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Dead State #2
Dead State: Survival Road
He survived the first wave. But the road ahead swarms with corpses hungry for flesh… Fifteen-year-old James remains haunted by what he's had to do to stay alive. His one glimmer of hope remains the idea of reuniting with his mother and sister. But with the chasers spilling blood at every turn, he fears making it to the safe zone in Portland could be impossible. When a fellow survivor arrives with a working vehicle, James persuades him to arm up and take the long journey westward. Hunted by the ravenous undead, they must rely on dubious allies to keep the quest alive. And each step toward safety seems more dangerous and deadly… Can James survive to find his family on the other side of an infected wasteland? Survival Road is the second book in a thrilling post-apocalyptic series. If you like three-dimensional characters, relentless zombies, and gritty action, then you'll love Derek Shupert's survivalist tale. Buy Survival Road to tag along on an undead road trip today!
- GenresHorror
189 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2019
112 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Derek Shupert
245 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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 16, 2019
A boy and his dog on a mission to find his missing family and zombies at high speed. A great series!
January 31, 2020
“lost my best friend, killed my father after he got infected, and the only other people in this world right now that mean anything to me are possibly in that safe zone. I have been through too much to stop now.” - James
After great personal loss, James finally reached the cabin only to find evidence that the chasers had ransacked his home. Luckily his mother and sister Cindy had left a note alerting him that they had gone to a military safe zone in Portland. Just as James began to despair, a stranger arrived at the cabin with a working vehicle. Despite Lucas warning him that going to a major metropolitan city where the population is exponentially higher is a suicide mission, James convinces Lucas to accompany him to the safe zone in return for supplies and ammunition.
When chasers collide with their vehicle, James, Lucas and Duke find themselves in a town overrun by chasers. As they try to find a working vehicle, James becomes separated from Lucas after the latter saves him from a horde. James is spotted by one of the town residents, Cassie, who offers him refuge. James is relieved when Lucas makes it out alive and after acquiring a vehicle, James, Lucas and Cassie, set off for the safe zone.
They arrive on the outskirts of Portland to a horrifying sight. Will James find his mother and sister before it’s too late?
Survival Road is the second compelling instalment of the Dead State series. The book picks up straight after the events of Fallout, where a haunted James has been living in the cabin for a month. Sitting in the familiarity of the cabin with memories of happier times and without human interaction, however, has put him in a dark place and on the verge of madness. His only hope rests in being reunited with his mother and sister who are in a safe zone in Portland. Lucas arrives at the cabin and initially they have a standoff in which both try to ascertain the others intentions. Little background or information is given on Lucas other than his love of coffee. For some reason, however, Lucas takes it upon himself to take James under his wing. I hope that the author will elaborate more on his background in the next instalment.
Cassie was a welcome addition to the series. She’s smart, resilient and knows how to handle a weapon. Her story is one of tragedy in that she was rescued by Mack after she became trapped in a closet with her infected parents.
All in all, the author has once again delivered a well crafted, suspenseful instalment which kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot moved along fluidly and while certain scenes crackled with tension, others tugged at my heartstrings. The conclusion was devastating to say the least and a definite turning point for James. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the third instalment, Executioner.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Survival Road 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.
After great personal loss, James finally reached the cabin only to find evidence that the chasers had ransacked his home. Luckily his mother and sister Cindy had left a note alerting him that they had gone to a military safe zone in Portland. Just as James began to despair, a stranger arrived at the cabin with a working vehicle. Despite Lucas warning him that going to a major metropolitan city where the population is exponentially higher is a suicide mission, James convinces Lucas to accompany him to the safe zone in return for supplies and ammunition.
When chasers collide with their vehicle, James, Lucas and Duke find themselves in a town overrun by chasers. As they try to find a working vehicle, James becomes separated from Lucas after the latter saves him from a horde. James is spotted by one of the town residents, Cassie, who offers him refuge. James is relieved when Lucas makes it out alive and after acquiring a vehicle, James, Lucas and Cassie, set off for the safe zone.
They arrive on the outskirts of Portland to a horrifying sight. Will James find his mother and sister before it’s too late?
Survival Road is the second compelling instalment of the Dead State series. The book picks up straight after the events of Fallout, where a haunted James has been living in the cabin for a month. Sitting in the familiarity of the cabin with memories of happier times and without human interaction, however, has put him in a dark place and on the verge of madness. His only hope rests in being reunited with his mother and sister who are in a safe zone in Portland. Lucas arrives at the cabin and initially they have a standoff in which both try to ascertain the others intentions. Little background or information is given on Lucas other than his love of coffee. For some reason, however, Lucas takes it upon himself to take James under his wing. I hope that the author will elaborate more on his background in the next instalment.
Cassie was a welcome addition to the series. She’s smart, resilient and knows how to handle a weapon. Her story is one of tragedy in that she was rescued by Mack after she became trapped in a closet with her infected parents.
All in all, the author has once again delivered a well crafted, suspenseful instalment which kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot moved along fluidly and while certain scenes crackled with tension, others tugged at my heartstrings. The conclusion was devastating to say the least and a definite turning point for James. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the third instalment, Executioner.
I received an advanced free audible copy of Survival Road 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.
September 26, 2019
“What do I know? I’m just a kid, after all.”
Dead State: Survival Road (Dead State, Book 2) by Derek Shupert and narrated by B.C. Archer is a great second book to the series. Recommend for those who enjoy YA zompoc stories. 4 ½ stars for story and narration.
The story picks up where the first book left off and fairly quickly picks up the pace. James, his dog Duke, and new friend Lucas are making their way to a safe zone where James’s sister and mom are said to be. Only Lucas has heard it’s not safe anymore, but nevertheless, they are off to find them. Along the way, they meet Cassie and Mack, the former a potential love interest. There is of course some chaser action throughout. How would I sum up the book? It’s a combo of zombie apocalypse 101 and life lessons. And James, chasers are twenty points...
So why only 4 ½ stars? While it’s an improvement from the first book, there’s still some unneeded dialogue (stating the obvious/repeats). It’s a good YA zombie book and you should def check it out. I appreciate it’s not all rainbows and sunshine.
The narrator, B.C. Archer, did a good job. Better voices this time around, but occasionally too monotone. I asked my BIL (who’s a YA and doesn’t like audiobooks) what his thoughts were on the narrator- he said he’s was good, hence why I’m writing this.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the third. I do recommend. A little note to Derek: Please don’t Old Yeller Duke or we’re gonna throwdown ;)
A couple of quotes from the book:
“I have now come full circle to what this world wants me to be.”
“But hey, what do I know? I’m just a kid, after all.”
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: it’s a zompoc so themes related to that- death, killing of zombies.
language used: s x1, damn x7, piss/ed x5, hell x14, bastard x3
“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”
Dead State: Survival Road (Dead State, Book 2) by Derek Shupert and narrated by B.C. Archer is a great second book to the series. Recommend for those who enjoy YA zompoc stories. 4 ½ stars for story and narration.
The story picks up where the first book left off and fairly quickly picks up the pace. James, his dog Duke, and new friend Lucas are making their way to a safe zone where James’s sister and mom are said to be. Only Lucas has heard it’s not safe anymore, but nevertheless, they are off to find them. Along the way, they meet Cassie and Mack, the former a potential love interest. There is of course some chaser action throughout. How would I sum up the book? It’s a combo of zombie apocalypse 101 and life lessons. And James, chasers are twenty points...
So why only 4 ½ stars? While it’s an improvement from the first book, there’s still some unneeded dialogue (stating the obvious/repeats). It’s a good YA zombie book and you should def check it out. I appreciate it’s not all rainbows and sunshine.
The narrator, B.C. Archer, did a good job. Better voices this time around, but occasionally too monotone. I asked my BIL (who’s a YA and doesn’t like audiobooks) what his thoughts were on the narrator- he said he’s was good, hence why I’m writing this.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to the third. I do recommend. A little note to Derek: Please don’t Old Yeller Duke or we’re gonna throwdown ;)
A couple of quotes from the book:
“I have now come full circle to what this world wants me to be.”
“But hey, what do I know? I’m just a kid, after all.”
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: it’s a zompoc so themes related to that- death, killing of zombies.
language used: s x1, damn x7, piss/ed x5, hell x14, bastard x3
“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”
July 3, 2019
I was so excited to start reading this book because I loved the first one and I was not at all disappointed. I felt right in the story with James and Duke and the horrors that follow them. We meet some new characters and lose some, but I really hope some of them stick around! The ending packs a punch and I feel for James and hope he pulls through in book three. I can’t wait to read more! I would recommend this to older teens and adults.
Dead State: Survival Road is the second book in the Dead State post-apocalyptic survival thriller series.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Prequel -->
Dead State: Survival Road is the second book in the Dead State post-apocalyptic survival thriller series.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 5 Stars
Prequel -->
May 8, 2020
Survival Road, the second book in the Dead State series picked up where the first book left off. This was a brilliant followup story. James' survival instincts have grown, and Duke remains loyal as ever. The storyline flows smoothly and a bit faster-paced with the introduction of new characters. The zombies, AKA, the Chasers, remain relentless with their pursuit. The zombie scenes are intense and get the heart pumping with excitement.
Derek Shupert's writing is even was better in this book, particularly the dialogue. He both demonstrated the pain of loss and the need for human connection. I really liked the new characters, especially Lucas. B.C. Archer's narration was better in this book. I was delighted with the various voices of the characters.
Considering that the book is geared more to a younger audience, it's a bit tamed but still terrific. Personally, I enjoyed this audiobook, and I look forward to the third.
Derek Shupert's writing is even was better in this book, particularly the dialogue. He both demonstrated the pain of loss and the need for human connection. I really liked the new characters, especially Lucas. B.C. Archer's narration was better in this book. I was delighted with the various voices of the characters.
Considering that the book is geared more to a younger audience, it's a bit tamed but still terrific. Personally, I enjoyed this audiobook, and I look forward to the third.
March 10, 2020
James continues the prodding journey towards Portland and a hopeful reunion with mother and sister. James has a new partner on this run. Lucas is a survivalist who stopped when he saw smoke coming from James’ chimney. James is developing into quite the head case due to the madness and violence he has seen or committed. I’m beginning to wonder if James is not cursed. It appears that every person who steps up to help James gets killed. I can’t say due to spoilers but it’s quite a list. Anyway, James and Lucas arrive in Sweet Home to acquire another vehicle after James crashed the last one. With much chaos, running, and fighting they leave Sweet Home adding a new survivor Cassie to their little group. Onward and upward to the Portland Safe Zone. Three.point.five for consistency. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 14, 2020
This is a shorter tale of James’ quest to find his family. He meets new people goes to new places. The trip is filled with highs and lows, hope and devastation. The character development of James is simply wonderful. We watch him go from a normal teen to boy who does what he needs to survive. His relationship with Duke is what everyone wants with their pet. I am glad for the addition of Lucas and then Cassie. They add a different element. While we don’t know their stories they decide to help James look for his family. This has a nice flow and the characters are easy to love or hate. I did listen to this on audio. B.C. Archer did another wonderful job.
Read
February 11, 2020ust when You think things can't get any worse for James and Duke, James faces more impossible situations and tough decisions. The downside to being a teen in the apocalypse is dealing with puberty and crushes while facing the zombie horde. James and Duke continue to meet good friends in bad situations.
May 27, 2019
Great book
This is a great book. I loved the fact that you feel like you are there with the characters of the book while everything is happening to them. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
This is a great book. I loved the fact that you feel like you are there with the characters of the book while everything is happening to them. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
January 30, 2020
Survival Road
Ok this one was probably too good because it made me 😢! But it is an amazing story so I have to continue reading to see what happens to James and Duke now. They have had a really bad time of their road trip!
Ok this one was probably too good because it made me 😢! But it is an amazing story so I have to continue reading to see what happens to James and Duke now. They have had a really bad time of their road trip!
May 24, 2021
I am really enjoying this book series. We continue to follow James on his mission to find his mother and sister following the Zombie outbreak.
the narration has improved dramatically from Book 1 and sounds much more like a teenager. looking forward to book 3.
the narration has improved dramatically from Book 1 and sounds much more like a teenager. looking forward to book 3.
May 31, 2019
It was just ok. I liked the first book better.
January 9, 2020
Great story. I enjoyed the tale of James in the zombie apocalypse.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews