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Dead State #1
Fallout
When the dead rise, he'll either find his family or end up a ravenous corpse... Fifteen-year-old James would much rather hang with friends than go hunting with his survivalist dad. But the boring weekend trip turns into a living horror when they're attacked by an undead horde. Terrified and confused, James has no choice but to escape with his trusty dog through a forest stained with blood...
Teaming up with his best friend, James frantically fights his way back to his missing family. But on a trail of clues littered with corpses, reaching his loved ones means venturing deeper into the deadly unknown...
Can James reunite with his family before he's consumed by a relentless pack of zombies?
Fallout is the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic series. If you like spine-crawling suspense, ruthless zombies, and rugged survival stories, then you'll love Derek Shupert's dark coming-of-age tale.
Buy Fallout to unlock an infectious thriller today!
Teaming up with his best friend, James frantically fights his way back to his missing family. But on a trail of clues littered with corpses, reaching his loved ones means venturing deeper into the deadly unknown...
Can James reunite with his family before he's consumed by a relentless pack of zombies?
Fallout is the first book in a gritty post-apocalyptic series. If you like spine-crawling suspense, ruthless zombies, and rugged survival stories, then you'll love Derek Shupert's dark coming-of-age tale.
Buy Fallout to unlock an infectious thriller today!
299 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2019
296 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Derek Shupert
244 books193 followersDerek Shupert is an avid super hero fan (Marvel over DC Universe) and lover of Science Fiction. Derek likes to spend his free time putting down on paper the stories that he has contained in his imagination. By day, he is an Inventory and Distribution Services Center Manager but by night, he writes. To date, he has published four books; two Sci-Fi, a children’s book and a technology consumer guide. He is currently working on two more books which should be available early 2016.
Derek lives in Sherman, Texas with his wife, children and various pets.
Derek lives in Sherman, Texas with his wife, children and various pets.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 13, 2023
I’m getting the feeling that this might be my last book of the series. This book felt like a lot of read and repeat! There isn’t enough action for me when it comes to zombie books.
April 28, 2019
Anticipation
Don't you Just hate it when you are so deeply engrossed in a really awesome book and then realize that you are at the end? I need book two!
Don't you Just hate it when you are so deeply engrossed in a really awesome book and then realize that you are at the end? I need book two!
April 17, 2019
A great story. It was hard to put down. A great post-apocalyptic story. Loved the boy and his dog.
May 19, 2019
Great read
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. Can't wait to see what happens next. On to the next chapter.
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. Can't wait to see what happens next. On to the next chapter.
Currently reading
December 5, 2025Purchased set of 6 books (Dead States, volumes 0 to 5) for $0.99. This is book 1 ... Patient one of zombie epidemic, zombies come to NY and the USA. ...Purchased set of 6 books (Dead States, volumes 0 to 5) for $0.99. This is book 1.0 ... of zombie epidemic... A young man, his dog and father go to the woods hunting for the weekend.
May 8, 2020
I really enjoyed the Dead State: Fallout. I finished listing to books 1 and 2 in one day. Immediately, I connected with James and his protective dog, Duke. The first hour nothing exciting happens. Still, the entire time my heart was in my throat wondering if a zombie lurked around the corner.
James, along with Duke embark on the journey towards home; the road traveled is festered by the violent infected that would stop at nothing to get to them. Unfortunately, for James, the zombies aren't shamblers, they run and ambush. Despite his age, James is a survivor. Along the way, he is faced with challenges, having to make difficult choices, and the cost bears down on him.
Overall, I like how Derek Shupert established the basis for the plot and didn't veer off track. The character development is superb; I empathized with James, his protective dog, and other supporting characters. Considering the story is told from a fifteen years old boy's point of view, B. C. Archer did an exceptional job with narrating this book. Overall, Dead State: Fallout is a great addition to the genre, and I highly recommend this audiobook.
James, along with Duke embark on the journey towards home; the road traveled is festered by the violent infected that would stop at nothing to get to them. Unfortunately, for James, the zombies aren't shamblers, they run and ambush. Despite his age, James is a survivor. Along the way, he is faced with challenges, having to make difficult choices, and the cost bears down on him.
Overall, I like how Derek Shupert established the basis for the plot and didn't veer off track. The character development is superb; I empathized with James, his protective dog, and other supporting characters. Considering the story is told from a fifteen years old boy's point of view, B. C. Archer did an exceptional job with narrating this book. Overall, Dead State: Fallout is a great addition to the genre, and I highly recommend this audiobook.
May 14, 2019
James is out hunting with his father but would rather be out with his friends. His father is trying to teach him about surviving out in the world. But things go south when they are attacked by a horde of zombies. James is not going to have to rely on the survival training his father did with him and his dog Duke to make it home to his family.
I am a sucker for a good zombie story and Dead State Fallout is one of those books. James would rather be anywhere than out hunting with his dad. But after they are attacked he relies on those skills that his father was teaching him to get back home.
There are dangers around every corner and some of his decisions left me scratching my head. But I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you like YA zombie stories you need to check out this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I am a sucker for a good zombie story and Dead State Fallout is one of those books. James would rather be anywhere than out hunting with his dad. But after they are attacked he relies on those skills that his father was teaching him to get back home.
There are dangers around every corner and some of his decisions left me scratching my head. But I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you like YA zombie stories you need to check out this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
April 28, 2019
This was such a great book! If I could give it more than five stars I would. I loved the plot and how action packed and hard hitting the events could be. I don’t scare easily, but I have to admit I freaked myself out while reading this at night. I can’t wait to read book two and see where the author takes James and Duke next. I would recommend this to older teens and adults.
Dead State: Fallout is the first book in a new post-apocalyptic survival thriller series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Dead State: Fallout is the first book in a new post-apocalyptic survival thriller series.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
February 11, 2020
James starts out as a typical teenager humoring his fathers lessons in hunting and life skills, and starts to appreciate how much his dad prepared him for the devestation around him. I loved seeing James mature through the book, his heartbreaking problems left me crying and his successes had me cheering him on, willing him to succeed. I adored Duke his faithful companion and hero. I need to see whats next for James and Duke!
November 5, 2019
Well done!
This is one of the better undead/ infected books I've read. I will not go into details, but the characters are very fleshed out, and the situation is very suspenseful. If zombie fiction is your thing, this is a great book!
This is one of the better undead/ infected books I've read. I will not go into details, but the characters are very fleshed out, and the situation is very suspenseful. If zombie fiction is your thing, this is a great book!
January 15, 2020
Derek does a great job explaining this apocalyptic scenario through a teenage boys eyes. I was engrossed from the start. The ending was one I loved to hate....but alas, such things happen in the ZA. I am definitely going to pick up Book 2.
April 20, 2019
I really enjoyed the book. Lots of twists and scenes to keep you on edge. Many things burst from nowhere. I loved it can't wait for the next part of the story.
July 14, 2019
Great new series, looking forward to reading more! Recommended!
try-again
December 9, 2021just couldn't finish, this seems to be aimed towards a younger audience.
January 31, 2020
When 15 year old James is sent some footage of people being randomly attacked by zombie-like creatures dubbed as ‘chasers’ he dismisses it as another one of his friend, Dawson’s crazy conspiracy theories. A boring hunting trip with his survivalist father takes a horrifying turn, however, when they are attacked by an undead horde. When his father succumbs to the virus while trying to save his son, James must make a heartbreaking choice.
Teaming up with his best friend Dawson and his trusty golden retriever Duke, James sets out for the family cabin where his mother and sister Cindy are hiding out. The trio are forced to make a stop at a gas station and find it under attack by chasers. Luckily with the help of Tony, a marine, they are able to escape. Dawson is initially mistrustful of Tony and doesn’t want him tagging along. Unfortunately, Tony is the least of their problems when they find themselves held at gun point by a group intent on taking revenge on the military for the way they have handled the crisis. Unless Tony provides them with information on key military targets, the group threaten to shoot both James and Dawson...
Fallout is the first compelling instalment of the post apocalyptic Dead State series and was my first introduction to the author. From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story about a teenage boy getting caught up in a zombie apocalypse. The author doesn’t go into a lot of detail regarding the cause of the zombie outbreak but hints at a plane crash in New York three weeks prior, which led to the CDC being called in and quarantining the area which suggests a possible virus or infection.
As a fan of the Walking Dead, I was impressed by the graphically detailed scenes which made it easy to visualise each predicament that our protagonists found themselves in. Mr Shupert did an excellent job in describing through the eyes of two teenagers. He had their dialogue and mannerisms down to a tee.
James is a relatable protagonist who readers won’t help sympathising with. He is forced to grow up in a short time and make tough life choices. Luckily his father taught him the basic survival skills he must now rely upon in order to get to the safe zone in Portland. Unfortunately when society breaks down, it brings out the worst aspects of humanity and I suspect that run ins with less than savoury characters as well as chasers, will become a regular occurrence as the series progresses.
There were instances where I genuinely welled up places due to the loss of certain characters which was a testament to the the authors writing skills. It seems that, like The Walking Dead, no character is safe. I have a soft spot for Duke so I hope the author plans to keep him around at least or I’ll have to rebel ☺️
All in all this was an intriguing well executed, gritty, realistic and fast paced instalment with an ending that will ensure any reader will want to pick up the next instalment.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Fallout and I am voluntarily reviewing it. B. C Archer did an excellent job in bringing the characters and the story to life with his clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
Teaming up with his best friend Dawson and his trusty golden retriever Duke, James sets out for the family cabin where his mother and sister Cindy are hiding out. The trio are forced to make a stop at a gas station and find it under attack by chasers. Luckily with the help of Tony, a marine, they are able to escape. Dawson is initially mistrustful of Tony and doesn’t want him tagging along. Unfortunately, Tony is the least of their problems when they find themselves held at gun point by a group intent on taking revenge on the military for the way they have handled the crisis. Unless Tony provides them with information on key military targets, the group threaten to shoot both James and Dawson...
Fallout is the first compelling instalment of the post apocalyptic Dead State series and was my first introduction to the author. From the offset, I found myself totally immersed in the premise of the story about a teenage boy getting caught up in a zombie apocalypse. The author doesn’t go into a lot of detail regarding the cause of the zombie outbreak but hints at a plane crash in New York three weeks prior, which led to the CDC being called in and quarantining the area which suggests a possible virus or infection.
As a fan of the Walking Dead, I was impressed by the graphically detailed scenes which made it easy to visualise each predicament that our protagonists found themselves in. Mr Shupert did an excellent job in describing through the eyes of two teenagers. He had their dialogue and mannerisms down to a tee.
James is a relatable protagonist who readers won’t help sympathising with. He is forced to grow up in a short time and make tough life choices. Luckily his father taught him the basic survival skills he must now rely upon in order to get to the safe zone in Portland. Unfortunately when society breaks down, it brings out the worst aspects of humanity and I suspect that run ins with less than savoury characters as well as chasers, will become a regular occurrence as the series progresses.
There were instances where I genuinely welled up places due to the loss of certain characters which was a testament to the the authors writing skills. It seems that, like The Walking Dead, no character is safe. I have a soft spot for Duke so I hope the author plans to keep him around at least or I’ll have to rebel ☺️
All in all this was an intriguing well executed, gritty, realistic and fast paced instalment with an ending that will ensure any reader will want to pick up the next instalment.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Fallout and I am voluntarily reviewing it. B. C Archer did an excellent job in bringing the characters and the story to life with his clear, concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
March 10, 2020
We are presented with a slow-moving apocalypse survival tale. Father and son James bonding on a hunting weekend. Zombies appear out of nowhere to attack the pair. Don’t know what caused the undead, don’t know how widespread it is. James reaches home safely, daddy doesn’t. Mom and sister got out of Dodge; headed for their cabin “far away”. I don’t know what breed Duke is, it doesn’t say. I thought Yellow Lab since it mentioned Duke had a yellow coat but then it also stated several times that his ears stood up or on end so that wouldn’t be a Lab. Not important, just curious. James is relieved to find his friend Dawson survived and they partner up. Now it’s up to James and Dawson to figure out what happened, where to go, and who has survived. The story gets considerably more interesting with the addition of Tony; a Special Forces soldier who carries more baggage than the boys can handle. I must admit, it was Duke that made the story for me. Three.point.five for potential. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 13, 2019
Gripping story
I liked the story and the characters. It starts off differently than many zombie stories so I was drawn to that. I'm a little conflicted on how the 15 year old hero handles some situations. I'm not sure he would have been quite so callous.
That doesn't detract too much from the story and I do want to read the rest of series too see how things turn out. I deducted a star due to less than stellar editing. There are a few too many misused words, apostrophes that shouldn't be there and grammatical mistakes for my liking. In my opinion it doesn't kill the story but it does detract from what could be an excellent story.
I liked the story and the characters. It starts off differently than many zombie stories so I was drawn to that. I'm a little conflicted on how the 15 year old hero handles some situations. I'm not sure he would have been quite so callous.
That doesn't detract too much from the story and I do want to read the rest of series too see how things turn out. I deducted a star due to less than stellar editing. There are a few too many misused words, apostrophes that shouldn't be there and grammatical mistakes for my liking. In my opinion it doesn't kill the story but it does detract from what could be an excellent story.
December 17, 2019
Have read and listen to many audiobook about zombies but this one is not from an adult view it is from a 15 year old boy who went hunting with his father and then had to kill him when his father turned. So the audible is about how he is affected seeing friends and his father turning and at the same time trying to learn who he can trust or not a job that not easy for anyone that is an adult but he is a 15 year old.
He sees not just good side of life as he grew up and he was taught some survival skills in this world he has to fall on those skills and grow up fast to survive those who would do him harm.
He sees not just good side of life as he grew up and he was taught some survival skills in this world he has to fall on those skills and grow up fast to survive those who would do him harm.
January 10, 2021
I really liked this book. It was kind of repetitive at times and kind of predictable but overall it was a good book. I didn't find it as thrilling as it could have been. At some parts I couldn't stop reading but others was less desirable. It was easy to follow, but definitely fell flat with originality. It felt overdone, the whole zombie narrative felt like every other movie or book about it. I liked the characters, but I felt like their depth fell flat. The characters didn't have enough presented to the audience so they didn't really catch my attention and I wasn't invested into their well being.
September 23, 2019
James is a teen out hunting with his dad when his world changes forever because of zombies , chasers in the book. He is trying to get to his mom and sister. Will true determination and basic survivals help James get through this? The dialogue in this book is pretty realistic for young teens and you garner a lot from it and the descriptive nature of the writing. Overall I am interested to see what will happen next and find out how the rest of the characters handle the apocalypse. I received the audiobook for free and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 24, 2020
Lots of action and suspense in the entire book. It is surprising what a teenage boy (James) and his dog (Duke) have to go through. I really don’t care for the creepers or zombies or whatever you call them and had hoped they wouldn’t show up in a town. Along the way there are some wonderful characters but also some really bad ones that haven’t been bit, they are just mean an iOS to see what happens in book 2, but I think they are five in the series. I hope Mr. Shupert doesn’t drag it out. If that starts happening I will be on to something else.
August 12, 2020
This is a nicely told story. I loved that Duke is main character. I really was drawn Into James’ story. His take on his and Dukes survival no matter Is commendable. It is great meeting all the characters and hearing their stories. I look forward to more is James and Duke’s journey.
I listened to this on audio. B.C. Archer did a nice job with the characterizations. This is my first time listening to him.
I listened to this on audio. B.C. Archer did a nice job with the characterizations. This is my first time listening to him.
May 6, 2025
Im typing this after 2 all nighters so bare with me haha! I like how simple the plot it however the writting does have some major flaws such as "don't whine like a girl" or something along those lines. The main character is 16 so I'm assuming the author is unsuccessfully trying to relate to the age group. No plot twist, not much going on which again, I am a fan when it comes to zombie books. Everything else is quite bad though.
Read
July 16, 2019I didn't care for this book. I should've paid attention to the negative reviews. The writing was choppy and the characters were one dimensional. I did finish it but only because I scanned the last few chapters and only read the first sentence in each paragraph. Save your money and and your time and don't read this book.
March 4, 2020
Enjoyed - Great for Young Adults
This is story is written from the point of view of a young inexperienced teenager so there are not alot of details to bog the story down. It's about people who've turned onto vicious chasers (flesd eating zombies). I highly recommend this book for young readers; there isn't alot of descriptive violence or blood/guts stuff.
This is story is written from the point of view of a young inexperienced teenager so there are not alot of details to bog the story down. It's about people who've turned onto vicious chasers (flesd eating zombies). I highly recommend this book for young readers; there isn't alot of descriptive violence or blood/guts stuff.
May 26, 2020
This was a very good book.It was slow going and geared toward a YA crowd. Told from a teens perspective,a camping trip with his dad takes a mad turn in a horror filled new world. B.C. Archer was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
April 23, 2019
Tough Road
Good story of teen boys and their dog trying to stay alive in the world that has changed around them. It is a tough trip across country to find their loved ones, if they are still alive.
Good story of teen boys and their dog trying to stay alive in the world that has changed around them. It is a tough trip across country to find their loved ones, if they are still alive.
April 26, 2019
Dead State
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. Well written with great characters. The author got the teen age boy down pat. Very entertaining and I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. Well written with great characters. The author got the teen age boy down pat. Very entertaining and I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
September 25, 2019
An exciting coming of age apocalyptic thriller. Two teenagers fighting to survive, not knowing who to trust, but they have a mission. This is James and Dawson’s adventure through the northwest forests to reach safety. Lots of action and suspense.
December 28, 2019
A GREAT APOCALYPTIC READ. YOU FEEL THE EMOTIONS JAMES GOES THROUGH, THE TURMOIL HE FEELS ABOUT THE DECISIONS HE HAS TO MAKE, WITH THEN HAVING TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES FROM THEM DECISIONS. SOME GREAT ACTION SCENES.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews