Shrek!!!! I highly recommend this. There were a few pages I skimmed over simply because I am not familiar with the military terminology about weapons and vehicles but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. The characters were so likeable and it felt like every single page had me on edge worried about their fate and that is what a truly great book should do.
I've read a lot of post apocalyptic books and this series is by far the best one I've read to date. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the pace of the book. I hope there will be more because I must know what happens to Shrek!!!! I highly recommend this. There were a few pages I skimmed over simply because I am not familiar with the military terminology about weapons and vehicles but that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. The characters were so likeable and it felt like every single page had me on edge worried about their fate and that is what a truly great book should do.
January 13, 2025
3.5, really. The first hefty chunk of the book follows a throwaway character from the first book and his mission with new characters in LA. It was also the best part of this entry, in my opinion. But once that gets closer to a partial conclusion, the pacing drops significantly. We do get to check in with Carver, Shrek and the Lost Valley crew, but the slower pacing felt too big a drop off from the LA story. I didn’t mind this part of the story, but I wasn’t as thrilled with it as I was with the first half. I don’t really have an answer for how to fix it, really. I almost wish it were two separate entries instead of one book. Alas, I still enjoyed it, and I’m starting the next entry now.
June 16, 2019
I sincerely hope that this isn’t the last one!
Loved this two book series so far! The Extinction world is one of my favourites for sure and finally having the kindle world books here (through Blackstone publishers) is awesome. As someone who lives with a working malinois I think Walt has done a pretty good job and written the beginning of a great new zombie series...
Here’s hoping this is just number 2 in the series...
Loved this two book series so far! The Extinction world is one of my favourites for sure and finally having the kindle world books here (through Blackstone publishers) is awesome. As someone who lives with a working malinois I think Walt has done a pretty good job and written the beginning of a great new zombie series...
Here’s hoping this is just number 2 in the series...
July 4, 2019
Satan's Gate, end of a better half.
I enjoyed the first book but this was the more rounded story of the two. Characters here were given clearer definition and better action than the first. The story was well developed and covered more ground making it a good conclusion, though like other reviewers, it seems there is further scope for development. Recommended for all zombie apocalypse readers.
I enjoyed the first book but this was the more rounded story of the two. Characters here were given clearer definition and better action than the first. The story was well developed and covered more ground making it a good conclusion, though like other reviewers, it seems there is further scope for development. Recommended for all zombie apocalypse readers.
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July 11, 2019Ok ending but not sure why it's required some review or expression of approval or disapproval in order to get this book off my kindle.. WTF !! Really this is absurd and somewhat coercive measure, don't you think for what is at best a medico
This book is at best a mediocre end of the world as we know it type novel. Heavy on marines and Seal machismo characters that being good and strong peace to an emergent society. One thump up.
This book is at best a mediocre end of the world as we know it type novel. Heavy on marines and Seal machismo characters that being good and strong peace to an emergent society. One thump up.
September 8, 2019
Lots of exciting and non-stop action throughout the book. The first part is outside of the group in the Valley but is nonetheless integral to the story eventually. You always have to like a story that has a dog as one of the main characters. There were a few editing issues (ex Landry/Landy) but nothing disruptive to the story. I don't know if there is a book three planned, but I would definitely continue with it.
September 27, 2023
An extinction level zombie virus event with emphasis on the military tactical operations. Solid US military lingo is an art on its own, but I'm not sure it's able to carry the whole novel on its shoulders. Most of the second volume was already described at the end of the first volume. We just zoomed into the action and walked through the action. The tempo was good, but it was mostly more of the same we already knew.
Solid military lingo: "Solid copy", "Red one, actual", marine "oorah"...
Solid military lingo: "Solid copy", "Red one, actual", marine "oorah"...
December 28, 2023
Very epic nerve-wracking action with intimate and personal relationships deeply impacted by loss resulting from the extinction level event. The back story of what caused the event is unique unto itself which is really nice. The writing is solid and so are the characters and the story. I'm still not a fan of running through the thoughts of Ghost, the dog, but I respect the unique element added by the author. Definitely moving on to the next installment.
March 3, 2024
Can any Zombie book be a 5 star?
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
June 7, 2019
Just when you think it can't get better...
Excellent series and excellent second book to a first-in-series that is definitely a winner. Five stars all the way for plot, action and characters that win a readers attention and heart. Tears and a few laughs mixed in with such well-paced action that I couldn't stop reading until the last page. One of the best and a must read.
Excellent series and excellent second book to a first-in-series that is definitely a winner. Five stars all the way for plot, action and characters that win a readers attention and heart. Tears and a few laughs mixed in with such well-paced action that I couldn't stop reading until the last page. One of the best and a must read.
June 10, 2019
Book two as good as book one.
I just love the fact that the dogs get to say how they feel in the book. It’s fascinating reading.
It’s also interesting to view how the variants are developing, not just a mindless monster.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to further editions.
I just love the fact that the dogs get to say how they feel in the book. It’s fascinating reading.
It’s also interesting to view how the variants are developing, not just a mindless monster.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to further editions.
June 14, 2019
Worth Your Time
I am not really a huge fan of the Extinction Cycle series BUT I do love the characters of Shrek and John Carver. They give the two books in this series a depth and craving all their own. Wonderful!
Yes, there are some editing quirks but I have yet to read any book that does not have them, get over it.
I am not really a huge fan of the Extinction Cycle series BUT I do love the characters of Shrek and John Carver. They give the two books in this series a depth and craving all their own. Wonderful!
Yes, there are some editing quirks but I have yet to read any book that does not have them, get over it.
June 28, 2019
Variants get a licking
Walt Browning has a winner going here, as his two books, The Lost Valley and Satan's Gate, feather out some of the action that has taken place in Nicholas Sansbury Smith's, Extinction Series. Get ready for Varient's o'plenty, and a hint perhaps of the action that you will meet in Smith's series. Two excellent books. I suggest you give them a try!!
Walt Browning has a winner going here, as his two books, The Lost Valley and Satan's Gate, feather out some of the action that has taken place in Nicholas Sansbury Smith's, Extinction Series. Get ready for Varient's o'plenty, and a hint perhaps of the action that you will meet in Smith's series. Two excellent books. I suggest you give them a try!!
September 16, 2019
Another good read
I enjoyed this book as much as Lost Valley. I was a military spouse for over 20 years and I really like books where the characters continue using the knowledge they gained in the service. I was up until 4a.m. reading this book. I hope to see Carver and Shrek in future books.
I enjoyed this book as much as Lost Valley. I was a military spouse for over 20 years and I really like books where the characters continue using the knowledge they gained in the service. I was up until 4a.m. reading this book. I hope to see Carver and Shrek in future books.
April 9, 2020
If you like Lompoc novels you will LOVE Satan's Gate
Shrek, Carver, and Porky for the win!!! I am hooked on this series. I have several new release books on hold while I read this series. I have to admit, I was sucked into the world of the variants, and I can't see me stopping
Reading this series for any other books right now.
Shrek, Carver, and Porky for the win!!! I am hooked on this series. I have several new release books on hold while I read this series. I have to admit, I was sucked into the world of the variants, and I can't see me stopping
Reading this series for any other books right now.
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