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Zone War #2
Borough of Bones
Zone War 2. Ajaya is back in the Zone again - training soldiers to survive the unsurvivable, and using his time inside to hunt for answers of his own. And what he finds reaches far, far outside Manhattan. Human life has been extinguished from the Zone, but what's brewing there is far from satisfied. Racing to contain the danger, Ajaya must protect his own from threats in every direction, both outside and inside the deadliest Borough on the planet.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2019
234 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
John Conroe
35 books1,702 followersI'm the Urban Fantasy author of the Demon Accords series. For more information, check out my website or follow me on Facebook at the Demon Accords page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
October 12, 2019
An audible listen for me, just as brilliant as the first. And wonderfully narrated, James Patrick Cronan for me becoming a solid guaranteed enjoyable listen. The second book in this world feels slightly different in tone to the first, with life having moved on for AJ, no longer an anonymous retriever of lost things/destroyer of drones in the zone. He is now known to the people of New York City and indeed the world. With 2 spider drones still in existence in the zone, AJ and Harper believe that they are beginning to influence life outside of the zone, although no-one in an official position wants to to believe that. With opinions and sides constantly shifting, AJ is always in danger and this stays an exciting read. A fabulous concept, all the more scary as who knows where our future will take us. Near future fiction always feels incredibly real when done right and this is done incredibly well in my opinion. I think I could pretty much read anointing this author out out from any genre, and I would read and enjoy it.
January 19, 2020
4.5 Stars
Even better than the series' first book. It manages to expand in all directions without becoming diluted.
Even better than the series' first book. It manages to expand in all directions without becoming diluted.
October 18, 2019
This is book two of the Zone War series and it picks up right where the first book left off. My advice would be to read these close together as there is not much “review” of what happened in the first. I mean there is some review and it’s spread around here and there, but me as a distracted and lazy reader, I like to know much of it up front.
Either way, it was just as fun as the first book! I’m ready for the next one.
Audiobook narrator James Patrick Cronin rating: 4.7 stars
Same great narrator. I wish his female voices were just a tad bit different. Otherwise, he’s perfect!
Either way, it was just as fun as the first book! I’m ready for the next one.
Audiobook narrator James Patrick Cronin rating: 4.7 stars
Same great narrator. I wish his female voices were just a tad bit different. Otherwise, he’s perfect!
April 23, 2019
This review won't have spoilers in it but I have to say it was a very satisfying read. John Conroe continues to please with the quality of his storytelling delivering a well paced and thoroughly interesting story I could very easily see being turned into a series of films. I have to say it was a great read and I can't stress enough over how much I really enjoyed this one.
Managing to keep the middle book of a trilogy interesting and expanding the overall arc of a story is often a difficult task but I have to say I think this book fills that role quite well and for anyone who read the first book this one is a must read and is just as good if not a touch better in terms of story quality.
Bravo John Conroe, Bravo indeed.
Managing to keep the middle book of a trilogy interesting and expanding the overall arc of a story is often a difficult task but I have to say I think this book fills that role quite well and for anyone who read the first book this one is a must read and is just as good if not a touch better in terms of story quality.
Bravo John Conroe, Bravo indeed.
July 25, 2019
Excellent book
My first introduction to John Conroe was through his other series, The Demon Accords. With this series he took all here was doing with Demon Accords that made me love that series, and improved on them. Fast paced action that doesn't get bogged down in over explaining the action, or lost in exposition on what character s are thinking. Fully engaging characters that you can relate to and understand, warts and all, even the characters that only show up for short scenes leave a sense of depth that he builds on when or if they make a reappearance later in the story. He also manages to end each book with a sense a completeness that satisfies, yet leaves you eager for the next book to see how the full story progresses.
All in all excellent book.
My first introduction to John Conroe was through his other series, The Demon Accords. With this series he took all here was doing with Demon Accords that made me love that series, and improved on them. Fast paced action that doesn't get bogged down in over explaining the action, or lost in exposition on what character s are thinking. Fully engaging characters that you can relate to and understand, warts and all, even the characters that only show up for short scenes leave a sense of depth that he builds on when or if they make a reappearance later in the story. He also manages to end each book with a sense a completeness that satisfies, yet leaves you eager for the next book to see how the full story progresses.
All in all excellent book.
April 17, 2019
Strong reprise
In some ways, better than the first book. Now we see how dangerous the CThree drones really are.
I will definitely buy the next book. Plum Blossom is going to be tough.
Flaws: the drones did not take an obvious shot, even though it was defended against. Nothing hit the apartment!?!
In some ways, better than the first book. Now we see how dangerous the CThree drones really are.
I will definitely buy the next book. Plum Blossom is going to be tough.
Flaws: the drones did not take an obvious shot, even though it was defended against. Nothing hit the apartment!?!
September 6, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
A strong addition to the series. There were a couple of things I wish were a little different. I wanted more of the relationship between Ajaya and Astrid. The amount of weapons talk and firefights were a little over the top The government/military was a little over the top. Overall though, those are little things. Just things that I wanted. I still enjoyed the story very much and am looking forward to the next one.
A strong addition to the series. There were a couple of things I wish were a little different. I wanted more of the relationship between Ajaya and Astrid. The amount of weapons talk and firefights were a little over the top The government/military was a little over the top. Overall though, those are little things. Just things that I wanted. I still enjoyed the story very much and am looking forward to the next one.
May 15, 2022
This 2nd book in the Zone War series and picks up right where the 1st left off. It could have - should have - been one book. (Of course, the publisher and author make more money with two.) It’s a slow start and even after the first half-dozen chapters, a new reader would still be somewhat lost. Also, while the sci-fi premise is still interesting, it’s already getting a little old. The main character, and hero, is now training the military to take back Manhattan from evil drones. At the same time, ‘trusted’ AI, i.e. personal assistants, Uber, Amazon drone deliveries, airliners, etc., are suddenly beginning to attack the rest of New York. The bad guys who started the “night of the drones” can no longer control them. (Oh gee. What a surprise. NOT!) I am sorry to say that this novel is nothing special. In an overabundance of enthusiasm, I unfortunately bought #2 and #3 at the same time, so I guess I’ll be reading the next book. … I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
January 13, 2020
This was a "meh" in the end. I was going to list all the impossibilities, and how the 4D Chess the protagonist wanted to play with the Gov would not have worked out the way it had. But that is too much work.
The author also showed his fetish for interviews again.
I'm also wondering how
P.S. After I finished this book I was constantly thinking about it. A lot of the stuff that happened in the Demon Accords Series could be explained away with magic, not so here with no magic at all in sight.
A lot of the things the A.I gets away with, or work it has done on it (software wise) isn't possible. There is no magic to hand wave away these incidents.
2.5/5 Stars
The author also showed his fetish for interviews again.
I'm also wondering how
P.S. After I finished this book I was constantly thinking about it. A lot of the stuff that happened in the Demon Accords Series could be explained away with magic, not so here with no magic at all in sight.
A lot of the things the A.I gets away with, or work it has done on it (software wise) isn't possible. There is no magic to hand wave away these incidents.
2.5/5 Stars
August 19, 2019
In the second book of the zone war trilogy Ajaya is training solders to try to survive in the zone. The challenges that he faces as a young instructor is something that many of us can relate to at one time or another in our life. Ajaya also wants to know the truth about something he thought he saw in the zone and digging into this may bring more danger to him and his family then the zone does every time he enters.
At first when I started reading book 2 I thought it wasn’t as fast paced and exciting as book 1, little did I know that patience is a virtue and the best was yet to come. This book is so well written and Conroe does a tremendous job of painting a picture of what our future could hold with technology and the greed of the human race.
At first when I started reading book 2 I thought it wasn’t as fast paced and exciting as book 1, little did I know that patience is a virtue and the best was yet to come. This book is so well written and Conroe does a tremendous job of painting a picture of what our future could hold with technology and the greed of the human race.
April 19, 2019
Conroe does it again
I realize that any conflict provides it's own special slice of Hell, but I reserve a place for tunnel warfare. Two ways to move, everything is naturally channeled into a kill zone, explosive energy can only move in the direction humans can move...ugh. John captured the special tension and post op experience well. I don't know anyone that doesn't have nightmares. Oh, anyone have issue with Conroe's gear load out, heck with you. It's nice to focus on that, mental stability. Only one I've looked up is the Sherbu Super Shorty, I wasn't familiar with that one.
I realize that any conflict provides it's own special slice of Hell, but I reserve a place for tunnel warfare. Two ways to move, everything is naturally channeled into a kill zone, explosive energy can only move in the direction humans can move...ugh. John captured the special tension and post op experience well. I don't know anyone that doesn't have nightmares. Oh, anyone have issue with Conroe's gear load out, heck with you. It's nice to focus on that, mental stability. Only one I've looked up is the Sherbu Super Shorty, I wasn't familiar with that one.
May 24, 2019
A real hero
A real hero is one that is willing to fight for others, in this case humanity, regardless of his personal safety and against all odds.
Willing to sacrifice everything to save humanity from its own path to distraction.
Saving humanity from greed and power hungry politicians and self absorbed manipulators is almost impossible. It’s good to read from time to time about those “heroes “ that are doing that. Too bad they are mostly fictional characters.
We do need some now in real life, but until we do let’s enjoy John Conroe’s books. They are worthy of our attention, enjoyment and perhaps some food for thought.
A real hero is one that is willing to fight for others, in this case humanity, regardless of his personal safety and against all odds.
Willing to sacrifice everything to save humanity from its own path to distraction.
Saving humanity from greed and power hungry politicians and self absorbed manipulators is almost impossible. It’s good to read from time to time about those “heroes “ that are doing that. Too bad they are mostly fictional characters.
We do need some now in real life, but until we do let’s enjoy John Conroe’s books. They are worthy of our attention, enjoyment and perhaps some food for thought.
April 17, 2019
Keeps getting better
I love everything John Conroe writes. I keep thinking he can't keep getting better, but he does. I finished this book in one day. Now, I am sad that I have to wait for the bext zone wars and the next Demon Accords. I didn't expect things to come to light so quickly in this book but things only get more interesting once secrets come to light. I am trying not to give spoilers because everyone deserves rhe pleasure of discovering every small detail of this book. Mr. Conroe, please keep writing.
I love everything John Conroe writes. I keep thinking he can't keep getting better, but he does. I finished this book in one day. Now, I am sad that I have to wait for the bext zone wars and the next Demon Accords. I didn't expect things to come to light so quickly in this book but things only get more interesting once secrets come to light. I am trying not to give spoilers because everyone deserves rhe pleasure of discovering every small detail of this book. Mr. Conroe, please keep writing.
June 20, 2019
1st book was GOOD! This 2nd book is marvellous!
I gave this book a 5 star rating, because they would not let me give it a higher rating. I have read everything published by Mr. Conroe. He just gets better and better. Book 1 introduced most of the characters, but book 2 fleshed them out and made them more real. Although you could read the second book without having read the first, I urge anyone contemplating buying this one to wait and read the first one - and then get the 2nd. Tighten your seat belt and hang on - you are in for a heck of a ride. Enjoy it. I did!
I gave this book a 5 star rating, because they would not let me give it a higher rating. I have read everything published by Mr. Conroe. He just gets better and better. Book 1 introduced most of the characters, but book 2 fleshed them out and made them more real. Although you could read the second book without having read the first, I urge anyone contemplating buying this one to wait and read the first one - and then get the 2nd. Tighten your seat belt and hang on - you are in for a heck of a ride. Enjoy it. I did!
December 7, 2019
A nice second installment for this trilogy. Not quite as good as the first, but still enjoyable. I wish there had been more time in the zone and with the military. I mean, there was certainly plenty of that, but the politics that were more or less barely touched in book 1 started coming to the forefront here. Which was fine, but didn't hold my attention as much as just the adventure of book 1 did.
I was worried about a love triangle in this book based on the ending of book 1, but happily we avoided that. Overall I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the final book.
I was worried about a love triangle in this book based on the ending of book 1, but happily we avoided that. Overall I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the final book.
December 2, 2020
Just epic
So we are back in, and now the stakes are higher. The book is beyond epic, with a lot going on. We go from one extreme to the other. Again Ajaya is just doing his job and doing it really well, but no good deed goes unpunished, and he gets into a lot of trouble for being better than the others and basically not being a government peon.
In this book things are getting out of control, and the Zone is not the only part where the drones are wreaking havoc, and Ajaya is right there as the resident expert helping them to make things better, but even as they use him, they resent the fact that they can't completely control him, and get angry when he does things by himself.
By the end of the book it looks like everyone has turned its back on him, and that he is in trouble, but things do look a little better at the end. With two spiders off and one to go, we know that the last one is going to be epic.
So we are back in, and now the stakes are higher. The book is beyond epic, with a lot going on. We go from one extreme to the other. Again Ajaya is just doing his job and doing it really well, but no good deed goes unpunished, and he gets into a lot of trouble for being better than the others and basically not being a government peon.
In this book things are getting out of control, and the Zone is not the only part where the drones are wreaking havoc, and Ajaya is right there as the resident expert helping them to make things better, but even as they use him, they resent the fact that they can't completely control him, and get angry when he does things by himself.
By the end of the book it looks like everyone has turned its back on him, and that he is in trouble, but things do look a little better at the end. With two spiders off and one to go, we know that the last one is going to be epic.
May 3, 2025
(4.o Stars)
This was a very good follow-up to the first book. I thought that two of the three main characters really grew in this book, while the third became even more mysterious. The plot is unique, maybe unbelievable... but maybe not.
I have to admit, it is refreshing to read an action/techno-thriller book where the main character is not the "stereotypical white guy that has more muscle for brains, but things always seem to work out for" archetype.
The narration is great and the pace is excellent. I've already queued up the last book in the series.
This was a very good follow-up to the first book. I thought that two of the three main characters really grew in this book, while the third became even more mysterious. The plot is unique, maybe unbelievable... but maybe not.
I have to admit, it is refreshing to read an action/techno-thriller book where the main character is not the "stereotypical white guy that has more muscle for brains, but things always seem to work out for" archetype.
The narration is great and the pace is excellent. I've already queued up the last book in the series.
April 19, 2019
Strong continuation
Although this book is characteristic of many mid-trilogy books, it manages to keep the suspense and pace introduced in Zone War. AJ continues to grow as a character, and his position and biasies as the storyteller preserved. Readers get a little stronger sense of the post-apocalyptic nature of the world as the book goes on and the freedoms given up by people emerge. Very strong mid-series novel.
Although this book is characteristic of many mid-trilogy books, it manages to keep the suspense and pace introduced in Zone War. AJ continues to grow as a character, and his position and biasies as the storyteller preserved. Readers get a little stronger sense of the post-apocalyptic nature of the world as the book goes on and the freedoms given up by people emerge. Very strong mid-series novel.
April 19, 2019
Always Delivers
Just one lock ass tale after another. I love this book. Not R rated but more realistic than Butcher. I want this guy to get rich enough to just write but not so rich it affects quality a la Laurel Hamilton. Please read this series and all of the rest. I was on vacation and discovered this release. Why is this not in my Kindle recommendations?
I have only bought every book this guy has written.
Just one lock ass tale after another. I love this book. Not R rated but more realistic than Butcher. I want this guy to get rich enough to just write but not so rich it affects quality a la Laurel Hamilton. Please read this series and all of the rest. I was on vacation and discovered this release. Why is this not in my Kindle recommendations?
I have only bought every book this guy has written.
April 24, 2019
Really great book 2
Ok first things first. Hard to be mad that books take so long from an author when they are doing us a service and writing a really great story. So congrats on the author doing this full time since that means we get more books in less time.
This is a great book and am sad that it is only a trilogy in that I already becoming attached to the MC and his drone. With that being said I really can’t wait to see what happens next in the last book.
Ok first things first. Hard to be mad that books take so long from an author when they are doing us a service and writing a really great story. So congrats on the author doing this full time since that means we get more books in less time.
This is a great book and am sad that it is only a trilogy in that I already becoming attached to the MC and his drone. With that being said I really can’t wait to see what happens next in the last book.
May 6, 2019
Great shacking book
Holy mother shitballs. The beginning, the end freaking end. I love this book more than many things in my life. John Conroe, you saint. Ok, but really. This book is masterfully written. I look forward to the last chapter because ajaya is my soul animal and I couldn’t function if I didn’t know how this ended. I face death everyday when I go do my job and I’m not scared of it, but I’m scared of not knowing how this ends.
Holy mother shitballs. The beginning, the end freaking end. I love this book more than many things in my life. John Conroe, you saint. Ok, but really. This book is masterfully written. I look forward to the last chapter because ajaya is my soul animal and I couldn’t function if I didn’t know how this ended. I face death everyday when I go do my job and I’m not scared of it, but I’m scared of not knowing how this ends.
May 29, 2019
Way more than 5 stars!!
I am blown away by this new series! I read EVERYTHING that I can get my hands on by John Conroe😍 I can't wait to see Ajaya and Rikki again, I had a slight heartbreak there for a minute, don't want to give anything away but who knew you could care about an AI as much as any other living characters. This Author is just that good😉 Do yourself a HUGE favor and read John Conroe's books, they really are entertaining and exceptionally good!
I am blown away by this new series! I read EVERYTHING that I can get my hands on by John Conroe😍 I can't wait to see Ajaya and Rikki again, I had a slight heartbreak there for a minute, don't want to give anything away but who knew you could care about an AI as much as any other living characters. This Author is just that good😉 Do yourself a HUGE favor and read John Conroe's books, they really are entertaining and exceptionally good!
June 18, 2019
I love this series!
The first book was great and the follow up did not disappoint. The world started out dangerous and has only grown more so. The worst thing about this book is finishing it and still having to wait for the final book of the trilogy. If you're seeing this after the series has been finished I envy you the ability to enjoy the whole thing in one go. I'll have to console myself by rereading the first two books.
The first book was great and the follow up did not disappoint. The world started out dangerous and has only grown more so. The worst thing about this book is finishing it and still having to wait for the final book of the trilogy. If you're seeing this after the series has been finished I envy you the ability to enjoy the whole thing in one go. I'll have to console myself by rereading the first two books.
September 22, 2019
Always Excellent
Book 1 introduced us to this amazing world, protagonist, and plot. Hardcore action and a dash of humor make it an excellent book. In here book 2 fleshes it out ramps it all up to a fever pitch. More action, more characters interacting, more plot, and a truly fantastic climax.
Recommended? Yep. I don’t even think about it any more: I just buy Conroe’s books every time he releases them. It just makes things simpler.
Book 1 introduced us to this amazing world, protagonist, and plot. Hardcore action and a dash of humor make it an excellent book. In here book 2 fleshes it out ramps it all up to a fever pitch. More action, more characters interacting, more plot, and a truly fantastic climax.
Recommended? Yep. I don’t even think about it any more: I just buy Conroe’s books every time he releases them. It just makes things simpler.
October 16, 2019
Just read again - looking for book 3
I just read this again. Looking forward to book 3. Very impressive that John Conroe is keeping up the writing as a full time job. As a fan of both series I appreciate a schedule and communication if delays are needed. Please keep up the good work. You keep writing and I will keep reading and buying (I know John enjoys writing but he deserves to be paid / reward for my enjoyment).
I just read this again. Looking forward to book 3. Very impressive that John Conroe is keeping up the writing as a full time job. As a fan of both series I appreciate a schedule and communication if delays are needed. Please keep up the good work. You keep writing and I will keep reading and buying (I know John enjoys writing but he deserves to be paid / reward for my enjoyment).
April 9, 2021
Continuation of a mesmerizing story
Mr. Conroe continues to evolve as a writer. His God Hammer series has become one of my all time
favorite tales, with so many intricate sub plots. Here he shows a master's touch in multiple plot lines
and outcomes. The young gurkha is a quick witted and fierce protagonist surrounded by an able supporting
cast. The plot is fresh and non-linear. What more could one ask? Kudos all around!
Mr. Conroe continues to evolve as a writer. His God Hammer series has become one of my all time
favorite tales, with so many intricate sub plots. Here he shows a master's touch in multiple plot lines
and outcomes. The young gurkha is a quick witted and fierce protagonist surrounded by an able supporting
cast. The plot is fresh and non-linear. What more could one ask? Kudos all around!
August 11, 2022
Not My Usual
I was spellbound by the first book and couldn't stop reading this one, so it got the one go treatment. Suspense, extreme danger, unusual sidekick and a really intriguing hero. This is one of my top 10 series and I've read hundreds of books. The either is wizard at ratcheting up suspense and humanizing the story. I'm off with high expectations for the next part of the story. My thanks to the author for a great adventure.
I was spellbound by the first book and couldn't stop reading this one, so it got the one go treatment. Suspense, extreme danger, unusual sidekick and a really intriguing hero. This is one of my top 10 series and I've read hundreds of books. The either is wizard at ratcheting up suspense and humanizing the story. I'm off with high expectations for the next part of the story. My thanks to the author for a great adventure.
January 16, 2023
The last ends on a cliffhanger of sorts and we know that Ajaya must go into the Zone at least another time. This book starts with Ajaya training the military. Some of the men are good others don't listen and get killed. By the end, Ajaya quits that the military has it in for him trying to force him to there program. Ajaya and his AI friend have other ideas and use the media to help direct the fall out.
I think I liked this part better because it really starts going and has less of the world set up from the first.
April 18, 2019
Excellent read, as usual
I waited for months for this book. It was worth the wait. I just read it through twice. Great action, great characters. Now the hard part. Waiting for book 3. I'll be watching John's facebook page for WCWs (word count Wednesdays) for the next several months again. At least John is writing full time now :). Can't wait.
I waited for months for this book. It was worth the wait. I just read it through twice. Great action, great characters. Now the hard part. Waiting for book 3. I'll be watching John's facebook page for WCWs (word count Wednesdays) for the next several months again. At least John is writing full time now :). Can't wait.
April 20, 2019
Best book yet
I really love the demon accords series. However, in my opinion the author has managed to take a doomsday story and write it in a way that is completely believable. The reactions of the characters and the world, just spot on, and without giving the MC some overpowered skills.
I really love the demon accords series. However, in my opinion the author has managed to take a doomsday story and write it in a way that is completely believable. The reactions of the characters and the world, just spot on, and without giving the MC some overpowered skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews